Understanding Character
by Ron Kurtus (updated 16 March 2023)
Character consists of a set of behavior traits or way the you conduct yourself.
It is important in your everyday activities and determines how other people judge your character or the type of person you are.
When you have good or positive character, you act in a manner that is honorable, courageous, compassionate and ethical. It results in being viewed with respect, overcoming the difficult and feeling good about yourself. This increases your esteem and self-respect, as well as allows you to prosper. A bad reputation can even affect your confidence and relationship with others.
But also, the character traits of your workers and customers are important in your business activities. Poor character can result in loss of profits and business. Establishing rules of behavior as well as setting a good example can help to maintain good character among your people.
Having good character is important to us all in maintaining a good position in society and a favorable opinion of yourself. Having poor character affects whether others want to deal with you or your business.
My name is Ron Kurtus, and I want to help you get a start at improving your knowledge about character and reaping its benefits. It is also useful for educators and those studying leadership roles. If you have any questions, send me an email.
Character Contents
Introduction
Character is important
In life
Character Important for Success in Life
Your Character is Important to Others
In business
Character Important for Success of Business
Character of Workers Important to Success of Business
Character of Management is Important to Business
Understanding character
Character is learned
How Oprah Winfrey Gained Her Character
How character is changed
How Adults Change Their Character
Character is judged
Character trait classifications
General features
Personal character traits
Ambition is a Drive for Success
What Would I Do if I Were Brave? - includes MP3 song
Social character traits
Being Trustworthy Shows Character
Cultural character traits
Religion
Organizations
Business
Leading others in character
Teaching character
Cheating in School - from Tricks for Good Grades
Lessons from Strategies to Succeed in Education
Interpreting Aesop's Fables to Teach Values by Barbara Hailey
Teaching the Virtues by William J. Bennett, former Secretary of Education
Character books
Summaries on books on character
Character is Destiny by Sen. John McCain
Character Strengths and Virtues by Dr. Christopher Peterson and Dr. Martin Seligman
Values of the Game by former Sen. Bill Bradley
Social character in young men
From the book: "The Men They Will Become" by Eli H. Newburger M.D., Harvard Medical School
Honesty
Honesty and Conflicting Perspectives
Honesty and Lessons from the Law