Even if you haven’t read the book…listen to the following quote from Sergeant John Diem after a blaming session between brass and troops, as captured by Frederick… “If Colonel Kunk got up and said, “I *****d too. I have allowed you guys to turn into monsters. And I have completely forsaken you when you needed the support that only I had the power to provide. But I lacked the Character to do it. All of you failed. Me, and we as a family, as a 1st Battalion, Bravo Company, 1st Platoon, all the way down the line, have failed, …but nobody’s got the grit to say that. Everybody wants to say, “But it wasn’t my fault.””

With Character,

Lorne

Although we know this, it’s important to model and teach kids to apply the Character Triangle (CT) values. The most obvious one is Respect. The verbal and physical “attacking” seen in these bullying cases is the exact opposite. In fact, some research states that verbal abuse is more harmful than physical. Self-accountable people take responsibility for their behavior and refrain from bullying, and also speak up to stop it when observing the behavior from others. In the above case apparently students and teachers watched kids blatantly abuse the targeted student and did little or nothing to intervene.

This is a major issue in the school halls and cafeterias. However, bullying happens in the office, it is now regularly over the internet and applying the CT can help make a difference to overcome this issue.

with Character,

Lorne

Giving comes from a sense of believing that we have enough to give; acting abundant. While there are the big, broad strokes of generosity, so much can be achieved by continuous “drops” of little things.

During our many hours of work we can lend a hand on a project, get someone a glass of water, pass on a tip on a software application and on and on. However, what I’m describing is more than simple courtesy. Acting with Character is being conscious and present while proactively choosing to live with abundance.

Try a day of living generously at work.

with Character,

Lorne

At a party given by a billionaire in Shelter Island, NY, novelist Kurt Vonnegut informs his pal, Joseph Heller, that their host made more money in a single day than Heller had earned from his wildly popular novel Catch 22, over its whole history. Heller responds, “Yes but I have something he will never have…enough.”

Abundant thinking people always want to add more value in any exchange. But they come from a perspective of “enough.” They are more interested in giving than getting.

with Character,

Lorne

Observe people and the extent they are thoughtful and aware of people around them. That’s why some hiring managers insist on having a meal with a top prospect. How they treat the servers in a restaurant will tell you more than what they say about respecting people.

with Character,

Lorne

What if we were abundant thinking? What if we outlined a desired future state of health care and financial implications with a sense of possibilities and opportunity; rather than win lose?

Ok, so there are different philosophical and economic tenants. So what if we outlined them honestly, to the best of our ability versus attacking others? Our obligation would be to present our best possible viewpoint? What’s the worst that could happen? Our collective bipartisan wisdom might surprise us?

Congress frankly needs a strong unrelenting dose of the CT. Let’s attack the issue… not each other. Let’s listen with all of our attention and might. Let’s ask what and how we might make a difference. Let’s believe we have more than enough resources to make a difference. Let’s respect all viewpoints!

Let’s have Character!

Lorne

As the meeting adjourned, this individual told me he was uncomfortable with my reaction to his recommendation that someone take notes. And to be honest, I did make the suggestion that he do the notes with a bit of an attitude. I was tired and worn down after a very difficult meeting. But that was no excuse for being disrespectful. I thanked this person for pointing out my unconstructive behavior, and I apologized. I also noted that he might have volunteered to take the notes instead of throwing it out for “They” to do it. He acknowledged that and apologized for not being self-accountable.

We both learned a little about respect and self-accountability. The lessons never end regarding the Character Triangle.

with Character,

Lorne

If we have a crummy day or time, it’s important to dust ourselves off and reconnect with the values of the CT. Focus on what we can do the next minute, hour, day, month. What’s next is most important.

“A year from now, you may wish you had started today.” -Karen Lamb

Start now!

with Character,

Lorne

I want to invite you to “ride along” with me as I work as a CEO. Let me know how you feel about my observations and beliefs. Become a “Character” by contributing and refining what I call the ” Character Triangle”.

The Character Triangle (CT) connects what I believe are the three key values and drivers of Character: Accountability, Respect and Abundance. Thanks for joining me on the ride.

with Character,

Lorne