Comments for Michelle Braden's Weblog http://michellesbraden.wordpress.com Empower Your Success Fri, 23 Jan 2009 19:44:17 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 Comment on What Color is Character? by John R. Sedivy http://michellesbraden.wordpress.com/2009/01/22/what-color-is-character/#comment-17 John R. Sedivy Fri, 23 Jan 2009 19:44:17 +0000 http://michellesbraden.wordpress.com/?p=31#comment-17 Interestingly enough I have found that individuals with high character often have a high degree of professional skill. Of course there are exceptions to every rule, however this is a trend I have found in my studies and interactions in my personal and professional life. High character often drives the desire for a high degree of success and bettering the lives of others and an individual's community as a whole. For an interesting example check out "The Snowball" which is the biography of Warren Buffett and "American Lion" which is the biography of Andrew Jackson. "Dutch" which is the biography of Ronald Reagan is another fine example. Interestingly enough I have found that individuals with high character often have a high degree of professional skill. Of course there are exceptions to every rule, however this is a trend I have found in my studies and interactions in my personal and professional life. High character often drives the desire for a high degree of success and bettering the lives of others and an individual’s community as a whole. For an interesting example check out “The Snowball” which is the biography of Warren Buffett and “American Lion” which is the biography of Andrew Jackson. “Dutch” which is the biography of Ronald Reagan is another fine example.

]]> Comment on What Color is Character? by susanmcginnis http://michellesbraden.wordpress.com/2009/01/22/what-color-is-character/#comment-16 susanmcginnis Fri, 23 Jan 2009 11:25:18 +0000 http://michellesbraden.wordpress.com/?p=31#comment-16 John's got it; skill is relative to the demands of the situation, and lesser levels of skill can be fine in the appropriate context. But character isn't relative. And it shows up in how decisions are made when skills are challenged. So character perhaps isn't that separate from skill, but maybe is a component of skill. John’s got it; skill is relative to the demands of the situation, and lesser levels of skill can be fine in the appropriate context. But character isn’t relative. And it shows up in how decisions are made when skills are challenged. So character perhaps isn’t that separate from skill, but maybe is a component of skill.

]]> Comment on What Color is Character? by John R. Sedivy http://michellesbraden.wordpress.com/2009/01/22/what-color-is-character/#comment-15 John R. Sedivy Fri, 23 Jan 2009 03:31:17 +0000 http://michellesbraden.wordpress.com/?p=31#comment-15 My preference is character any day. Concerning the best surgeon who lacks integrity, you may not be getting his best on your day of the operation if he/she lacks integrity to do the right thing and practice his skill with integrity in a consistent manner. In my experience practical skills can be taught and are relatively easy when compared to integrity and core values. That being said there are shades of gray, especially given differing cultures throughout the world. For me it has always been about treating others with respect, if I treat others with respect I can feel confident that I have done well by them and acted with integrity. My preference is character any day. Concerning the best surgeon who lacks integrity, you may not be getting his best on your day of the operation if he/she lacks integrity to do the right thing and practice his skill with integrity in a consistent manner. In my experience practical skills can be taught and are relatively easy when compared to integrity and core values. That being said there are shades of gray, especially given differing cultures throughout the world. For me it has always been about treating others with respect, if I treat others with respect I can feel confident that I have done well by them and acted with integrity.

