Why Character Matters – What the David Johnston situation tells us about the importance of understanding Character.

Watching what has happened to the Right Honourable, David Johnston over the past months has ignited a fire in my heart to share what I have learned about character – but first let me provide some context for why I believe this topic is so important.

Thirty years ago this month I started my business. I have had the privilege of working with leaders across North America. Facilitating learning and coaching sessions in factories, conference centres, and meeting rooms. The focus has always been on building trust, respectful, direct communication and accountability.

Very often people informed me that this inclusive approach would not be acceptable to their organizations as it would be considered too soft. The irony was, as I attempted to explain, and demonstrate, that a clear, honest, courteous, courageous approach is more effective than being either too aggressive or, as was typical, avoiding tough issues.

These conversations were the catalysts for researching and writing my books, which led to the conclusion, that leaders could only really be effective if the culture is healthy.

What does it take to have a healthy, effective, sustainable culture? The answer – leaders of good character. And what does that mean? So many people talk about character, let’s define it.

In the workplace, leaders of good character are working together to create a healthy workplace. That means a workplace with clear expectations, honest recognition for valuable work, and accountability. Supported by effective, practical, aligned systems.

It seems so simple to have leaders on the same page but, it is often rare. The solution lies in defining and developing “good character.” Everyone has an individual character. The challenge is to determine not only what good character means (big picture – constructively intentioned), but also, what it means in specific situations (like how we treat people when we disagree with them). Good character doesn’t rest on perfect people or perfect behaviour, but rather people who can listen, accept responsibility, learn and grow.

Intention is the starting point in determining leadership character. Does a particular leader want the organization to be successful or do they simply want to grab as much money as possible without worrying about the impact? Are the right people being promoted into leadership positions for the right reasons? It is imperative that intentions be discussed and agreed on at a leadership level and then clarified for the entire team.

These sound like obvious questions, but I suspect many of you know leaders who are self-serving vs. doing the “right thing” for the organization. We need leaders who are committed to the “right thing.”

Let’s consider the situation with our former Governor General, the Right Honourable, David Johnston. This gentleman, who when requested by the prime minister to deal with a weighty issue, stepped up as an Independent Special Rapporteur on Foreign Interference.

Whether you agree with his recommendation or not, the situation revealed some very important factors about our political leadership.

•              Partisan positions were immediately struck without a full assessment of the recommendations. The Donald Trump style of “attacking the messenger on a personal level,” when you don’t like the message, was clearly in evidence. So, from a character point of view, do we have senior elected leaders who want the best for our country, or do their own interests come first?

•              Who attack people when they don’t like what they hear?

And what does that say about their character? Of course, we have to consider the system within which they lead. Is there any way to be more respectful and collaborative given the current system?

We need people who will do the right thing. Who decides what is the right thing? In effective organizations leaders decide together. Based on good data. An important issue is where are we getting our information?

People I once considered as reasonable and well informed are quoting beliefs from social media and other unsubstantiated sources. I am shocked at what people can believe to be true.

There is a well-known quote by former U.S. Secretary of Defense James R. Schlesinger: “Everybody is entitled to his own views; everybody is not entitled to his own facts.”

David Johnston, in his book Trust, Twenty Ways to Build a Better Country (2018), writes about the importance of sourcing solid facts. (see note re credible resources).

Another particular subject which emerged so clearly in this situation – is how do we want to treat each other and certainly treat our seniors, to say nothing about a senior statesman who has served our country so well and honourably?

What do we want our Canadian Character to be? Watching our former Governor General be grilled, interrupted, unkindly characterized in cartoons, is surely not who we are or want to be. What can each of us do as a result of watching this disgraceful debacle?

Learn from it. Organizational leaders, ensure your leadership is on the same page regarding significant issues such as the one we have all just witnessed. Discuss character – what are the intentions (beliefs, values and objectives) of your leaders and thereby, your organization.

We will only be successful when we unite to do the right thing – which requires good character.

