Character Development

According to the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard, 70% of people in the United States say there is a leadership crisis in the United States.    People don't trust their leaders, and at the heart of trust, is belief in the character of a leader.

CCL's Gene Klann, in his new book,  Building Character: Strengthening the Heart of Good Leadership, gives the five E's of leadership:

"Example: Leadership by example leverages the natural human tendency to emulate the behavior of individuals held in high esteem. A leader's behavior sets the standard for the entire organization.

Education: Leaders and organizations should find ways to discuss the importance of character, the potential pressures on and challenges to character, and the short- and long-term implications of a lapse of character. Education might include discussions of case studies and scenarios that involve difficult moral or ethical choices.

Environment: The organization's culture is shaped and developed over time by the actions and values of people in the organization. Senior leaders can establish an environment that is open to character development by creating a clear, detailed, practical set of organizational values and by ensuring that everyone in the organization lives those values.

Experience: Senior leaders should ensure that high-potential employees are given "stretch" jobs and assignments requiring them to make difficult choices, which can help them better understand and develop character. These experiences also provide good indications of the character strengths and weaknesses of those who might become the future leaders of the organization.

Evaluation: Clear expectations regarding patterns of behavior need to be established and communicated. Leaders can then use feedback sessions and performance evaluations to gauge their progress, reviewing specific instances when their character was challenged and either stood fast or cracked. "   - Gene Klann, CCL.org

Klann's webinar on February 8th is only $50.  Register here. 

Also, check out an interview with Klann.