]]> Comment on What Color is Character? by jennifer http://michellesbraden.wordpress.com/2009/01/22/what-color-is-character/#comment-14 jennifer Fri, 23 Jan 2009 02:44:35 +0000 http://michellesbraden.wordpress.com/?p=31#comment-14 great question! i am really torn on this issue my husband agrees with Chris but if the surgeon who is dishonest messes up he will never tell you! I have to believe in the honest surgeon because i dont want to give my money to a person or organization that i know is corrupt. i think that i would love to believe that people are out there thinking about doing the right thing, being ethical and honest but that is not always the case. i just feel each and eveyone of us needs to lead by example and send out as much love in everything we do and everyone we come in contact with , hopefully others will catch on. Have you ever tried to say hello to everyone you meet everyday for a week? some people get upset, give you dirty looks, or dont say a thing. if we were all more loving to each other this wouldn't happen and when you build on that idea of everyone loving each other more maybe global wars could be avoided!! something else to contemplate! or i may be the eternal optimist! :) great question! i am really torn on this issue my husband agrees with Chris but if the surgeon who is dishonest messes up he will never tell you! I have to believe in the honest surgeon because i dont want to give my money to a person or organization that i know is corrupt. i think that i would love to believe that people are out there thinking about doing the right thing, being ethical and honest but that is not always the case. i just feel each and eveyone of us needs to lead by example and send out as much love in everything we do and everyone we come in contact with , hopefully others will catch on.
Have you ever tried to say hello to everyone you meet everyday for a week? some people get upset, give you dirty looks, or dont say a thing. if we were all more loving to each other this wouldn’t happen and when you build on that idea of everyone loving each other more maybe global wars could be avoided!! something else to contemplate! or i may be the eternal optimist! :)

]]> Comment on What Color is Character? by susanmcginnis http://michellesbraden.wordpress.com/2009/01/22/what-color-is-character/#comment-13 susanmcginnis Fri, 23 Jan 2009 02:23:02 +0000 http://michellesbraden.wordpress.com/?p=31#comment-13 Sometimes what appears to be strong character is rigidity or lack of development, and what looks like weakness is just honoring a different code. But seems to me that you need to have both integrity and skill to be trustworthy to another with shared values. Even the best surgeon will make mistakes, so we are always "becoming" and others are always evaluating us. The Buddhists talk about right action and right intention, and how to recognize it; I know that talking about having principles does not indicate good character - we know by the fruit, the action. So I'm getting that gauging integrity or skillfullness is a process, not a decision . . we are always showing who we are, and we should not assume we know who someone else is. . . There is no black and white and therefore no easy answer. This is really heavy, Michelle. Way to go. Sometimes what appears to be strong character is rigidity or lack of development, and what looks like weakness is just honoring a different code. But seems to me that you need to have both integrity and skill to be trustworthy to another with shared values. Even the best surgeon will make mistakes, so we are always “becoming” and others are always evaluating us. The Buddhists talk about right action and right intention, and how to recognize it; I know that talking about having principles does not indicate good character – we know by the fruit, the action. So I’m getting that gauging integrity or skillfullness is a process, not a decision . . we are always showing who we are, and we should not assume we know who someone else is. . . There is no black and white and therefore no easy answer. This is really heavy, Michelle. Way to go.

]]> Comment on What Color is Character? by Barry Moore http://michellesbraden.wordpress.com/2009/01/22/what-color-is-character/#comment-12 Barry Moore Thu, 22 Jan 2009 23:44:47 +0000 http://michellesbraden.wordpress.com/?p=31#comment-12 Character vs. Ability? Integrity? All needed to live your life to the fullest. You may never be the fastest on the track team but you need all of the above. The key is " Be The Best" If you do than you have done everything right. George W ? I beleive we owe the last 7 years of our life and safety to him and his staff. I beleive in a democracy we need to all follow the dream which is laid out in the Constitution. In buisness or life there are many that have just one or two of the 3 items you ask about. The only reason to not have all 3 is effort, laziness or greed. Hidden agendas are out there for many that just dont want to play by the rules. We are seeing everyday media spin doctors that make you to start doubting yourself. You become issolated here recently ( last 20 years) if you want to Be the Best. This means being honest and just working for everyones well being. That is what we have lived thru for the last 8 years. A group of people hated by those that want to steal freedom. We had 8 years of people giving their best. What did they get from their integrity? The ability to leave this world at some point knowing they did what they beleived was right. Not for their personal gains but for those young people that want to live in a democracy when they turn my age. Democracy is Character, Ability and integrity. Freedon, how long it took to get and how fast it can be gone. Time will tell just stay the course you know is right. That is have all 3 and from what i see in you and your business you have all of what you are pondering. Character vs. Ability? Integrity? All needed to live your life to the fullest. You may never be the fastest on the track team but you need all of the above. The key is ” Be The Best” If you do than you have done everything right. George W ? I beleive we owe the last 7 years of our life and safety to him and his staff. I beleive in a democracy we need to all follow the dream which is laid out in the Constitution. In buisness or life there are many that have just one or two of the 3 items you ask about. The only reason to not have all 3 is effort, laziness or greed. Hidden agendas are out there for many that just dont want to play by the rules. We are seeing everyday media spin doctors that make you to start doubting yourself. You become issolated here recently ( last 20 years) if you want to Be the Best. This means being honest and just working for everyones well being. That is what we have lived thru for the last 8 years. A group of people hated by those that want to steal freedom. We had 8 years of people giving their best. What did they get from their integrity? The ability to leave this world at some point knowing they did what they beleived was right. Not for their personal gains but for those young people that want to live in a democracy when they turn my age. Democracy is Character, Ability and integrity. Freedon, how long it took to get and how fast it can be gone. Time will tell just stay the course you know is right. That is have all 3 and from what i see in you and your business you have all of what you are pondering.

