Character and Competence
by Character First
A gentleman went to a local store to purchase batteries for his flashlight. Unfortunately, a vigilant security guard assumed the flashlight in the gentleman’s pocket belonged to the store. Instead of getting the batteries, the customer was handcuffed—after being sprayed in the face with pepper spray.
At another branch, a supervisor and an assistant manager continually harassed a female subordinate. Although informed about the inappropriate activity, branch management ignored the allegations and failed to investigate. A jury awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars to the employee to compensate for her intolerable working conditions.
Another disgruntled employee sued the company after being fired, claiming sexual harassment and wrongful termination. Upon closer investigation, however, the employee had actually been fired for making frequent personal phone calls and working on personal projects during company time. Her dismissal raised questions as to why she was hired in the first place.
A Recipe for Disaster
Competence without character is a recipe for disaster. The security guard was technically doing his job, but a little discernment, discretion, and wisdom would have possibly averted the misjudgments that caused the spectacle.
The supervisor and manager were subsequently fired, although they had every technical qualification for their jobs. If they had cultivated self-control, deference, and virtue in addition to their work skills, they would still have their jobs today, and the company would not have had to pay costly damages.
The fired employee’s harassment claim seemed valid, but it simply masked her desire for revenge after losing her job. She could have done better by developing diligence, sincerity, and loyalty.
These employees were originally hired for stellar recommendations or qualifications. Yet when placed in difficult situations, a lack of character caused poor customer service, job loss, bad publicity, monetary damage, and more.
Unresolved personal problems interfere with workplace responsibilities. Employees, managers, and employers all experience the challenges ensuing from a lack of character in the workplace.
Finding a Solution
New rules, policies, procedures, and training approaches abound, but the most effective long-term solution for each individual is to become a person of character—both at home and on the job.
Take a moment to determine what character-based changes you can make to address your challenges. Employers must consider character in addition to skills when hiring new employees. Employees must develop the character to wisely use their skills.
Character and competence are essential ingredients in your recipe for success.
Learn more about Character First training and resources for work, school, and the community. www.characterfirst.com
