Leadership & Character | Wallingford, CT

A group of Wake Foresters gathered over dinner in Wallingford, CT on December 11, 2018 to discuss Leadership & Character.

Overview and highlights of our Call to Conversation:

• Participants shared many examples of moments when they saw character in action and that then led to lively subsequent conversation on a variety of related topics.
• One of the themes was that demonstrating character doesn’t have to happen in a “big” moment. The group seemed to agree that sometimes small, ordinary moments provide a perfect opportunity for people to show tremendous character.
• The group had a more detailed and lively discussion about millennials and character. Some members of the group shared their experiences working with millennials (or actually being millennials!). Many in the group seemed to appreciate the notion that millennials are very conscious of others and also very connected to each other. Sometimes what older generations see in millennial behavior is actually a misinterpretation of the ways millennials express concern about others.
• Later in our conversation we worked with the question, “Can virtue be taught in the classroom?” At this point many participants referenced their own or their children’s experiences at Wake Forest. Many examples arose that demonstrated that the spirit of Pro Humanitate is strong on campus, both in and out of the classroom. Additionally, the group concurred that it may be more important to lead by a constant and consistent example of shared values than to formally teach character in a classroom setting.
• One very positive takeaway was that many participants would like to expand this conversation about character into other areas of their own lives. Workplaces, schools, and families were all noted as places were there would be benefit to bringing this environment of valuing fundamental communication.