Leadership is often summed up in a single word: “influence.” If so, what lies at the very core of influence? It is character. General Norman Schwarzkopf, well known to us as a hero of the Gulf War, spoke of the importance of character in these words: “Leadership is a combination of strategy and character. But if you must do without one, be without strategy.” When a strategist of historic stature says that a commander’s character is more important than strategy, the importance of character cannot be overstated.
John Maxwell argues that the foundation of leadership is “trust.” No one follows a leader they do not trust. Trust is earned through character. And the more a leader accumulates dignified achievements grounded in character, the greater the trust and respect that leader receives. In short, to become a successful leader, one must first become a person of strong character. In this sense, the words of British statesman John Morley—“No man can rise above the limitations of his character”—are deeply significant.
One characteristic of character is that it cannot be completely hidden or exaggerated. Even if someone tries to present a shallow character as dignified, who a person truly is will eventually be revealed. Suppose one succeeds in hiding all personal flaws and packaging oneself like an angel. Even then, one should quietly ask whether those closest to him truly respect him. One cannot deceive family members or close associates forever.
What, then, is character? Wikipedia defines character as a person’s essential and enduring self, or personality. Put more simply, character is one’s moral quality and disposition. Character can be developed. When it matures, a leader’s potential naturally appeals to others—not because the leader persuades people with words, but because even without speaking, consistency and courage are evident in the leader’s decisions. It becomes unmistakably clear whether the leader respects others, whether he knows the path he must take, and whether he has the ability to lead others along that path. People trust and follow such a leader.
Becoming a person of character does not mean indiscriminately accepting and embracing everything. Accepting everything as it is is not leadership but a vacuum cleaner. When you open a vacuum cleaner, all you find inside is a jumble of dust and trash. A leader must be able to rebuke what needs to be rebuked and correct what needs to be corrected. That is why courage and an indomitable will are indispensable virtues in a leader’s character. A leader must also hold firmly to non-negotiable values in order to be strong. Being a person of character does not mean becoming a kind but incompetent man.
When such a person of character repeatedly achieves success through excellent strategy and execution, charisma naturally follows. He comes to be recognized as an exceptional leader endowed with rare gifts. The foundation of such outstanding leadership is character. If you desire to become a great leader, cultivate great character. No one can achieve beyond the limits of his or her character.