Working with Orrin Woodward and the LIFE business combines two of my most favorite aspects in life, business systems and character development. I recently wrote a commentary about why I love systems so today I would like to comment about why I love character development.
Character is the essential quality for leadership. Character is the core of a person. Although never perfect, it can improve like a pattern formed by a potter. We are what we do. Behavior and habits define us. Socrates said, “Know yourself”, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” By looking inward we can make subtle changes to our ethical character and moral example. The more we improve, the more we are capable of leading others, which is why character is the fundamental quality to lead people.
I have worked with Orrin Woodward for almost twenty years as a friend and business partner in the Team Leadership development system. Orrin's character excels which is predominately the reason ten's of thousands of people have stayed with the Team. Working with someone whose consciousness is aligned with a higher destiny and purpose is a breath of fresh air in a world of apathy and hopelessness. Orrin recently shared comments about his willingness to place character above the critics. He said,“I have taken my share of criticism for not going along with the herd in networking. I have refused repeatedly to sell out my character for conveniences. This has cost me money, time, and relationships over the years, since, in my opinion, some of my former heroes chose to sell out rather than fight for what is right. Anytime someone desires to change the rules of the future, he will be attacked by the protectors of the past. I have received, and will continue receiving personal attacks for changing the rules. However, although they can attack my reputation, they cannot touch my character. Better they criticize me than I be them. The only people calling LIFE a scam are fearful competitors or woefully ignorant individuals. Make no mistake, I will never surrender my principles for peace. I believe it’s better to create the new, rather than criticize the old”.
Is there really anything more important than character development if we are to become the leaders necessary to be the change in the world today? Orrin wrote a phenomenal book on character development called, ‘Resolved 13 Resolutions for LIFE.” While reflecting on his first forty years of learning lessons he sights principles to live by from George Washington, Jonathon Edwards, and Benjamin Franklin, arguably three of the smartest minds of western civilization. What better examples of leaders to follow. In Peter Senge’s book, ‘The Fifth Discipline’, he sees Personal Mastery as key to any learning organization, that is why I believe the LIFE business is today’s best opportunity. Development of character is worthy of constant attention. Some questions posed by Russell W. Gough professor of ethics and philosophy at Pepperdine University, in his book, ‘Character is Destiny’ to evaluate personal character development include:
- Have I become complacent about improving my personal character?
- Am I so consumed in my daily life with other pursuits and goals that I end up devoting little or no time and thought to the betterment of my personal character?
- How much time and energy do I spend trying to enhance my looks or my popularity or my bank account in comparison to the time and energy I spend trying to improve my personal character?
- Have I perhaps developed an attitude of “Oh well, I’m too set in my ways now,” or “I’m content with the way I am, faults and all-so U won’t bother trying to improve any more”?
Find a friend who will loan you some information from the LIFE business and evaluate the content on how it will help your own personal development. After that, I’m sure you will join Orrin Woodward and LIFE leadership and self - development business. God Bless, George Guzzardo
