July 2008

2009 Calendars

calendar image
The 2009 Character First! Calendar makes a great gift, and it will help you, your family, and your coworkers remember each month's character quality.

Subscribers to the monthly character bulletin qualify for a 30% "Early Bird" discount when they order before September 15. You can also personalize your calendars with your organization's logo.

Not a subscriber? Sign up today.


To Cut Away

hand holding open scissors
 The word "decisiveness" traces its lineage back to the Latin root caedere, meaning "to cut or strike." The prefix de- adds the idea of "cutting off."

Decisiveness involves getting immediately to the fundamental issue and making a clear choice.

Points to Ponder:

  1. What are your major sources of information? What other sources are available? Who can you ask for good advice?
  2. What was the last book you read?
  3. Have you ever made a decision you knew was right and then been disappointed by the results? How did you respond?
  4. Do you find it easier to make a decision or to stick with a decision you have made?

No Reserves, No Retreat, No Regrets

Portrait of William Borden
After graduating from Yale University in 1909, William Borden turned down promising career opportunities and invested his life in others—a decision many did not understand.

When he made that decision, he wrote, "No Reserves" in the back of his Bible.

During a particularly difficult time, he wrote, "No Retreats."

Shortly before his death, Borden added, "No Regrets."

Decision-making is not easy. A leader must have the character necessary to make right decisions with no reserves, to pursue those decisions without retreating, and to take responsibility with no regrets.


A Clear Perspective

Man facing multiple road signs with conflicting messages
Decisiveness depends upon a clear and honest interpretation of relevant information.

The first threat to a clear perspective is personal feelings. Great leaders have great passions, but they succeed to the extent they recognize reality and respond appropriately.

General Douglas MacArthur demonstrated this kind of self-control when he had occupying authority over Japan after World War II. Though some urged him to punish the Japanese, MacArthur replied, "I am not concerned with how to keep Japan down but how to get her on her feet again."

Exercise the self-control to identify what is actually happening, and identify how you can demonstrate justice and compassion.

man thinking
The second threat to a clear perspective is personal interests. "When Napoleon started to fight for Napoleon, and not France," observed General Eisenhower, "France fell."

A leader must learn humility in order to maintain appropriate priorities and make wise decisions.

The third threat to a clear perspective is personal popularity. Leaders must understand and honor others' opinions and communicate that respect and his or her reasoning. But leaders must make decisions according to the principles of good character and the interests of others, not according to what is most popular.


Character in the News

Visit our news page to read the latest news articles about character.

  • "Mayor promotes 12 core values to make Iriga a 'Character City'" - July 12, 2008
  • "Pleasanton collaborative seeks organizations of character" - July 3, 2008
  • "Carlile receives honor for 'persuasiveness' - June 24, 2008