Leadership and Character

At the University of Pittsburgh, in honor of one of their illustrious graduates, the University has established what they call, "Leadership Tip of the Day," to share the kind of wisdom, inspiration and encouragement that a woman named Frances Hesselbein inspired.

She was an American businesswoman and writer, who served as the CEO of the Girl Scouts of the USA, from 1976 to 1990, and the president and CEO of the Frances Hesselbein Leadership Forum, at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA), Johnson Institute for Responsible Leadership. She was an Executive Coach and worked with many famous coaches and writers, such as Marshall Goldsmith. or O'Donnell.

I am thankful to have been able to link to many of the tips in her honor. The University's tip for Monday, November 20, 2023, is:

Character is what counts. And before you can talk to anyone about values like bravery, integrity, and respect for all, you have to live those values.

Let’s think about situations where we see character...

• students who know what they are to do and how they are to act - and act with responsibility – even when no one is watching.
• leader’s honesty and bravery as she tells the staff they may have all, including the leader, been exposed to a significant disease, and should see their doctor to ascertain the potential need for prophylactic medicine.
• teachers or leaders reminding those in their charge, to remember to be thankful and then they realize that they too need to be thankful and show that thanks.
• high school students who speak up, on behalf of classmates, to suggest a fair way to select award participants.
• medical personnel who research, treat, and save lives.
• parents who celebrate a child's successes and provide critical feedback with honesty and integrity.
• school principal who has influenced students to reflect on their own behavior.
• boy or girl scouts who think of others less fortunate and design a program to help those in need.
• leaders who thank their team – individually and as a group.
• human beings who see greatness in others and celebrate that greatness.
• anyone willing to pause their own activity to graciously address another's needs or to answer the questions of a child.

Everyone knows there are many more than this short list of situations. WHERE else do we see CHARACTER? WHERE do we see ourselves and others walking the walk, not just talking the talk?