Notes and Character Tools

Questions for Leaders to discuss with each other and their teams.

•                     How do each of us describe our culture?

•                     How would our teams describe the culture of this organization?

•                     What culture do we aspire to?

•                     Are we as leaders, competing or collaborating?

•                     What can we do to collaborate more effectively?

What is the best way for us, as a leadership team, to ensure we are on the same page in terms of how we treat each other as well as

•                People who are doing excellent work

•                People who aren’t meeting expectations

•                Our senior staff

Craig Leonard, Industrial-Organizational Psychology PhD and Senior Consultant at EY suggests the following information for credible leadership data Gartner, and Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior

Kathleen Redmond has written five books on organizational culture and employee engagement.

•              She is offering a courtesy sample of her Character Culture Framework (competencies and values), which is housed in Building a Character Culture for Trust and Results in the Workplace.

•              The intention is to provide an opportunity for discussion on beliefs, values and objectives in your workplace.

•              Click here to download this sample. If you would like a copy of the full Character Culture Framework please email Kathleen directly. Kathleen Redmond

Upcoming blogs

The goal is to offer a monthly blog between now and the end of December 2023. At that point we will assess, by asking you, if you are finding value.

Each month will have an example of character and tools.

Thank you for reading this blog. Kindly pass on to others who may find it useful.

Much Appreciated

Kathleen


 

 

 
Engage with all the small moments.
 

 
After a couple of very challenging years, it is the Holiday Season and a New Year is around the corner.
 
This year I have had the privilege of working with leaders as they transitioned to a “new normal.” The transition still feels like a roller coaster ride on a continuous loop.
 
Employers are vying for top employees; workplace flexibility is high on the priority list and half of the workforce is considering a new job in 2023. See link below.
(https://www.roberthalf.ca/en/half-of-canadian-workers-plan-to-look-for-a-new-position-in-the-new-year).
 
What this has meant, certainly for my clients, is increased emphasis on communication and talent development.
 
 
This season finds people are often very tired and somewhat exasperated.
 
My wish is that everyone takes a time out this holiday season, to relax, put away the technology, engage with your family and friends and enjoy the moment.
 
Certainly not everyone can shut down over the holidays, but perhaps you carefully consider the possibilities.
 
One step is to clarify your intention for the holidays at your workplace.
 
• What can be done to honour the holidays?
• What does this mean for work/emails etc.?
• How are you going to communicate this intention in your workplace?
• What will you do if you receive emails/texts that have been deemed off limits?
 
Speaking of people developing talent, our Rosanne Wild, who was our incredible Virtual Assistant for many years, has developed a new chapter in her life, which she is enjoying with her partner on their farm in Northern Ontario.
Rosanne is a photographer (the beautiful picture was taken by her) and has an Instagram following under ‘wildfarmgirl_inspired’ so check her out.
 
Wishing you peace in your life, rest, rejuvenation and excitement for your next chapter.
 




 

 
Kathleen Redmond MA, MCC
kr@centreforcharacterleadership.com
905.478.7962
 

 


 

 
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The Leading with Character Series provides practical, topical information and concrete tips.
Our foundational belief is that good character creates a positive, healthy culture which is the secret sauce to organizational success.
The Age of Uncertainty – episode three, provides a quick snapshot of your current, challenging workplace. Dr. Sean Hayes, a Clinical Psychologist, and I discuss the current situation and offer practical tips to move to more solid ground.
Click here to view the video and learn more.Click here to view our related post.

As you may recall, last summer I partnered with Dr. Sean Hayes and Dominique Laverdiere of Cohaesio Inc. to write a topical, evidence-based article. We explored the impact of the abrupt transformation triggered by the Covid 19 pandemic, as well as the impact of the socio-political movements (i.e., #Me2, BLM, and Truth and Reconciliation) upon the workplace. In the article we outline how the pandemic and subsequent lockdown had a revolutionary impact on our lives, processes, and organizations. 

