Character Qualities

Character First! uses these concepts as the foundation for leadership development—from elementary schools to national retailers.

Learn more about each trait in our online library or contact us for training and resources that fit your needs.


Alertness

Being aware of what is taking place around me so I can have the right responses

Attentiveness

Showing the worth of a person or task by giving my undivided concentration

Availability

Making my own schedule and priorities secondary to the wishes of those I serve

Benevolence

Realizing that true happiness does not depend on material conditions

Boldness

Confidence that what I have to say or do is true, right, and just

Cautiousness

Knowing how important right timing is in accomplishing right actions

Compassion

Investing whatever is necessary to heal the hurts of others

Contentment

Realizing that true happiness does not depend on material conditions

Creativity

Approaching a need, a task, or an idea from a new perspective

Decisiveness

The ability to recognize key factors and finalize difficult decisions

Deference

Limiting my freedom so I do not offend the tastes of those around me

Dependability

Fulfilling what I consented to do, even if it means unexpected sacrifice

Determination

Purposing to accomplish right goals at the right time, regardless of the opposition

Diligence

Investing my time and energy to complete each task assigned to me

Discernment

Understanding the deeper reasons why things happen

Discretion

Recognizing and avoiding words, actions, and attitudes that could bring undesirable consequences

Endurance

The inward strength to withstand stress and do my best

Enthusiasm

Expressing joy in each task as I give it my best effort

Faith

Confidence that actions rooted in good character will yield the best outcome, even when I cannot see how

Flexibility

Willingness to change plans or ideas without getting upset

Forgiveness

Clearing the record of those who have wronged me and not holding a grudge

Generosity

Carefully managing my resources so I can freely give to those in need

Gentleness

Showing consideration and personal concern for others

Gratefulness

Letting others know by my words and actions how they have benefited my life

Honor

Respecting others because of their worth as human beings

Hospitality

Cheerfully sharing food, shelter, or conversation to benefit others

Humility

Acknowledging that achievement results from the investment of others in my life

Initiative

Recognizing and doing what needs to be done before I am asked to do it

Joyfulness

Maintaining a good attitude, even when faced with unpleasant conditions

Justice

Taking personal responsibility to uphold what is pure, right, and true

Loyalty

Using difficult times to demonstrate my commitment to those I serve

Meekness

Yielding my personal rights and expectations with a desire to serve

Obedience

Quickly and cheerfully carrying out the direction of those who are responsible for me

Orderliness

Arranging myself and my surroundings to achieve greater efficiency

Patience

Accepting a difficult situation without giving a deadline to remove it

Persuasiveness

Guiding vital truths around another's mental roadblocks

Punctuality

Showing esteem for others by doing the right thing at the right time

Resourcefulness

Finding practical uses for that which others would overlook or discard

Responsibility

Knowing and doing what is expected of me

Security

Structuring my life around that which cannot be destroyed or taken away

Self-Control

Rejecting wrong desires and doing what is right

Sensitivity

Perceiving the true attitudes and emotions of those around me

Sincerity

Eagerness to do what is right with transparent motives

Thoroughness

Knowing what factors will diminish the effectiveness of my work or words if neglected

Thriftiness

Allowing myself and others to spend only what is necessary

Tolerance

Realizing that everyone is at varying levels of character development

Truthfulness

Earning future trust by accurately reporting past facts

Virtue

The moral excellence evident in my life as I consistently do what is right

Wisdom

Seeing and responding to life situations from a perspective that transcends my current circumstances