Jason Ewart is a Sydney-based transformation writer and speaker touring California in June 2009.
(kudos to Funny Man Dan @funnymandan for the post title)
“Just because you are a character doesn’t mean you have character.”
- Winston Wolfe, Pulp Fiction (1994)
Recently, I had an opportunity to play a part in giving something back to the kids of our local community. This involved wearing a character suit of an oversized boy complete with permanent smile. A sweaty adventure as I attempted to not knock over any toddlers, caused by a limited view through the mouth of the character.
After several hours, I had a new appreciation for volunteers, and especially of life inside the big head!
Character development is an ongoing journey. Working inside the big head showed me that what was going on inside could be incongruent with the external. I made contact with the creator of the character to look for ways to bring life to the external.
One scenario really spoke volumes to me during the stint in the suit. As I stood near the jumping castle, a couple of youth came from behind and attempted to rip the head off the costume.
The head twisted slightly and a buckle or the fan unit scratched across my face, near my eye.
In that moment, on the inside of the big head, my thoughts were not healthy. They had potential of not bringing life to the character. After all, thoughts lead to actions.
Character is shown in circumstances. As I stood motionless, I re-grouped on the inside. It was very evident to me that what was going on inside the big head had the potential to impact the body language and actions of the character.
Thankful for the permanent smile!
As a business owner, entrepreneur or individual, is my character congruent with the message & values of my organisation?
Do I represent well?
“Character does count. For too long we have gotten by in a society that says the only thing right is to get by and the only thing wrong is to get caught. Character is doing what’s right when nobody is looking…”
Oklahoma Congressman J. C. Watts, speech at the Republican National Convention (August 13, 1996)
If character is doing what is right when no one is looking, or when you can “hide” inside the big head, what can we do for character development?
Set aside intentional time for reflection, journalling, meditation
Review values of self/organisation
Build accountability systems
Invest in health (diet, sleep etc)
Deliver on promises or communicate clearly & promptly if unable to do so
What works for you?
Please share them in the comments. My pen is at the ready.
What is the cost for NOT investing in character development?
“Character does count. For too long we have gotten by in a society that says the only thing right is to get by and the only thing wrong is to get caught. Character is doing what’s right when nobody is looking…”
How true!! Well said and thank you for not being afriad to write something that could be unpopular!
Great tips and advice!
Thanks so much for bringing us this post alejandro!
have a great night!
Dbk
Thanks for the comment David!
What works for you?
This is so true and much needed today. Thanks for the post!
You’ve hit on an important key for developing a lasting and worthwhile business. Character. And it’s not just how your character is perceived by your customers, but maybe even more importantly, by your employees.
We have a program for our employees that encourages them to get involved in local charities. Employees can apply for additional PTO (paid time off) up to 40 hours every year, if they use that time to get involved. Help our employees create and expand their character. It helps the community. And ultimately (though it’s not why we do it), it helps create the right atmosphere here at the office.