Leadership & Character | Bristol, TN

A group of Wake Foresters gathered over dinner in Bristol, TN on April 2, 2019 to discuss Leadership & Character.

Overview and Highlights of our Call to Conversation:

• Wonderful examples were shared of people in our lives who have exemplified character, including colleagues, teachers, family members, and friends. It was evident that we each were stirred by both the stories we heard and those we ourselves shared. It was an enriching experience. Below are some of the themes which seemed especially evident across all our stories:
  • We never know how what we do today will influence others.
  • It is our responsibility to cultivate the good in others. Acknowledging others’ positive character traits reinforces positive behavior.
  • Character is often evidenced in: the “little things”; individual resilience; putting others first; and doing for others without desiring or expecting notoriety.
  • Each of those we spoke about were genuine, intentional in how they reached out to us, and present in our lives. We acknowledged that as they lived, so should we.
  • We concurred that no matter our differences – politically or otherwise – we should begin discussions on the premise that we all have the same desire for civility and respect. Then, from this common ground, strive to find the middle ground.
  • Some of us are still pondering David Brooks’ op-ed that shared about the differences between our “resumé” virtues and our “eulogy” virtues. This, we recognized, is the great irony of our culture today in defining success. One among us beautifully encapsulated their takeaway of the evening: that it’s so important to be intentional about developing our “eulogy” virtues.