Leadership & Character | Wallingford, CT

A group of Wake Forest Friends gathered over dinner in Wallingford, CT on the campus of Choate Rosemary Hall on May 29, 2019 to discuss Leadership & Character.

Overview and highlights of our Call to Conversation:

• With our prompt on good character, we heard examples of selfless individuals (such as captains, parents, spouses, and colleagues) whose actions have been initiated not by reward, but by core values. They lead with integrity, display compassion, and act with courage and resilience.
• People of good character are steadfast in their beliefs, and willing to stand up for what is right. They are not discouraged by challenges or obstacles, despite their difficulty. Additionally, they are not afraid to make sacrifices or forgo opportunities in an effort to honor their commitments.
• We heard how good character can call on people to act immediately–in the moment–and demonstrate great strength without pause. Thus, individuals with good character must have clarity of purpose.
• We discussed that good character is not necessarily innate, or something that just naturally develops. Rather, it is often observed, nurtured, and influenced over time.