🎄 Merry Christmas! 🎄
I hope you’re enjoying the holidays and taking some time to relax and be with friends and family!
I know today’s a holiday, but I didn’t want you to miss out on this business tip. So, when you grab a minute between bites of turkey and scoops of stuffing, here’s your daily business tip:
“Character is much easier kept than recovered.” – Thomas Paine
In business, just as in life, the strength of your character is a cornerstone of your success. It’s not just about your skills or knowledge, but about who you are as a person – your integrity, your ethics, and your commitment to doing what’s right.
Howard Schultz’s unwavering commitment to ethical leadership and his concern for employee welfare – offering benefits like health insurance and stock options even to part-time workers – is a testament to his character. This approach wasn’t just about doing good; it was good business. It helped Starbucks gain immense loyalty from both employees and customers, demonstrating how strong character can translate into business success.
Your character in business sets the tone for your entire organization. It’s about being honest, ethical, and reliable. It’s about how you handle challenges and mistakes. Do you cut corners, or do you stick to your principles even when it’s difficult? A strong character fosters a positive work environment, encourages teamwork, and leads to better business outcomes.
In today’s world, where consumers are more informed and more concerned about the ethical practices of the companies they buy from, your character can be a significant differentiator. People are drawn to brands and leaders who stand for something more than just profit. They want to do business with those who reflect their values and who they can trust.
Action Step: Reflect on your daily business interactions. Consider one area where you can demonstrate your character and make a commitment to take action in this area. Whether it’s how you handle a customer complaint, how you negotiate with suppliers, or how you manage your employees, every action is an opportunity to reinforce the strength of your character.
Remember, while products and strategies may evolve, a steadfast character provides a consistent foundation for success.
To learn more about the impact of character in business, be sure to check out our book of the week “Business Made Simple” by Donald Miller.