]]> Comment on What Color is Character? by Olga Morse http://michellesbraden.wordpress.com/2009/01/22/what-color-is-character/#comment-11 Olga Morse Thu, 22 Jan 2009 21:57:00 +0000 http://michellesbraden.wordpress.com/?p=31#comment-11 The nature of politics requires truthfulness to take a back seat because it is all about the numbers; how many people could vote for me? So in order to keep many happy, it is necessary to stay in that middle area, not too transparent ,nor too honest. However, as individual business owners, we can perform at a higher level of integrity while knowing that what we need is a solid constituency to sponsor our business. So, yes, I think that even as we make mistakes in judgments, we can be honest and integral when providing services. That kind of reputation is Gold. In terms of ability; well if you don't have it, then hire it. The nature of politics requires truthfulness to take a back seat because it is all about the numbers; how many people could vote for me? So in order to keep many happy, it is necessary to stay in that middle area, not too transparent ,nor too honest.
However, as individual business owners, we can perform at a higher level of integrity while knowing that what we need is a solid constituency to sponsor our business. So, yes, I think that even as we make mistakes in judgments, we can be honest and integral when providing services. That kind of reputation is Gold. In terms of ability; well if you don’t have it, then hire it.

]]> Comment on What Color is Character? by Chris Antoun http://michellesbraden.wordpress.com/2009/01/22/what-color-is-character/#comment-10 Chris Antoun Thu, 22 Jan 2009 18:57:57 +0000 http://michellesbraden.wordpress.com/?p=31#comment-10 Great question Michelle! I would like both qualities, but I know that is not possible. I think there may be grey area in my answer. For me, it depends on the role that the person is in. I would rather have a dishonest surgeon with ability, but I would rather have an honest friend, without much ability. Either way, striving for both is a valuable personal goal. Great question Michelle! I would like both qualities, but I know that is not possible. I think there may be grey area in my answer. For me, it depends on the role that the person is in. I would rather have a dishonest surgeon with ability, but I would rather have an honest friend, without much ability. Either way, striving for both is a valuable personal goal.

]]> Comment on Dirty Delegation? by Torri Fears http://michellesbraden.wordpress.com/2008/09/27/dirty-delegation/#comment-8 Torri Fears Thu, 02 Oct 2008 19:14:46 +0000 http://michellesbraden.wordpress.com/?p=3#comment-8 Michelle, Very nicely said. Even those that do not like to delegate or do not like being delegated to, must understand it is a must to get tasks completed and deadlines accomplished for the company. I enjoyed reading this! Keep them coming! :) Torri Michelle,

Very nicely said. Even those that do not like to delegate or do not like being delegated to, must understand it is a must to get tasks completed and deadlines accomplished for the company.

I enjoyed reading this! Keep them coming! :)

Torri

]]> Comment on Dirty Delegation? by Todd http://michellesbraden.wordpress.com/2008/09/27/dirty-delegation/#comment-7 Todd Thu, 02 Oct 2008 07:06:14 +0000 http://michellesbraden.wordpress.com/?p=3#comment-7 Nicely done! This article definitely puts things in perspective. I know that delegation is necessary for success and now I have a goal to work to achieve more. Who wants some work! Nicely done! This article definitely puts things in perspective. I know that delegation is necessary for success and now I have a goal to work to achieve more. Who wants some work!

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