A few weeks ago I went to my favorite movie theater to catch up on some flicks. There is a convenience store in the mall and the owner knows me. This day I did not have my hat on and he said, "Where is your hat? I have never seen you without a hat." I don't go to the theater every week. In fact, I see first run movies about once a month on average, but the store owner saw me enough to know I always wear a hat. Funny, I was at the mall recently for an outdoor concert and went to the store to get some snacks. The owner was there and the first think he noticed was my hat.
Leaders must be careful of the image they present to the masses. People are always looking, taking notice, observing. Things we deem unimportant are things others find significant. Leaders are identified by their examples of conduct and character, not the transfer of information, thoughts, and ideas. My mother taught me as a youth, "People would rather see a sermon than hear a sermon any day."
A moment of thoughtless behavior can ruin a reputation forever. You can do a million things well, but people have short-term memory and will only remember the last thing they see or hear. People are challenged to forgive and forget. Personality and character are not the same. Personality is who you are. Character is what you do. Personality cannot be changed. It is the unique combination of personal attributes that make you special. Character is what you do when no one is watching. Character involves the choices and decisions you make that are filtered through the values and beliefs in your heart.
You will always be remembered in this life by how you live. Live on purpose. Live to love.
Live well.
Opmerkingen