We propose that the characteristics required of leaders to effectively respond and succeed in this new era of work have changed and this necessitates a new model of leadership. 

In our brief, third video Dr. Hayes and I discuss the Character Model from my book, Leadership by Engagement.

The first step in aligning your behaviour (words and actions) with what you want to achieve/who you want to be as a leader, is to honestly confront your Intention.  Intention is comprised of beliefs, values (what is important to you), objectives and goals. Once you are clear, it is time to ensure that the leadership team is on the same page.  
Take the example of Performance Management/Talent Development.
As a coach and facilitator, I know it is very common for leaders to have divergent perspectives on this subject. Keep talking to the employee when there is a gap between expected and actual performance or levy a consequence? Ignore the issue to avoid conflict?
These are important questions (and there are many more) for leaders to answer in order to have consistency within the organization.

 View the video link at top of Blog to hear more about this discussion.
 Please refer to our article for some concrete actions leaders and leadership teams can take to enhance their ‘character’.   

As so many clients are enjoying this summer, we are scheduling our next video and blog for September 2022.
The next subject is how to manage thoughts and feelings once your intention is clear in order to act in alignment.
 I wish you a safe and enjoyable summer.

Kathleen Redmond MA, MCCkr@centreforcharacterleadership.com 905.478.7962

If we can be of any help, please don’t hesitate to reach out at my email above.

Visit our website
Centre for Character Leadership | 1111 Davis Drive, 1-174, Newmarket, Ontario L3Y 7V1 Canada Unsubscribe {recipient’s email} Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by kr@centreforcharacterleadership.com
The Leading with Character Series provides practical, topical information and concrete tips.
Our foundational belief is that good character creates a positive, healthy culture which is the secret sauce to organizational success. The Age of Uncertainty- episode two provides a quick snapshot of our current, challenging workplace. Dr. Sean Hayes, a Clinical Psychologist and I discuss the current situation and offer practical tips to move to more solid ground.

Click here to view the video and learn more.
Click here to view our related post.  

As you may recall last summer I partnered with Dr. Sean Hayes and Dominique Laverdiere of Cohaesio Inc. to write an evidence-based article.
We explored the impact of the abrupt transformation triggered by the Covid 19 pandemic, as well as the impact of the socio-political movements (i.e., #Me2, BLM, and Truth and Reconciliation) upon the workplace. In the article we outline how the pandemic and subsequent lockdown had a revolutionary impact on our lives, processes, and organizations. 
We propose that the characteristics required of leaders to effectively respond and succeed in this new era of work have changed and this necessitates a new model of leadership. 

   
People have been talking about trust, integrity, being firm and fair, all that time. And yet, we know that there have been many breaches of good character.
I have had the privilege, over the past 30 years of facilitating, as a trainer and coach, in hundreds of workplaces.  

What is different?

Well, I know when I entered the workplace the mantra was “don’t cause trouble, don’t ever embarrass your leader, you are lucky to have a job, nothing is perfect” and so on.  
Thirty years later the messages are different, for three distinct factors.  
First of all, we want people to be engaged in their workplace for many reasons, so that they stay, do a good job etc. Which means we have to ensure more honest dialogue. We want people to speak up about what they are experiencing.    And if there isn’t honest dialogue and improvements, many are taking to social media to discuss their perspective. And sometimes while still working for the company. This is relatively new behaviour.  
The second issue is the moment of reflection created by the pandemic. As we know from our research, people want to work in a culture that has integrity, that is able to do the right thing in a broader way than just making a profit.    We realize life is short and the legacy we leave is important. Which means, if we are going to fully support an organization, we want a positive vision and healthy culture. The worry about climate change, the threat of violence in so many societies, has created a shared appetite for civil, decent behaviour.  
Third issue, is how to ensure that you are honouring your character. The model describes the importance of starting with your beliefs, as individuals and a leadership team. Then managing your thoughts and feelings to behave in alignment.  

