Speaking Up With Good Character

“Good intentions are the seeds of greatness, but they only grow when watered with action and consistency”
Manuel Corazzari

Why are we talking about Character?
In my over 35 years of working with leaders, it has been obvious to me that organizations are successful when the culture is healthy, safe, fair and explicit – what I call a Character Culture. It is equally important that the leaders are of good character. Researching this issue for my five books has proven this perspective to be true. So what does good character actually mean?

At the Heart of Character: The Importance of Being Truly Well-Meaning
At the heart of character lies the importance of being truly well-meaning. This concept transcends mere politeness or surface-level kindness; it delves into the genuine intention behind our words and actions.

Understanding True Well-Meaning
True well-meaning is rooted in authenticity, integrity, accurate information, and empathy. It involves a sincere desire to contribute positively to the lives of others without hidden agendas. The focus is on doing an evidence based, positive, right thing.

When we are truly well-meaning, our actions are driven by a genuine concern for the well-being of those around us – our customers, our team, our suppliers and our community. This authenticity fosters trust and builds strong, lasting relationships.

The Impact of Well-Meaning Actions
Actions that stem from true well-meaning have a profound impact on all concerned. These actions reinforce a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Knowing that one’s efforts are making a positive difference can be incredibly rewarding.

Cultivating a Well-Meaning Character
Cultivating a well-meaning character requires self-awareness. It begins with understanding one’s intentions (beliefs, principles, values and goals). Reflecting on questions such as “Why am I doing this?” and “How will this benefit others?” can help align actions with genuine intentions.

Challenges and Rewards
Being truly well-meaning is not always easy. It requires patience, resilience, and, sometimes, the courage to stand up for what is right. There may be moments when well-meaning actions are met with skepticism or resistance. However, the rewards far outweigh the challenges. A well-meaning character not only enriches personal relationships but also contributes to a higher trust and a more collaborative, innovative and productive workplace.

Prove it!
Research from the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL) shows that companies prioritizing trust and integrity outperform competitors by increasing stakeholder loyalty, reducing risks, and improving employee alignment.¹

Harvard Business Review also notes that trust in leadership drives higher employee engagement, lower turnover rates, and improved customer satisfaction.²

A comprehensive research review by UNSW Business School reveals that successful leadership relies on environment, relationships, and inclusion rather than individual characteristics or style. The review highlights the importance of psychological safety in enabling effective leadership throughout organizations.³

These findings collectively support the idea that integrity in leadership fosters trust, sets ethical standards, and contributes to long-term success and development of future leaders. Integrity is not just about being honest; it involves a consistent alignment between one’s intentions, words, and actions, which influences positive organizational culture and drives higher performance.

An Example of Good Character

I had the pleasure of hearing José Andrés at the excellent Restaurant Canada Show this month.

Kelly Higginson, President & CEO Restaurants Canada and José Andrés
Spanish-American chef, restaurateur and humanitarian.
Savage Media Group

José Andrés is widely recognized as a person of good character due to his numerous humanitarian efforts and his genuine commitment to helping others. He founded the World Central Kitchen in 2012, a nonprofit organization that provides meals in the wake of natural disasters. This organization has been instrumental in delivering food to those in need during crises, such as the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. His efforts in disaster relief have been widely praised, showcasing his commitment to helping those in dire situations.

Andrés has also been a strong advocate for nutrition and ecological sustainability. He leverages his culinary expertise to promote smart solutions to hunger and poverty, working with local governments, charities, and other chefs to improve access to food. His dedication to these causes demonstrates his genuine concern for the well-being of others and his desire to make a positive impact on the world.

In addition to his humanitarian work, Andrés is known for his advocacy and educational efforts. He teaches classes at Harvard and other institutions, sharing his knowledge and passion for food as a force for good. His willingness to educate and inspire others further underscores his character and commitment to making a difference.

José Andrés’ actions reflect a person who is truly well-meaning and dedicated to improving the lives of others. His humanitarian efforts, advocacy for sustainable practices, and commitment to education all contribute to his reputation as a person of good character.⁵

Potential Next Steps
Who decides what is important?
The loudest, most aggressive, often mal-intended person can get the most attention and unfortunately drive negative agendas. A good place to start to talk about character at work is with your values – organizationally and personally.
The Valuegraphics Research Company⁴ surveyed 12,000 Canadians regarding our values.

Here is what is important to us – the top 4:

1. Family – 86%
2. Belonging 85%
3. Relationships – 79%
4. Health and Well being – 79%

Determine what your leaders and team believe is important in regard to these values by asking questions.

1. What do you believe is appropriate in terms of supporting the family life of your team members?
2. Do you feel you belong to this organization? What may enhance your feeling of belonging? What detracts from it?
3. What do we believe is the best way to handle our relationships? With each other? Within our teams? What is appropriate? Inappropriate?
4. What can we do to enhance the health and well-being of ourselves and each other?

Conclusion

At the heart of character is the importance of being truly well-meaning. This principle serves as a guiding light in our interactions, reminding us to act with authenticity and integrity. By embracing true well-meaning, we can build stronger connections, foster trust, and create a positive impact in the lives of others. In a world that veers off track, let us strive to be genuinely well-meaning, for it is through these sincere intentions that we truly embody the essence of character with a positive impact on our organizations, individuals and society.

Resources
¹ https://www.ccl.org/articles/research-reports/trust-critical-team-success/

² https://hbr.org/2017/01/the-neuroscience-of-trust

³ https://www.businessthink.unsw.edu.au/articles/leadership-development-capability-review

⁴ https://www.linkedin.com/posts/davidallisoninc_what-does-data-tell-us-about-canadian-values-activity-7307053383847133184-auGQ

⁵ 18 Reasons Why José Andrés Is The Hero We Need Right Now Slideshow Culture. (2017, October 23). Retrieved from The Daily Meal. https://www.thedailymeal.com/entertain/reasons-why-jos-andr-s-hero-we-need-right-now-slideshow/

We are living in challenging times. I hope that this information and tools may be helpful in strengthening our organizations and country.

With gratitude,

Kathleen Redmond MA, MCC
kr@centreforcharacterleadership.com
905.478.7962

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