Leadership is often summed up in a single word: “influence.” If so, what lies at the very core of influence? Character drives it. General Norman Schwarzkopf, well known as a hero of the Gulf War, emphasized character when he said, “Leadership is a combination of strategy and character. But if you must do without one, be without strategy.” When a strategist of historic stature asserts that a commander’s character outweighs strategy, we cannot overstate the importance of character.
John Maxwell argues that leaders must first earn “trust.” No one follows a leader they do not trust. Leaders earn trust through character. The more a leader accumulates dignified achievements grounded in character, the greater the trust and respect followers have in them. In short, to become a successful leader, one must first cultivate a strong character. In this sense, British statesman John Morley’s words—“No man can rise above the limitations of his character”—carry deep significance.
One trait of character is that people cannot completely hide or exaggerate it. Even if someone tries to present a shallow character as dignified, others will eventually see their true self. Suppose someone succeeds in hiding all personal flaws and packaging themselves like an angel. Even then, they should quietly ask whether their closest allies truly respect them. No one can 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 expresses one’s moral quality and disposition. People can develop character. As it matures, a leader naturally attracts followers—not because the leader persuades them with words, but because others see consistency and courage in the leader’s decisions. Followers clearly recognize whether the leader respects them, understands the path to take, and can guide them along it. 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 does not constitute leadership; it mimics a vacuum cleaner. Open a vacuum cleaner, and you find a jumble of dust and trash inside. A leader must rebuke what needs rebuking and correct what needs correcting. That is why courage and an indomitable will must form part of a leader’s character. A leader must also hold firmly to non-negotiable values to remain strong. Being a person of character does not mean becoming a kind but incompetent man.
When a person of character repeatedly achieves success through excellent strategy and execution, charisma naturally follows. People recognize them as an exceptional leader endowed with rare gifts. Character forms the foundation of such outstanding leadership. If you desire to become a great leader, cultivate great character. No one can achieve beyond the limits of their character.