According to John Mattone, author and Executive Coach,

“Values represent the outward manifestation of character. Our values are perceivable for others, and through them so is our character.”

What this means is our character informs what we value. However our character is not plainly visible. Our values though, inform our attitudes and how we behave. That is the outward manifestations that others may see.

Hence people discern your character THROUGH your actions and behaviour. I guess this is the root of the saying that actions speak louder than words.

In leadership, people observe what you do and this reveals your character. So, be mindful then of your words and notice your deeds, are they aligned?

More importantly, if there is misalignment this could be a good time to check in on your values.

If you can’t answer off the top of your head your core three to five values, no sweat. Many of us are not always concsious of these. But since they inform our actions values are like things like family, wealth, independence, love, success or accomplishment, winning etc.

If you couldn’t answer off the top now would be a good time to determine your values. Start by getting clear on what’s at the heart of why you do what you do everyday, and what brings you most joy. Sometimes it is easier for us to get to what we truly value by noticing all the things that we don’t. Whichever path you choose see if you can come up with your core three to five values.

Now using those look at your choices and actions in everyday situations. Are you making choices that are aligned with your actions? What does your character reveal? If the answer is still no, then there is some deeper work that you can do to adjust either your values or the choices that inform your actions.

I’ll end with this quote from Theodore Roosevelt “Character, in the long run, is the decisive factor in the life of an individual and of nations alike.”

What is your character saing about you?