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To keep myself on track, I need to remind myself of the importance of character and why it matters.

Since I am a person of faith, I have a number of biblical references to remind me of the importance of character and why it matters. Consider the following:

• Our hearts can be deceptive (Jeremiah 17:9; Psalm 139:23, 24). 
• We can so easily seek leadership office for the wrong reasons (Matthew 20:17–28). 
• Character is the area that I will face the greatest attack (Romans 7; Galatians 5:16–24). 
• Character is foundational to Christian leadership (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:6-9.

• talents and gifting (Romans 12:3–8). 
• It is so easy to slip into a life of hypocrisy and forget that we will have to give an account one day (Hebrews 4:13). 
• We naturally neglect character building and focus on other developments (1 Timothy 4:7–8). 
• We soon discover that strength of character is what will count in hard times (2 Corinthians 4:16–17).

Having good character does not ensure that you will be successful in life and leadership. But having bad character will eventually derail you personally and professionally.

I want to examine three compelling reasons why good character is so important.Good Character Builds Strong Trust – Kouzes and Posner explain the importance of developing trust in leaders – “In the final analysis only you can decide whether to take the risk of trusting others and whether the risks are worth taking. This means to have others trust you, you must actively take some initiative and can’t wait for others to make the first move. As many leaders explained, “Trust is a risk game. Leaders must be the first ones to ante-up.” Leaders always find the ante worth risking. Sowing seeds of trust with people creates the fields of collaboration necessary to get extraordinary things done in organizations.”

If my team learns to trust me I will get their attention. But if I initiate trust in my team, I will get their action (John Maxwell).

Successful Leaders Embrace The Four Dimensions of Character – These four dimensions are

• Authenticity – Live openly and honestly in front of others
• Self-management – We set leaders up for failure by telling them what they can do before they decide who they should become.
• Humility – Stop believing your own press reports
• Courage – Courage is what makes character possible

Character Makes You Bigger On The Inside – It has been said that what we achieve inwardly will change outward reality. Success leads to the greatest failure – PRIDE. Failure leads to the greatest victory which is humility and learning. Develop the person of character within you by doing these three things;

• Embrace good values
• Practice self leadership
• Value people

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Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!