I have two books I really enjoyed reading, A Different Drummer by Michael Deaver and When Character Was King by Peggy Noonan. Both books are about a man I admired, President Ronald Reagan. Putting politics aside, I enjoyed what the man stood for in his love for this country. He was apparently a shy man; deplored talking about himself, liked talking and doing things for the 'common' folk; whose convictions were unwavering; optimistic in the toughest of times. He was the President but defined professionalism and character because of the small things he did for others.

In A Different Drummer, Deaver tells of how when Reagan was governor of California he insisted on checking a sampling of the mail (can you imagine?). He would personally answer every one that made it to his desk, and not always with words. On one occasion after checking his mail he abruptly got up and left early for the day to 'run a few errands'. The errand he ran was to a hallmark shop to purchase a card, a flower shop to pick up a dozen roses and then deliver them to a young bride in a nearby town. Why? Because he had opened a letter from a soldier in Vietnam who missed his wife dearly and on that particular day he would not be there to wish her happy anniversary. When asked the next day how the errands went, Mr. Reagan said with a smile, "They went fine, fine."

I think people of character do the small things for others. I know men and women who are CEO's, CIO's, COO's, Presidents, and Vice Presidents of companies who are people of character. I also know teachers, ministers, construction people, plumbers, and mechanics who are professionals with character. But no matter the title or lack of one, people who have character do the small things for others. Can I give you some examples?

1. Returning phone calls or emails in a timely manner.

2. Stopping during rush hour on I-635 in Dallas to help a stranded motorist in traffic and then be assisted by two 18 wheelers who block 5 lanes of traffic while the car is pushed off.  (People follow people with character!)

3. Saying "good morning" when you enter your office or "hello" when you pass other employees in the hall way.

4. Asking how others are doing and not always having the focus be on you.

5. Saying "no" when "yes" would have been easier because of peer pressure.

These are but a few, and I know you know a plethora of others. Feel free to share.

"Character is what you do when nobody's looking" as well as "treating others the way you want to be treated." "The integrity of the upright will guide them..."

Leadership starts with character which is made in secret, deep down inside away from public opinion or public knowledge.  Period.