“Instead of developing your personality, charm or intellect, try exercising your character today.”

Stephanie Goddard Davidson is considered a subject matter expert in business communications and interpersonal skills training. You can find more in Google Books and Amazon.

She almost sounds a little sarcastic here. Like she knows the first things we work on is charm and intellect and personality. So she points out what we need to remember. Character counts. I would argue that character counts more than your looks, your smarts or your whimsicalness. Oh we are all so impressed with how wonderful and charming you are! As Lincoln said, you can fool some of the people all of the time and all of the people some of the time but you can’t fool all of the people all of the time. Nor can you fool your team, your co-workers, your boss or your spouse all of the time. By the way, you can’t fool your kids for long. Look into their eyes and you will see the reflection of your true character. Try it. You may be exposed as a narcissist because you put your efforts into what is temporary; charm, intellect and personality. They will know, eventually. Your character is revealed in your actions, your metered and patient and truthful words. Your character leaks out of every pore and exposes you for who you are.

So Ms. Davidson says to exercise it today. As always at 240withbill, it is your choice. Exercise your character or do not.Live an honest, truthful life or do not. It is my hope you can look your kids in the eye and know that you want them to know your character. That said, get back to it and Make it a Great Day!