02.01.2010
  
Michael Fox CPCC,
founder of magine!,
is a professional
coach and trainer,
author and creative artist, whose work has been featured throughout
the world.

Michael is a
Certified Practitioner
of the
Myers-Briggs
Type Indicator.

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Character and personality...      

Stephen Covey observed a truth so deeply resonant with the public that he parlayed his doctoral dissertation into a bestselling book, The Seven Habits of Highly Successful People. He discovered that from the founding of the United States to World War II, success literature was built upon, what Covey described as, a character ethic. After the war, however, it was largely based upon a personality ethic.

 

A character ethic seeks transformation from the "inside out"; a personality ethic seeks transformation from the "outside in." A character ethic focuses on qualities such as integrity, humility, courage, patience, and the Golden Rule; a personality ethic gives weight to attributes such as likability, technique, appearance, a positive mental attitude, and a nice set of threads. While the latter set of qualities may be of value, Covey argues, "We have become so focused on building ourselves up we have forgotten the foundation that holds it up is that of character and integrity."

 

Many consultants and therapists prefer to talk in terms of personality rather than character, because character is weighted with objective values such as right and wrong, truth and, ahem, not so much. Gordon Allport, late Harvard psychologist and former president of the American Psychological Association, suggested that the concept of moral excellence (qualities of character) was replaced by social and personal effectiveness (attributes of personality). Allport wrote that character is personality valuated, and personality is character devaluated.

 

 

The conflict between character ethic and personality ethic might be illustrated in what is commonly called our "communication style." Although communication styles are branded distinctively from one consultant to another, most experts acknowledge three primary styles: Aggressive, Passive, and Assertive. (Now, please, you Passive-Aggressives, don't pout simply because you didn't get your own category.)

 

The Aggressive communicator is described as close-minded; a poor listener; has difficulty seeing another's perspective; often interrupts; and tends to monopolize the conversation. The Passive communicator is indirect; almost always agrees with what is being said; doesn't speak up; and is hesitant to share his views. The Assertive communicator, for lack of a better label, is an effective, active listener; states expectations; makes observations void of labels or judgments; expresses herself directly, honestly, and as soon as possible around feelings and wants; and checks in on others' feelings.

 

But mightn't be true that these personality styles, in truth, reflect the very character of an individual? The Aggressive communicator values self, devalues others. The Passive communicator devalues self; values others. The Assertive communicator values self, values others. Or, as Covey would say, seeks a win-win. Personality styles, then, may in truth reflect (or, perhaps, betray) the underlying character ethic. 

 

 

Daniel Taylor, professor and author of Tell Me a Story, takes it a step farther than Gordon Allport, "I would argue that the net effect of the replacement in popular culture of the language of character by that of personality...has been the literal devaluing--valuing less--of human beings and the human experience."

 

 

Without judgment, how would you describe the pros and cons of a character ethic and a personality ethic? Do you believe they are mutually exclusive? How does one or both show up in you?

 

What might someone who lives by a character ethic read or watch? What might someone who lives by a personality ethic read or watch? What about you? Is what you read or watch in alignment with who you perceive yourself to be?

 

How might a "personality style" be understood as our "hardwired," natural tendencies and preferences--rather than as an excuse for bad behavior?  How do you respond when your personality style comes in conflict with your learned character ethic? 

 

Michael Fox
m�agine!

530/613.2774
407 Myrtle Drive
Farmerville, LA, USA 71241  
In addition to personal and professional coaching,
m�agine! specializes in spiritual transformation coaching,
employing its proprietary models
--Values, Vision, Voice
and Heart, Soul, Mind & Strength--

as well as
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator� curriculum
published by CPP, the People Development People.

Michael's books include
 
Complete in Christ,
Complete in Christ Spiritual Transformation Workbook,
and Biblio�files.

Coaching fees are based upon a sliding scale. Contact us for details.
For additional information, visit our website at maginethepossibilities.net.

Limited scholarships are available for spiritual transformation coaching.
On the flip side, if you are able, please inquire about opportunities
to fund scholarships for those who cannot afford coaching fees.

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