The Law of the Ladder says that “Character Growth Determines the Height of Your Personal Growth.” I had to think about this one a little bit. So according to the law, the better character I have, the better my ability to grow.
I guess if you think about it, it makes sense. If I am able to follow a strict code of conduct related to morals and values or “character” it would follow that I could accomplish the same consistency with personal growth.
I have to admit, I never really put these two things together but once you consider that our habits, or lack thereof, are fairly consistent regardless of the issue. If we don’t follow through on the small things, we most likely won’t follow through on the big things.
The higher our level of character, the higher our level of respecting and honoring the things that really matter. John Maxwell in his book The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth describes the five rungs of his ladder:
1. I WILL FOCUS ON BEING BETTER ON THE INSIDE THAN ON THE OUTSIDE – CHARACTER MATTERS
How you are on the inside is the real picture of your character. There are many people that we deal with every day that we view as fake. Authenticity comes from within and is usually is one of the first things identified during a first impression. How do you represent?
2. I WILL FOLLOW THE GOLDEN RULE – PEOPLE MATTER
Treat others as you would like to be treated. Easier said than done, right? You may have a chip on your shoulder over something, but at the end of the day – people matter. Your character will show them how much.
3. I WILL TEACH ONLY WHAT I BELIEVE – PASSION MATTERS
We all have opinions, but for some of us, those opinions get mixed into teaching or training that we are responsible for. Do us all a favor and only teach on what you believe in. You are doing your students or clients a disservice by selling them on something you don’t believe in yourself.
4. I WILL VALUE HUMILITY ABOVE ALL VIRTUES – PERSPECTIVE MATTERS
We all probably know numerous people who don’t even know what humility means. And some that do, simply disregard it. Being humble is a sure way to focus attention on the other person and take the attention off yourself. We all have something to offer, but be of integrity and only offer it up when the person on the receiving end is ready to receive it.
5. I WILL STRIVE TO FINISH WELL – FAITHFULNESS MATTERS
Above all, strive to complete the task and finish strong. Finishing what you started displays not only character, but commitment. We all know the “I was gonna” guy. Most of us rely on other people to complete their list of tasks so that we can complete ours. Remember, we are talking about growth. If you expect to grow, you not only need to complete your list for everyone else, you need to complete your own.
“Ninety-nine percent of leadership failures are failures of character.”
– Retired General Norman Schwartzkoph
Good character, with honesty and integrity is essential to leading a successful life. Personal growth starts at our core. Are you ready to grow?
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Next Up: Law #10 The Law of the Rubber Band.
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Barry Smith www.buildingwhatmatters.com 12/5/12 photo by author