View the video link at top of Blog to learn more.
Please refer to our article for some concrete actions leaders and leadership teams can take to enhance their ‘character’. 
I welcome your feedback!            


Kathleen Redmond MA, MCC kr@centreforcharacterleadership.com 905.478.7962   If we can be of any help, please don’t hesitate to reach out at my email above.  
 
    Visit our website    
Centre for Character Leadership | 1111 Davis Drive, 1-174, Newmarket, Ontario L3Y 7V1 Canada Unsubscribe kareneaddison@gmail.com Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by kr@centreforcharacterleadership.com
The Leading with Character Series provides practical, topical information and concrete tips.
Our foundational belief is that good character creates a positive, healthy culture which is the secret sauce to organizational success.  

The Age of Uncertainty episode provides a quick snapshot of our current, challenging workplace. Dr. Sean Hayes, a Clinical Psychologist and I discuss the current situation and offer practical tips to move to more solid ground.
Click here to view and learn more. Click here to view the slides.

As you may recall last summer I partnered with Dr. Sean Hayes and Dominique Laverdiere of Cohaesio Inc. to write an evidence-based article. We explored the impact of the abrupt transformation triggered by the Covid 19 pandemic, as well as the impact of the socio-political movements (i.e., #Me2, BLM, and Truth and Reconciliation) upon the workplace. In the article we outline how the pandemic and subsequent lockdown had a revolutionary impact on our lives, processes, and organizations. We propose that the characteristics required of leaders to effectively respond and succeed in this new era of work have changed and this necessitates a new model of leadership. 
One thing was very clear to us: Leaders of good character create organizations of good character which are effective and sustainable. Places where people are proud to work – despite change and volatility.
We describe an individual of good character as someone who displays positive intention and is respectful of others in all circumstances. They have the integrity, compassion and courage to do the right thing based on objective facts. 
A leader of good character demonstrates the competence to do their job, is open to others’ perspectives on issues that impact the workplace, adjusts their approach based on input / circumstances / objective facts — and behaves responsibly.  
Please refer to our article for some concrete actions leaders and leadership teams can take to enhance their ‘character’. 

I welcome your feedback!





Kathleen Redmond MA, MCC kr@centreforcharacterleadership.com 905.478.7962
If we can be of any help, please don’t hesitate to reach out at my email above.
If
Visit our website
How to offer feedback to ensure your team is on track, motivated, and thriving!
The truth is — one of the best ways to help employees thrive is to offer them feedback. It’s one of the most important tools leaders have to increase a sense of motivation and engagement. Providing your team with specific, authentic, and timely feedback on their work will help them feel valued. Be generous with positive feedback. Offer constructive feedback very carefully. Future-oriented ‘feed-forward’ solutions will also support team members with insights into your perspective and development opportunities.
Let’s start with positive feedback. “Catch people doing something right,” says Ken Blanchard, co-author of the One Minute Manager.

Gallup engagement surveys reveal that more than two-thirds of employees whose managers focused on their strengths were fully engaged in their work, as compared to less than a third of employees whose managers focused on their weaknesses. Recognition has been proven to increase happiness at work in general and is linked to concrete results, such as job satisfaction and retention.   In the last 30 years, I have worked with thousands of leaders by coaching and facilitating workshops. Offering positive feedback is always included during our conversations in building teams.  
Please refer to our article in this National publication for some concrete actions leaders and leadership teams can take to provide positive feedback. 
Source: Progressive Dairy – Issue 2 – Jan 19, 2022  

