January 2006
Victory
You are the Man who used to boast
that you'd achieve the uttermost,
some day.
You merely wished to show,
to demonstrate how much you know
and prove the distance you can go.
Another year we've just passed through.
What new ideas came to you?
How many big things did you do?
Time left twelve fresh months in your care.
How many of them did you share
with opportunity and dare?
Again where you so often missed?
We do not find you on the list of makers good.
Explain the fact!
Ah No, 'Twas not the chance you lacked!
As usual - you failed to act!
As you embark on 2006, set clear priorities, and do what needs to be done when it needs doing.
Poem by Herbert Kauffman
Taking it Personally
A person naturally knows more about his or her schedule than about someone else’s schedule, but this fact does not excuse indifference toward others’ time.
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Your punctuality affects how you keep your word, determines whether others can depend on you, and demonstrates your respect for others.
If the dry cleaners fail to have your clothing ready on time, you might have difficulty trusting their work or their commitment to fulfill promises. If the bank does not transfer funds punctually, it demonstrates indifference to the customers. When a salesperson arrives late or takes too much of a customer’s time, the salesperson communicates a lack of respect.
Leaders particularly must demonstrate punctuality if they expect their organizations to move forward. When a leader fails to show punctuality, others will learn they cannot depend on the leader. Eventually, everyone makes mental adjustments in order to avoid waiting on others, and tardiness permeates the organization.
Thus, punctuality must become a personal priority for everyone. You should not excuse tardiness because others practice it or because it is “the way I am.” Be punctual, and challenge others to be punctual. If you set or receive a timetable for a project, do everything you can to stick to the schedule.
When giving a presentation, begin and end on time so that the audience is not unnecessarily annoyed or distracted. Let others know when you cannot make it to an appointment so that they can adjust their schedules. Know when a person has time to talk and when they do not have time to talk. Before beginning a conversation, make sure the other person has time.
Recognize how your punctuality affects others, and demonstrate respect by being where you need to be when you are needed.
Touching Hearts in Romania
After a pilot program in 1,000 classrooms, Romanian education officials requested Character First! training for over 500 teachers and principals. As a result, Character First! gave eight seminars last month, helping Romanian educators touch the hearts of their elementary and secondary students. These are their comments.
"The training was greatly needed. We have learned many things about character that we can apply in our classrooms and with our fellow teachers. It is also beneficial for my personal and family life."
"It seems to be an extraordinary program in character-development that teaches us that each day is important and our results will be outstanding using character. For me it was a great pleasure to go through this seminar, and I feel privileged to apply it and pass it on to my colleagues."
"It was one of the most interesting seminars I’ve attended. For developing this society, we truly need to develop character. I’ll gladly participate in any other future seminars."
"I am glad to have the opportunity to attend this conference. The information we received will allow me to construct good character in my students, my family, and my colleagues.
I’ll try to correct others and correct myself based on the things that I learned today. Starting tomorrow, I will implement this program with my students and colleagues."
"The curriculum and teaching method were above our expectations. I have learned many new things. This is a great achievement, a true success for improving our work as teachers. You are always welcomed here."
The seminar is also available on DVD and VHS.
By Robert Greenlaw
Introducing the Character Council Network
The International Association of Character Cities (IACC) has noticed a need for communication and encouragement among local character councils, and IACC is excited to announce a program to meet that need in 2006.
In a business, employees desire to know about the company’s plans and performance expectations. In a family, parents need to know what is on the hearts of their children, and children need to be heard by their parents. Community leaders must set an example of integrity, and each individual’s decisions influence the culture of the community. This need for communication becomes especially clear as we face the challenges each new year brings.
IACC is proud to work with local character councils around the world, and in order to improve the flow of information, IACC will host the first ever Character Council Network (CCN) on January 19.
This first meeting will include a small group of councils and test the technology’s functionality as IACC works toward including every council in the network. Each council will be linked by computer and speaker phone. Participants will view a brief PowerPoint presentation and have the opportunity to share their experiences.
Watch next month’s newsletter for a report on this new endeavor. The potential benefits are far reaching if we can effectively communicate the message of putting character first.
By Steven Menzel, Director of IACC
