Small Tests Of A Leader’s Character | Dave Anderson

In a nutshell:  There are no small decisions when my character is involved.

For a leader, the magnitude of the decision should not determine my approach. If my moral compass is involved, then the decision is a big deal.  Too many times we make decisions based on our immediate perception of their impact.

Oxymoron: Small Character Tests

Small Tests-Big Impact

What we lose sight of is the impact our immediate choices have on our decision making in the future.

  • Do I call in sick?
  • Do I change the time stamp on the email I am sending?
  • Do I give back the extra change the cashier gave me?
  • Do I tell someone I just left when I am not in the car yet?
  • Do I omit telling someone of my mistake in the hope they don’t find out?
  • Do I fudge a few unavailable numbers to get the report in on time?
  • Do I exaggerate my role in a story to make the story better?

As you read this list, you can see that some of these decisions have nothing to do with leading a team.  But, they have everything to do with my character.

No matter what context my character is tested in, these decisions are a big deal!  Fibs are a big deal.  Little white lies are a big deal.  Omissions that make my life convenient are a big deal.

Begin Exercising

The small tests are preparing the leader for the larger tests that are sure to come.  I am kidding myself if I think I will suddenly do the right thing in a big test, when I have never exercised the will to do what is right in a smaller test.

It is like exercising.  I am a fool if I believe I can bench press 300 lbs if I have never bench pressed 100 lbs.  We must exercise our moral muscles on smaller decisions if I want to be prepared to lead when things are tough.

For me, each morning I wake up and work out or read my Bible, makes it easier for me to do it the next day.  Each day I skip makes it easier to slack off in the future, as well.  I know the same is true for all of us.

Our habits, positive and negative are formed one decision at a time.  Every time my character is involved in a decision, my choice reinforces an established habit or begins a new one.

Temptations are inside all of us thanks to Adam and Eve’s small decision to bite into the apple.  It is not whether I am tempted that determines my character, but my response to the temptation.

The Bottom Line:

Every time I choose to act honestly or dishonestly it gets easier the next time.  The size of the decision does not matter.

This is great news!  That means I can begin to change who I am today by making a different choice than I made yesterday.  Today, I can begin acting differently and changing my character.

I believe character is our habitual way of operating. 

HOW I AM IS WHO I AM?

Choosing to do the right thing in a smaller test prepares me for the larger tests to come.  I must embrace the small decisions and treat a test of my character as the battle it truly is.  I must win small battles to win the war for my character.

For all of us, there are no small tests of character.  Leadership is a blend of competence and character.  But, it is our character more than our competence that determines our ability to lead others.

“Small tests of character” is an oxymoron.

Question:

What small tests of character do you need to fight to win?

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