I welcome YOUR feedback!  
Check out our training for positive and constructive feedback in my virtual course – The COACH Approach. Customized for your organization.
          Kathleen Redmond MA, MCC kr@centreforcharacterleadership.com 905.478.7962
If we can be of any help, please don’t hesitate to reach out at my email above.
If
Visit our website
I wish you peace, joy, love, and patience as we are once again faced with a very difficult holiday season. A few lines from Maria Shriver’s Sunday Paper struck me as deeply true.
Last night, a dear friend said to me, “I wish I’d known that the goal in life was to get to a place where all the people around your table are real and true friends. I wish I’d known that what I really wanted from life wasn’t fancy stuff, but a small, intimate group of people who I knew loved me and who made me feel safe, seen, and loved.”
I felt this sentiment very acutely this year when working closely with clients who are focused on authentic, healthy communication. On a personal note, I am very grateful to our health system who supported us through my husband’s hip replacement recently. We have been surrounded by caring loved ones who have overwhelmed us with offers of help and support.
So, it is with gratitude and a spirit of finding joy in all the small moments, that I wish you Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.





Kathleen Redmond MA, MCCkr@centreforcharacterleadership.com 905.478.7962
Finding Joy in all the Small Moments.
I wish you peace, joy, love, and patience as we are once again faced with a very difficult holiday season. A few lines from Maria Shriver’s Sunday Paper struck me as deeply true.
Last night, a dear friend said to me, “I wish I’d known that the goal in life was to get to a place where all the people around your table are real and true friends. I wish I’d known that what I really wanted from life wasn’t fancy stuff, but a small, intimate group of people who I knew loved me and who made me feel safe, seen, and loved.”
I felt this sentiment very acutely this year when working closely with clients who are focused on authentic, healthy communication. On a personal note, I am very grateful to our health system who supported us through my husband’s hip replacement recently. We have been surrounded by caring loved ones who have overwhelmed us with offers of help and support.
So, it is with gratitude and a spirit of finding joy in all the small moments, that I wish you Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.


Kathleen Redmond MA, MCC
kr@centreforcharacterleadership.com
905.478.7962
Just a little more patience and resilience…
At this point in time, early June 2021, I am noticing that people are exhausted.
Exhausted by the constant change driven by the pandemic results, relentless on-screen demands, social upheaval in the spotlight, the horrific news regarding our Indigenous children, the uncertainty of the workplace, and ever-changing summer plans.
In addition, it appears that talent retention, post-pandemic, could be a huge issue. The Ceridian 2021 Pulse of Talent survey of 5,010 adults across Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand states that the majority of workers (67%) are now open to new opportunities.
I have the privilege of working with several organizations, supporting leaders as they navigate through this moment. At the same time, I am conducting research regarding what is required of leaders during and after a crisis.
My plan is to spend the next few months, with my clients, synthesizing information and creating practical tools for our next steps into a new workplace era. This information will be available in our next blog, scheduled for early fall.
There is definitely light on the horizon, and I’m feeling carefully optimistic. A little more patience and resilience are my current character requirements.
I am very grateful to you for faithfully reading the blog.
Wishing you some rest and the best summer possible,

Kathleen Redmond MA, MCCkr@centreforcharacterleadership.com 905.478.7962
If we can be of any help, please don’t hesitate to reach out at my email above.
If

Recap — about Civility

In our January blog, we talked about civility – the first behaviour from a list of 12 Leadership Engagement Behaviours outlined in my second book, Leadership by Engagement (see below for the list).

This blog led to a Character Conversation with two outstanding coaches, Michelle Winklaar and Carla Sutton-McIntosh, about how leaders can create an environment of civility and trust, particularly within a lens of Diversity and Inclusion. When leaders ask important questions, and then listen, hear, and respond, it is a starting point for respect and trust in the workplace — and allows each person to feel they can be open and honest about what they are experiencing. Creating a civil and respectful work environment takes trust and it creates trust.

This month’s leadership behaviour — To Tell the Truth

What is the truth? We all know that given our world of competing media sources, social media and opinions vs. facts, it is often difficult to know “the truth.” Daniel Dale, a Canadian, who was the first reporter to fact-check Donald Trump, is now a full-time political fact checker for CNN Washington Bureau.

We are at the point where everything leaders say has to be verified? What happened to ‘our word is our bond’?

