“Leadership ………. is like a big door that swings.  But that big door of leadership swings on the small hinge of character.”

                                                                           - Admiral James Stavridis (Ret.)

Last week I shared with you part one of a two-part mini-series on leadership and the outstanding quote above by Admiral James Stavidis (Ret.)

In part one, we discussed the first 5 of nine attributes on character in leadership that I created as the acronym C.H.A.R.A.C.T.E.R.  These were:

C – Commitment to Serve, H – Honor Your Word, A – Attainment = Accomplishment + Becoming, R – Rise to the Occasion and A#2 – Admit and Own Your Mistakes and Move to Correct Them This week, we will continue with the remaining four “character” attributes of being a leader.

• C #2– Capability – The world of leadership places a strong emphasis (and with good reason) on accountability. Holding yourself or others accountable for their actions is seen a strong
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“Leadership ………. is like a big door that swings.  But that big door of leadership swings on the small hinge of character.”

                                                                                 - Admiral James Stavridis (Ret.)

A couple of years ago at this time, I was listening to an interview with Retired Admiral James Stavridis, who was out promoting his new book on leadership, Sailing True North: Ten Admirals and the Voyage of Character.   

I have to admit, I was half-listening to the interview while I was working out, when the admiral said something and made me immediately stop and go running for a pen and paper to write it down when he shared,

“Leadership is how we influence others.  It is like a big door that swings.  But that big door of leadership swings on the small hinge of character.”

These words have stayed with me over the last year, and in my opinion, are even more needed now than when I first heard them.  Since listening to this interview.  I h...