{“Show Up Successful!”© Series – Part III}
By Joan Endicott
Although some consider themselves “successful” once they achieve either fame or fortune, regardless of any sound moral character, I don’t.  Success, to me, is synonymous with our sound moral reputation.  Success means living with noble character, courage and conduct.
1. Character encompasses traits such as; integrity, honesty, trust, honor, reliability, etc. This is fundamental for proving a person or business to be trustworthy.
Earning money by dishonest means isn’t earning it at all.  It’s stealing.  Are you as quick  to be fair in both these scenarios: 1. You’re given too much change (or) 2. You were short-changed.
Who you are when no one is watching is who you really are.  “Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.” – Coach John Wooden

2.  Courage: In his book Winners Never Cheat, Author Jon M. Huntsman (A billionaire, who has been in the upper tier of Forbes magazine’s list of wealthiest Americans for nearly two decades.) does a great job reminding the reader of the importance, value and simplicity of doing the right thing – regardless. Huntsman writes, “Courage may be the single most important factor in identifying leadership.  Individuals may know well what is right and what is wrong but fail to act decisively because they lack the courage their values require.  Leaders – whether inside families, corporations, groups, or politics – must be prepared to stand against the crowd, when their moral values are challenged.  They must ignore criticism and taunts, if pursuing a right and just route.  Leadership is supposed to be daunting.  Courage is an absolute requisite.”  Without it, noted Winston Churchill, “Other virtues lose their meaning.  Courage is the first of the human qualities because it is a quality which guarantees all the others”.

3. Conduct: How we conduct ourselves is the way we act, our behavior.   Certainly when our character and courage are in line, so will our conduct right? Wisdom cautions us to keep our conduct from even appearing questionable to others. Look at your situation from others perspectives and conduct yourself appropriately.  For example: 1) You may be taking company items home to work on a project, but it may not look that way. Solution: Simply communicate to all involved.  2) You have a one-on-one business meeting scheduled with the opposite sex.  Solution: a. Have another colleague sit in, b. meet in an open area, c. at the very least – leave your door wide open so others can see and hear that your good character is without question.

A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.  (Proverbs 22:1)

Award-winning speaker, author and Giant-Slayer Coach, Joan Endicott works with individuals and organizations to improve performance, productivity and profit in business and life. Visit her business face book: com/pages/Joan-Endicott, Website: JoanEndicott.com or call (208) 453-8056.

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