Most everyone, regardless of their current role, wonders if they’ve got the right stuff to become a strong leader. Today is your chance to find out.
I became aware this week of an interesting platform and philosophy of character-based leadership created by
Aprille Trupiano, an International Business Coach in St. Louis, MO. Her philosophy stresses the
principles (not the tactics) that turn strong individuals into prospective leaders, and that will invariably make the difference for current leaders between being
good and rising to all-out
great. Aprille’s experience is that when leadership principles are instilled and practiced, the tactics arise as natural behaviors.
This is a philosophy that resonates very much with my own. My emphasis and focus, as readers of this column are aware, is on the
7 Non-Negotiables of Winning: Respect, Belief, Loyalty, Commitment, Trust, Courage and Gratitude. (It’s also the focus of my upcoming book, due out Aug. 6.)
Aprille speaks and writes about 5 C’s of Leadership that have the potential not only to change the course of business organizations, but to change families, neighborhoods, community endeavors—perhaps even the world.
I endorse this philosophy fully. In summary, the 5 C’s are as follows:
#1: Demonstrate CHARACTER
Of the many facets of leadership none rank higher than strong character, which is illustrated through unwavering integrity. Be impeccable with your word. Do what you said you’d do, when you said you’d do it, and do it with excellence even if (and especially when) nobody is watching. Do the right thing, even when it’s uncomfortable, difficult or bears a high cost. Integrity defines leadership.