The post “What is a true test of a person’s character?” from The Happiness Project discusses the following quote from Bob Suttons work manifesto:
“The best test of a person’s character is how he or she treats those with less power.”
The post goes of to provide the a list of how to test a persons true nature, these are the ones that stood out for me:
- “How a person treats a waiter.”
- “Whether a person plays by the rules when no one is watching.”
- “How people behave when they’re pulled over while driving.”
- “How a person treats his or her own parents. And in-laws.”
- “How he or she handles good fortune.”
Have your say…
- What are your thoughts?
- Is this really a good test of a persons character?
- Do you pay attention to how a person treats those with less power?
Technorati Tags: Character, Test, Power, Leadership, Management, Business, Authority
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George, I have also heard it said that “the best test of a person’s character is how he or she acts when others are not watching.” Your list is similar in nature: what we do as individuals when we are not trying to get the attention of someone in a “higher position” says much about our character.
Ultimately we must each make the decision individually who we are and what we stand for; doing this forms our character. -Michael
Hi Michael,
I like the description “the best test of a person’s character is how he or she acts when others are not watching.”
A great insight… Thanks
George,
These are the behaviors (display). Is behavior a true reflection of character?
a very basic and the most important snap shot “The best test of a person’s character is how he or she treats those with less power.” really appreciate this
I don’t think that these are good tests. I’m replying as to try and help someone who really needs to know if they can trust someone. I’m not trying to put down anyone, just offering a different perspective.
1. “the best test of a person’s character is how he or she treats those with less power” – The true intent cannot be known here. is it done for pity? self guilt or showmanship? How can you tell the difference between a facade and a certain style? Waiting them out wouldn’t work because people change and you might not have time to wait to discover their character.
2. “how a person treats a waiter” – You will never know the intent. Ever fake something on the first date?
3. “whether a person plays by the rules when no one is watching” – doesn’t work because if nobody can check it, then you have to trust them which is probably in doubt when testing for character to begin with.
4. “how people behave when found guilty” – Way too many factors to prove good character. This is situational and the situation can be different every time. Some people get pulled over on bad days only because it’s their emotional turmoil that drove them to get a ticket.
5. “treating of parents” – Some parents and in-laws are humans and as humans, some are unworthy of respect because they haven’t earned it. This can be extended to how they treat everyone, but then it’s not a good test of character is it can be a power play instead.
6. “How they handle good fortune” – This is just plain hooey.
—————–
If you really honestly want to test someone’s character, you give them power they are not ready for and check for the 6 virtues: wisdom, justice, temperance, humanity, transcendence, courage. I say these six deliberately and not picking them from a hat. Modern rigorous psychological testing of these traits
Put the person in question in power. Give that person a project or people to manage, let that person call all the shots. If you can’t do that, then make yourself submissive to that person. Give that person your power. Help him fix his garage a weekend and let him call the shots. Armchair/office hypothetical discussions are ineffective if you really need to know.
“To see a man’s true nature, give him complete, unadulterated power to think, judge and execute another human being” – unknown
just food for thought – thanks