Almost two years ago, Home and Community Options launched a program designed to cultivate future employees and leaders equipped with essential skills for promoting the common good. This initiative, now known as “Living with Purpose,” emphasizes servant leadership by prioritizing the needs of consumers, employees, and the wider community. The guiding principle of living with purpose is that each of us is called to be leader in the service to the common good.
The initiative highlights seven key traits of effective servant leadership: being a person of character, putting people first, being a skilled communicator, being a compassionate collaborator, having foresight, being a systems thinker, and leading with moral authority. (Sipe & Frick, 2009).
While these traits sound inspiring, what do they truly mean? In the coming months, we will explore each of these characteristics in depth, examining what they look like in our daily lives.
This month, we’ll focus on being a Person of Character.
A person of character is someone who exhibits integrity and humility while their actions demonstrate personal values that promote the common good within their organizations and communities.
A person of character consistently follows through on their commitments. For example, if a leader promises to provide feedback on a project, they ensure that it’s delivered on time, demonstrating reliability. Similarly, if a friend agrees to help you move on the weekend, they show up as promised. In everyday life, this could also mean remembering to call a family member on their birthday or being punctual for a gathering.
A person of character refuses to compromise their ethical standards for the sake of success, prioritizing integrity over appearances. Consider someone who, when faced with a dilemma, chooses to report a mistake rather than cover it up, valuing honesty above their own comfort. If someone finds a wallet on the ground, they take the time to return it to the lost and found or try to contact the owner instead of keeping the money. When faced with a mistake, they are honest about it—like a student who admits to a teacher that they didn’t complete an assignment instead of making excuses.
Individuals of character build trust through their actions, openly admitting when they are wrong and taking responsibility for their mistakes. For instance, a manager who acknowledges an oversight in scheduling shows humility and fosters an environment of transparency. Alternatively, a neighbor who accidentally damages your property might openly acknowledge it and offer to help repair the damage, demonstrating accountability.
Moreover, they lead with values that extend beyond personal gain, like a team member who advocates for fair treatment of all colleagues, ensuring everyone’s voice is heard, regardless of their role. A community member might advocate for local initiatives that benefit everyone, such as organizing a clean-up event in the neighborhood or volunteering at a food bank, ensuring that the needs of others are met.
As we move through this month, let’s reflect on embodying the trait of being a person of character in all our interactions—at home, in our communities, and at work. Think about someone you admire for their character traits and share your thoughts with family, friends, and co-workers. By recognizing and supporting those who live with purpose, we contribute to a culture where everyone can thrive together.
