The Difference Between Character, Confidence, & Competence

Thomas Paine once said, “I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death.” What gives the leader the strength to exhibit such admirable qualities? The answer is character. We tend to put a lot of emphasis on intelligence and skill in this country. And while those things are important, they cannot substitute for strong character. Trust is the foundation of leadership. A leader who understood all too well how character issues impact leadership is Chuck Colson, the former Nixon aide who was imprisoned in the wake of the Watergate scandal. Colson turned his life around after that ordeal and subsequently lectured on leadership and faith issues. He said, “As you go through life, whether it’s in the military, in your business, in the church, in your family, or whatever walk of life, someone is going to depend on your character more than upon your IQ.” There are far too many middle leaders who don’t live by the character code of top leadership. They think they don’t have to live that way until they become the top (visible) leader. The fact is that if they don’t live by that code now, they are less likely to ever become the top leader. And if they ever do, they probably won’t live by that code then. But if they choose to limit their freedoms now, they will learn the sacrifices of the position they one day desire to possess. If you desire to be a great leader, then develop and exhibit the kind of character that you would find admirable in a top leader. That will pave the way for relationships with other leaders today and prepare you for non-positional leadership. Respect is almost always gained on difficult ground. A leadership position will help a leader only until difficulties arise. Then the leader must arise to meet those difficulties. Leaders who are incapable of meeting challenges may desire respect from their followers and peers, but they rarely get it. They may be liked if they possess good character and care for others, but they won’t be highly respected. People may treat them kindly, but they won’t listen to them. It has been said, “Everyone may have the right to speak, but not everyone has earned the right to be heard.” While poor leaders demand respect, competent leaders have earned respect. Being able to do a job well brings a leader credibility. If you think you can do a job, that’s confidence. If you actually can do it, that’s competence. Do you desire to become a person of greater character, competence, or confidence? Truth@Life can help. Call 248-396-6255 or email me at curtis.songer@truthatlife.com for a FREE consultation. For more info on help I can provide check out http://truthatlife.com/