Are you driven by Emotion? Or Character?

Are you driven by Emotion? Or Character?

by John Maxwell

Earlier this week on Facebook and Twitter, I shared this statement from Dick Biggs:

The greatest gap in life is the one between knowing and doing.

Life would certainly be easier – and success more simple – if all it took to achieve was to KNOW the right things and DECIDE to do them, right? But I think it’s more accurate to say that a decision is just one bookend of achievement. The other is discipline. Decisions can only help us start. Discipline helps us finish.

That’s where character comes in. Emotion might drive us to make a decision. But character is what keeps us going, even when it gets hard.

In Developing the Leader Within You, I wrote about some differences between character-driven and emotion-driven people:

Character-driven people…

1. Do right, then feel good.
2. Are commitment driven.
3. Make principle-based decisions.
4. Let action control attitude.
5. Believe it, then see it.
6. Create momentum.
7. Ask, “What are my responsibilities?
8. Continue when problems arise.
9. Are steady.
10. Are leaders.

Emotion-driven people…

1. Feel good, then do right.
2. Are convenience-driven.
3. Make popular decisions.
4. Let attitude control action.
5. See it, then believe it.
6. Wait for momentum.
7. Ask, “What are my rights?”
8. Quit when problems arise.
9. Are moody.
10. Are followers.

The late Louis L’Amour is one of the best-selling authors of all time, with over 300 million copies of his popular western novels and short-story collections sold. When asked the key to his prolific writing, he responded, “Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on.”

Richie words:

I am so sorry for the lacking of news and updates in the past two weeks. I was deeply engaged in job hunting and interviews, rushing for the deadlines of reports and thesis, preparing for final exam, etc. However, I was so excited when I found out this personal blog by one of my favourite author - John C. Maxwell. My god, he is so active in Facebook and Twitter!! His books, The 360° Leader and Leadership Gold are very useful, not only for character building, but also teach readers the ways to communicate and lead in business & organization.

I was impressed when I read this article. Sometimes, I think every leader goes through the period of slipping into being emotionally driven particularly in an intense atmosphere. I agree that successful leadership will begin to happen when one can harness their emotions and be character driven. This article helps me to be refocused in my own leadership role There are still lots of improvements for myself to be completely presented as a character driven decision maker. Anyway, a good lesson from John! Cheers.

Are you driven by emotion or character?

Best Regards,

Richie