Leadership & Character | Los Angeles, CA

A group of Wake Foresters gathered over dinner in Los Angeles, CA on June 28, 2018 to discuss Leadership & Character.

Overview and highlights of our Call to Conversation:

• Leadership is not merely a function of position or title. Rather, it is a matter of living your values, making tough decisions, and quietly doing the work needed in the moment while honoring the humanity of others – with no expectation of payback or public reward.
• Sacrifice and selflessness are the core, admirable traits of leaders with character. Character is not focused inward, and it doesn’t matter how old you are – you can display character at any age by moving forward through ambiguity and doing what’s right.
• Sometimes, character shows itself during big events or high stakes moments – but more often, it is a series of little things (choices) that make up the fabric of how everyday people live their lives.
• Evaluating experiences beyond our own narrow view is the foundation of civility. We have more in common than we might ever imagine, so even in moments of disagreement, showing compassion for others provides space to have tough talks and foster inclusion along the way.
• “…Watch your words, they become actions; watch your actions, they become habits; watch your habits, they become character; watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”