The "IF 16"
Leadership Attributes

Number 2: Character – The Importance of Trusting Yourself

"If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too:"

Character is an essential leadership attribute that is often talked about and misunderstood.  Ronald Reagan’s foreign policy challenges as President demonstrated extraordinary confidence.  His confidence was a product of this Character.  Reagan’s approach ran counter to the conventional wisdom of his day, but he trusted his beliefs in spite of nearly unanimous opposition, domestically and internationally.  His ability to trust himself was a reflection of his character and the underlying principles that defined him.  Character requires leaders to fully explore who we are, what we believe, and how our actions align with our principles. 

Building our character requires:

1.      Recognizing that character matters

2.      Grounding our beliefs in principles and morals

3.      Aligning our actions with our principles

4.      Testing our actions and making sacrifices