Leadership & Character | Virum, Denmark

A group of Wake Foresters gathered over dinner in Virum, Denmark on October 25, 2018 to discuss Leadership & Character.

Overview and highlights of our Call to Conversation:

• We began by each citing a moment we had seen character in action. These incidents included helping others who were down on their luck, standing up for one’s beliefs without demonizing the opposition, sacrificing ambition in a race to assist a fellow runner, honesty, going beyond what was required, and having the grit to push oneself to a higher standard.
• We discussed that much of character can be and should be taught inside and outside the classroom.
• A part of character that everyone agreed upon was to take altruistic and ethical action whether someone else was watching or not. We decided that character is not nebulous but is shown in actions.
• We decided acknowledging weaknesses, accepting mistakes, and taking responsibility are all important aspects of character and leadership. The group also thought role models who exemplify character are imperative for society. Likewise, doing something meaningful and purposeful that unites and uplifts others is a critical component of character and leadership.