In a world often clouded by ambiguity and moral dilemmas, the concepts of ethos and character are perhaps the most overlooked traits in our personal and professional lives. We talk about efficiency and effectiveness. We focus on results. We track to do lists and pack our calendars. But how much time do we spend defining, developing and living by our values?
Derived from the Greek word meaning “character,” ethos refers to the credibility and trustworthiness a person possesses, encompassing the moral and ethical qualities that define who you are. It forms the bedrock upon which you and your organization build your reputations. At its core, ethos represents the credibility and authority you command through your actions and words. It is the embodiment of honesty and reliability that instills confidence in others. When you possess a strong ethos, you are seen as credible and authentic, making yourself influential and persuasive in your interactions.
This credibility is earned through consistency, transparency, and adherence to moral principles, which serve as guiding lights in decision-making and behavior. Character is not merely about adhering to societal norms or rules but about embodying fundamental values and principles that transcend situational contexts. It is the inner moral strength that withstands temptations, challenges, and adversities, remaining steadfast in the pursuit of what is right and just.
In today’s society, where ethical lapses and moral compromises often dominate headlines, the importance of ethos and character cannot be overstated. They serve as antidotes to the erosion of trust and integrity, providing yourself and your team with moral clarity and direction in a world fraught with ethical dilemmas. Leaders who embody strong ethos and character inspire trust, loyalty, and confidence among their followers. Their words are imbued with sincerity, their actions guided by principles, and their decisions rooted in ethical considerations. Such leaders not only foster a culture of integrity within their organizations but also set a positive example for others to emulate.
Moreover, ethos and character play pivotal roles in shaping your relationships, both personal and professional. In personal relationships, individuals with strong ethos and character are seen as dependable, empathetic, and genuine partners. Their integrity and moral rectitude form the foundation of trust and mutual respect, fostering healthy and fulfilling connections. In the professional sphere, colleagues and collaborators are drawn to those who exhibit unwavering ethics and character, recognizing them as reliable and principled allies in the pursuit of shared goals.
However, maintaining ethos and character is not without its challenges. In a world rife with moral ambiguity and ethical dilemmas, you will often find yourself confronted with situations that test your integrity and moral fortitude. The allure of short-term gains or the pressure to conform to societal and corporate expectations will tempt you to compromise your principles. It is precisely in these moments of moral crisis that the true measure of your ethos and character is revealed. It is a test of resilience, courage, and conviction to stay true to your values and principles, even in the face of adversity.
Integrity and authenticity are increasingly scarce commodities. Organizational leaders spend time attempting to lay out corporate mission statements and values, but these are completely meaningless if we do not live by them day-to-day. Buzzwords like “well-being”, “work life balance”, and “mindfulness” have become everyday vocabulary because so many feel unwell, unbalanced, and distracted. At it’s root, this is caused by a lack of psychological safety based on trusting relationships. We cannot build and maintain trusting relationships without personal character and ethos.
I fundamentally believe that the majority of our societal and organizational problems stem from a lack of ethos. We don’t trust each other, and therefore, we cannot perform together at the highest level. We have good reason not to trust each other, because so many of us have compromised our own character for a short term gain. We have been pushed aside by our leaders for the sake of expedient profits. This is not the path of sustainable growth or competitive advantage.
If you’ve made it this far in this rant, I challenge you to do two things:
Knowing your values to their core and a daily pursuit to live by them will ground your personal character on a solid foundation that does not sway when challenges arise.
Ethos and character are the moral compass that guide us through life. If we compromise these values, we compromise who we are as individuals. By living and leading with high standards and an up-right ethos, we build the trust that develops psychological safety. This leads to deeper relationships, more effective teams, and long term success. As with any positive change, the first person to start with is always myself. I’m committed to doing better at holding fast to timeless principles and striving to be a beacon of integrity and honesty. I hope you will do the same.
Travis Buell 