Maybe Character is Worth Considering When Choosing Leaders.

Character-driven leadership fosters trust within an organization. When leaders embody integrity, empathy, and accountability, it inspires employees to do the same, resulting in a more cohesive and motivated team.

Can we blame the polarizing, degrading societal mentality on the pandemic, or is it simply the evolution of human character? Either way, negative behaviors are growing and reflect broader trends. During this time of year, the colors we identify with fly high and proud.

People are drawn to sensationalized actions and rhetoric, as negative behaviors tend to receive more media attention—much like reality TV, which is often staged. This creates the perception that unethical behavior is not only prevalent but also normal, reinforcing the false belief that “good guys” lose and “the dirtiest dog gets the bone.”

News media sensationalism, viral social media trends, confirmation bias, and the promotion of tribalism push the idea that messiness, cheating, and extremism lead to success. This overshadows the positive actions and ethical behavior of leaders with integrity.

Research shows that people claim to want leaders with high moral standards. Yet, what we see in politics and business raises concerns about whether followers truly value credibility and character, or if they prioritize traits like charisma or power, regardless of ethical shortcomings. Ultimately, there’s a disconnect between what people say they value in leadership and the leaders they actually support.

The good news is that statistics support the reality of credibility as a critical leadership trait, encompassing honesty, inspiration, competence, and forward-thinking. Business leaders who foster a positive work culture, model strong character, and create systems that reward ethical behavior consistently outperform those led by self-focused leaders lacking integrity.

Human nature often gravitates toward strong personalities and persuasive rhetoric, even when the underlying behavior is questionable. However, those with strong moral character must stand firm and refuse to accept negative behaviors or compromise their integrity. As we say in sports, “the analytics support going for it.”

This is crucial for attracting and retaining quality employees, especially younger generations, who seek moral, compassionate, and successful leadership in today’s workplace. In entertainment, sports, and politics, the stakes may be different, but in business, choosing leaders wisely is essential—because the results or consequences will be significant. These are serious times for our organizations and country, and it’s time to consider character when selecting our leaders.