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Character First. TRUTHFULNESS. Character is the inward motivation to do what is right in every situation even when no one is looking. TRUTHFULNESS. Truthfulness is building trust by correctly representing the facts. TRUTHFULNESS.
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Character First TRUTHFULNESS
Character is the inward motivation to do what is rightin every situation even when no one is looking
TRUTHFULNESS Truthfulness is building trust by correctly representing the facts.
TRUTHFULNESS Truthfulness sheds light on each situation so that you and others can see and do the right thing.
TRUTHFULNESS Truthfulness is a constant action, not a one-time event.
TRUTHFULNESS Trust is the reward for being truthful.
I Will: Tell The Truth: • A person who always tells the truth, even when it is difficult, demonstrates courage and integrity.
I Will: Admit It When I Am Wrong: • Truthfulness requires taking responsibility for every word that is spoken. Admitting and correcting something that is wrong restores a clear conscience.
I Will: Not Cheat Or Steal: • Compromise may seem like an easy way out, but there are always consequences. No matter what the situation, “honesty is always the best policy.”
I Will: Encourage Others To Be Truthful: • Honest people are trusted and respected.
I Will: Not Exaggerate To Make Things Seem Different Than What They Are: • Stretching the truth to make it more interesting or popular eventually leads to mistrust and delusion.
Five Keys to Truthfulness: • Face the Facts: Admit when you have done something wrong. • Tell the Truth: Do not distort the truth, hide information, exaggerate, or tell “little” lies. • Admit Your Mistakes: Admit what you did wrong, and ask for forgiveness. • Do Not Cheat or Steal: Respect others’ property, and do not take what does not belong to you. • Encourage Truthfulness: Encourage truthfulness within your sphere of influence.
TRUTHFULNESS “When in doubt, tell the truth.” Mark Twain
TRUTHFULNESS “Half the truth is often a great lie.” Benjamin Franklin
TRUTHFULNESS “Truth is disagreeable only to a fool.” Arabic Proverb
TRUTHFULNESS Ask Yourself: • When is it hardest for you to tell the truth? • What can motivate you to do the right thing? • Imagine a world without dishonesty. How would that look?
TRUTHFULNESS Example In Nature
TRUTHFULNESS LION Lions demonstrate truthfulness as directed by nature. They don’t hide their feelings-lions use their tail, ears, and mouth to let others know exactly what they intend to do.
TRUTHFULNESS LION A lion’s tail always tells the truth. If its tail hangs down in a long flowing curve and the tip points upward, you are safe. This shows a friendly greeting.
TRUTHFULNESS LION Lions also speak the truth with their ears. If its ears rest loosely alongside its head, it is relaxed and content. If a lion pins its ears flat against its neck, watch out. It is preparing to attack!
TRUTHFULNESS LION You can also read a lion’s lips. When a lion curls just one lip, it is only mildly irritated, If it raises both sides of its mouth you better watch out. The lion could charge at any time.
TRUTHFULNESS Example In History
Abraham Lincoln Lincoln could be considered one of the most intelligent and respected men in American history. His truthfulness caused people to trust and respect him.
Abraham Lincoln When Abraham was a young man he fell deeply into debt. It took him twelve years of steady effort to completely pay off the debt. He took responsibility and made certain the creditors were paid in full.
Abraham Lincoln It was because of this reputation for straightforward honesty in word and deed that the people began to call Lincoln, “Honest Abe.” This nickname stuck with him through the rest of his life.
Abraham Lincoln Lincoln chose to be truthful no matter what. He overcame seemingly insur-mountable obstacles in his lifetime. Lincoln finally won the highest office in the land in 1860—President of the U.S.
When Cultivating The Character Of Truthfulness Remember To: • Demonstrate honesty, even when no one else will notice. • Stay committed to truth, even when others encourage you to skew your message. • A “good name” is easier kept than recovered.
Adapted from Character First Series IV • Character Training Institute Oklahoma City, OK 1998 • http://www.characterfirst.co • http://www.sonofthesouth.net/slavery/abraham-lincoln/abraham-lincoln-pictures.htm • http://www.freelionpictures.com/wallpaper/VincennesZoo20020622_069.jpg.html • http://www.weforanimals.com/free-pictures/wild-animals/lions/lion-1.htm