Eyes & Ears: Character trait trifecta improves bottom line

If the words self-discipline, trustworthy and dependable come to mind, the spring Character Education words are made to order.

The Character Ed words in March, April and May are deeply linked together.

As a trio, the words create an upstanding person – just think about a hard worker, who’s even-keel under stress, reliable with responsibilities and consistent in all matters.

Now the hard questions: Are you that person? Do you demonstrate the traits you expect from staff?

Character Ed is a multiyear initiative led by the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce promoting quality character traits among southwest Missourians. This column takes a look at businesspeople – submitted by readers – who exemplify these words in the workplace or in the community.

Triple threat

Person who exemplifies “self-discipline,” “trustworthy” and “dependable” at work: Stacie Brown

Company, title: JMark Business Solutions Inc., operations coordinator

Submitted by: Thomas H. Douglas

How does Stacie Brown exemplify those traits? If Stacie is working on a project, I never have to worry about it getting completed on time and on budget. As a business owner, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate these qualities and what she does for our organization. She is one in a million.

Self-discipline

Person who exemplifies “self-discipline” at work: Chris Braun

Company, title: Pinnacle Sign Group, vice president

Submitted by: Sabrina Braun

How does Chris Braun exemplify self-discipline? My husband exemplifies self-discipline because we have been business owners for more than five years. Chris is one of the hardest-working people I know. He never shies away from the huge amount of work that is on his plate and always makes it a priority to get the job done for the company and for the customer. He puts in long hours every day and works most weekends in order to satisfy the needs of the business.

Attitude

The word attitude struck a chord with central Missouri-based consultant Darla Arni, who e-mailed me with some of her insight on the topic. Arni is a professional speaker and author of “Sharing Creativity at Home,” according to www.darlaarni.com. I’ll share her thoughts with you:

Eric,

I came across your article in my daily Google alert on the word “attitude.” My most requested topic is the energy of attitude, so I like to keep up on the subject and share interesting tidbits and articles, such as yours, with my audiences. Attitude seems to be such a basic component, yet it has a huge impact on all of our interactions, either good or bad. Our attitude becomes the filter through which we see the world, and we respond to others based on our perceptions.

Your article and its recognition of good attitude – along with a true, specific definition of why and how – was refreshing and I will use it as an example in my next presentation and direct my audience to your online article. Thanks so much.

Live it

I encourage you to join in on the conversation. The more we talk about these character traits, the more we can look for ways to demonstrate them in our offices and in our personal lives.

Tell SBJ about your colleagues who exemplify strong character traits. I’d further encourage you to look outside of your office for individuals who demonstrate the Character Ed words.

And more importantly, let’s continue or begin to live out the meanings of these words.

Who knows? Maybe one day you’ll see your name pop up in this column saluting Character Ed professionals.

SBJ Salutes Character Ed

The Character Ed words for June and July are “cooperation” and “integrity,” respectively.

Who in your workplace best exemplifies these quality character traits? Send an e-mail to eolson@sbj.net with the person’s name, title, employer and a brief example of the trait at work. Responses could be published in upcoming Eyes & Ears columns.

Springfield Business Journal Editor Eric Olson can be reached at eolson@sbj.net.[[In-content Ad]]