“Integrity is telling myself the truth. And honesty is telling the truth to other people.” Dr. Spencer Johnson, Author of Who moved my cheese?

Telling the truth is sometimes difficult, especially when the ground continually shifts under our feet. Add to that the requirement that leaders must offer hope, and do so honestly.

Character conversations

Here are some questions for leaders to ask their teams:

  1. How truthful do you perceive the leaders in our organization to be?
  2. What would you like to hear if we (as leaders) do not know the answer?
  3. What questions would you like answered right now?
  4. How honest are you with me as your leader?
  5. What would make it easier for you to be even more honest with me?

Let me know what you think about these questions!

Best Wishes,

Kathleen Redmond MA, MCC

kr@centreforcharacterleadership.com

905.478.7962

Leadership Engagement Behaviours

In Leadership by Engagement, I wrote about Leadership Engagement Behaviours. Over the years, there has been terrific feedback on this list which is based on engagement research completed by Gallup and other organizations.

In this year of years, it seems fitting to revisit this list and talk candidly about what each of the 12 behaviours means in 2021.

  1. Treat people in a consistently civil manner.
  2. Tell the truth.
  3. Listen openly with empathy.
  4. Conduct yourself in an ethical manner.
  5. Create an atmosphere of camaraderie.
  6. Provide autonomy to make decisions.
  7. Articulate clear, measurable, achievable performance expectations.
  8. Recognize contributions frequently, specifically and personally.
  9. Address performance gaps in a timely, private, problem solving manner.
  10. Provide opportunities for people to find challenge and significance in their work.
  11. Ensure training and learning opportunities are available.
  12. Provide proper tools and resources.

Interactive Online Learning Program: 

Leading with Authenticity, Character, and Integrity  

Facilitated by Kathleen Redmond, MA, MCC

Contact us for more information about the three courses in this program.

  1. Know Your Character for Communication Success
  2. The COACH Approach© in our Transitioning World
  3. Dealing with Conflict

Each course is limited to 9 participants — sign up now to join us for a truly collaborative online experience! 

info@centreforcharacterleadership.com

      Treat people civilly in our upside-down world  
In my book, Leadership by Engagement (published in 2009), I wrote about 12 Leadership Engagement Behaviours. Over the years, there has been terrific feedback on this list, which is based on engagement research completed by Gallup and other organizations.   Treat people in a consistently civil manner.Tell the truth.Listen openly with empathy.Conduct yourself in an ethical manner.Create an atmosphere of camaraderie.Provide autonomy to make decisions.Articulate clear, measurable, achievable performance expectations.Recognize contributions frequently, specifically and personally.Address performance gaps in a timely, private, problem solving manner.Provide opportunities for people to find challenge and significance in their work.Ensure training and learning opportunities are available.Provide proper tools and resources.   In this year of years, it seems fitting to revisit this list and talk candidly about what each of the 12 behaviours means.   So, here we are in January 2021, and treating people in a consistently civil manner is hopefully coming back onto the horizon. Pandemics, political turmoil and our upside-down way of living and working is causing stress.

   

What is Civility?
Civility is following the government directives to keep others, as well as ourselves, safe.  
Civility is treating ourselves kindly and respectfully so that we can treat others kindly and respectfully.  
Civility is a principle that manifests in our behaviours.  

How can you help to get us back on track?  
Let me know what you think.  
Best Wishes,  

 Kathleen Redmond MA, MCC
kr@centreforcharacterleadership.com
905.478.7962    
Interactive Online Learning Program: Leading with Authenticity, Character, and Integrity  
Facilitated by Kathleen Redmond, MA, MCC

 
Our Interactive Online Learning Program Course #1: Know your Character for Communication Success starts February 23rd.  
Download the course PDF here.
Each course is limited to 9 participants — sign up now to join us for a truly collaborative online experience! 
info@centreforcharacterleadership.com    
Visit our website    
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