Leaders who nurture a growth mindset do it because they recognize that character building is a leadership essential.
This blog post is composed of LinkedIn entries of mine for March 22 to March 28, 2021. Topics covered were: deliberate character building, responding to challenge, responding calmly, a growth mindset, thinking critically, and intentional professional development. In short, we learn that character building is a leadership essential.
Character is a choice!
Good or bad, my character is a deliberate choice I make. I didn’t accidentally turn out this way!
Building sound character and protecting my integrity is hard work. Hence, choosing sound character requires self-discipline and accountability.
Proverbs 15.32 says a sound character is an outcome of being teachable. Similarly, the prior verse speaks of “the reproof of life.”
When I choose to learn from life experiences I’m deliberately choosing to develop a sound character.
Why me?
I say this when circumstances work against me. Or, when I’m are unfairly criticized. Hence, “Why me?”
I believe I control circumstances. How? Through rational thought, careful planning, risk mitigation, and decision making algorithms.
Fact is, I’m not in control!
Similarly, Proverbs 26.2 says there’s always root cause. Even when I perceive events as unfair or unplanned.
What to do? As a leader I must understand the following. My response to a situation contributes to my learning and my influence on others.
Conversely, saying “Why me?” over the unplanned or unfair accomplishes nothing. So, choose wisely!
How dare you!
Why do I respond in anger? Without thinking? Well, in part, because of ingrained habit.
It’s easier to say “how dare you” than to calmly ask for clarification. Note: “WHAT WERE YOUR THINKING!!!” doesn’t qualify as calmly asking.
Proverbs 25.8 warns against rushing into conflict. Why? The next phrase says we face the risk of embarrassment if we’re wrong.
For leaders, an emotional response doesn’t build a trusting and transparent culture. Even if I’m justified in my anger, I lose an opportunity for growth and healing by saying “how dare you.”
Knowledge is power!
This phrase is attributed to Francis Bacon in 1597.
It says a growth mindset is a source of energy, which propels me personally and professionally.
With due respect to Sir Francis, take a look at Proverbs 24.5 from 1000 BC, which says (my paraphrase): A wise person is strong; moreover, knowledge multiplies their energy.
So, growing in wisdom a source of strength. In addition, expanded knowledge multiplies my efforts. That’s quite a benefit for believing I can learn!
Clean up your act!
I hear this when my words and actions don’t meet expectations. I’m not living up to who I should be.
What to do? Work on who I am inside. Transforming my character changes my words and actions.
Likewise, Proverbs 22.11 says a refined character produces gracious words that influence others.
So, to be gracious, encouraging, and thoughtful, look inside. That’s how to clean up your act!
Simple isn’t stupid!
Being simple-minded doesn’t mean I lack mental acuity. It means I don’t think critically. Hence, “capable of” versus “willing to.”
In a recent court hearing the defendant’s attorneys argued her statements were opinions, not facts. They said a reasonable person wouldn’t accept the claims without proof.
The problem? Many believed the claims. Some became a mob. Why? Because they simple-mindedly believed unsupported accusations.
Proverbs 14.15 says the simple believe everything they hear. Whereas, critical thinkers carefully examine what’s said.
So, as a leader, don’t act on naïve belief, prejudice, emotion, or speculation. Think critically, Don’t get caught up in a mob response.
I’m ready. No you’re not!
“I want it now” is a popular phrase. Unfortunately, at times we’re not prepared to get it now!
Once, in a mentoring session, I heard that I was a diamond in the rough. However, I was convinced that I was much further along in the refining process!
Fact was, I needed added maturing and more experience before I was ready for my next career move. I was in a hurry to move on without key competencies.
Likewise, the last half of Proverbs 21.5 says those who are hasty will want. Perhaps that 1000 BC precept is the basis for “haste makes waste.”
It’s good to push past my comfort zone to grow professionally. It’s not good to be in such a rush that I ignore obvious gaps in my development. Thus, I must learn to accept constructive criticism with a dose of humility.
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