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Character First

Character First. Flexibility. Character. Character is the inward motivation to do what is right in every situation even when no one is looking. Flexibility. Willingness to change plans or ideas without getting upset. Flexibility.

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Character First

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  1. Character First Flexibility

  2. Character Character is the inward motivation to do what is right in every situation even when no one is looking.

  3. Flexibility Willingness to change plans or ideas without getting upset.

  4. Flexibility Flexibility is the strength to flourish in a changing environment.

  5. Flexibility The nature of flexibility is obedience to new directions even though the old ones may seem more favorable.

  6. Flexibility When an authority changes direction, a natural response is often to resist. Some may try to organize opposition and manipulate others to maintain the status quo. Unfortunately, resistance promotes division, and division destroys both people and projects.

  7. Flexibility The flexible response to changing plans requires the following character qualities: Attentiveness hears the matter out by listening carefully. Sensitivity sees the situation from another’s perspective. Responsibility asks questions of things not understood. Obedience responds cheerfully. Loyalty makes authorities aware of problems created by the proposal. Diligence invests every effort to make the new plan work.

  8. Bend or Break Most tree trunks grow wider as they grow older. Each year they develop new growth rings, providing strength and rigidity to a tree. Palm trees, however, are an exception. They grow upward, adding a new growth disk each year.

  9. Bend or Break When storms come, the palm tree stands through great gusts of wind because of its ability to bend. Some older and taller palms actually bend all the way to the ground. This flexibility is anchored by roots that are thick and deep.

  10. Bend or Break People should respond to the “winds of change” like the palm tree. They must bend to change so that they don’t break, but stand firmly anchored on right standards so that they don’t become uprooted.

  11. Five Keys to Flexibility Anticipate Change: Recognize change will come. Change can create fear because no one knows what lies ahead. Make wise plans, invest in good relationships, and develop the character to respond correctly. Adjust the Plan: When plans change, the mental adjustment might require extra effort. A flexible person adapts to new situations by focusing on the original goal and finding a workable solution. Remain open to new ideas, and work with your options. Look for the Benefits: Changes often push you to find new and better ways to reach your goals. Remember your purpose, look for new opportunities, and determine what you can do next to move in that direction.

  12. Five Keys to Flexibility Respect Authorities: Work with your leaders, and know what they want to accomplish. Try to understand their goals, and ask questions when you do not understand. Do what you can to help your authorities succeed. Get It Done: Do not make excuses or whine when your plans change. Have a “will-do” attitude despite inconveniences. Press on until you finish the job.

  13. Flexibility “The world hates change, yet it is the only thing that has brought progress.” Charles F. Kettering (inventor, philosopher, 1876-1958) “The bend in the road is not the end of the road unless you refuse to take the turn.” Anonymous

  14. Flexibility “Life is change. Growth is optional. Choose wisely.” Karen Kaiser Clark (lecturer, educator) “There is nothing permanent except change.” Heraclitus (Greek philosopher, 600BC)

  15. Flexibility “The boldness of asking deep questions may require unforeseen flexibility if we are to accept the answers.” Brian Greene (theoretical physicist, 1963-)

  16. I Will: • Not get upset when plans change. • Respect the decisions of my authorities. • Not be stubborn. • Look for the good in changes. • Not compromise what is right.

  17. Flexibility Ask yourself: • Why is change hard to accept? • What are some benefits of a recent change in your life?

  18. Flexibility Example in Nature

  19. The Hummingbird The hummingbird is more flexible than any other bird. These three-and-a-half-inch birds dart from flower to flower, their wings beating so fast that they make a humming noise. http://www.hummingbirds.net/

  20. The Hummingbird The wing muscles of the hummingbird make up almost a third of its total body weight. When hovering, the wings beat about 50 times per second. http://www.hummingbirds.net/

  21. The Hummingbird It can fly forward, backward, up, and down; it can hover in one place and fly upside down. It can stop and start very quickly and turn so fast that it catches flies and gnats in flight. http://www.hummingbirds.net/

  22. The Hummingbird The hummingbird’s incredible flexibility in flying comes from its ability to turn its wings nearly 180 degrees. This flexibility allows the hummingbird to stay with a flower as it bobs in the breeze. http://www.hummingbirds.net/

  23. The Hummingbird The hummingbird expends more energy than any other warm-blooded animal. To have the nectar it needs, a hummingbird must visit about a thousand flowers in a single day. It eats enough food each day to equal half its body-weight. http://www.hummingbirds.net/

  24. The Hummingbird Hummingbirds in North America migrate every year to a warmer climate in the south. The hummingbird conserves energy for the long trip by slowing its heart and breathing rates when it rests at night and by storing extra fat in case it has to fly around storms or is blown off course by strong winds. http://www.hummingbirds.net/

  25. http://www.hummingbirds.net/

  26. Flexibility Example in History

  27. Colonel Robert Shaw During the Civil War, Robert Shaw was selected to lead an infantry of black soldiers. Willing to accept his controversial position, he told his new recruits, “No one is quite sure what we will face in the days ahead. But one thing is certain…we shall fight together for freedom!” http://www.angelfire.com/mb/matthewbroderick/robertshaw.html

  28. Colonel Robert Shaw Despite the news that the Confederate Congress had issued a warning that any black men caught in army uniform would be executed, the men remained ready to serve. http://www.medalofhonor.com/54thRegiment.htm

  29. Colonel Robert Shaw After three months of training, they received orders to head south and join the war, but plans changed when they arrived. For weeks they cut down trees, fixed equipment, and built roads. Instead of getting upset, the men followed orders promptly and made the most of their situation. http://www.medalofhonor.com/54thRegiment.htm

  30. Colonel Robert Shaw Word finally came that they would lead the attack on Fort Wagner near Charleston, South Carolina. Cannon fire exploded around them as they climbed the walls of the fort. The men fought valiantly, but the defenders held their ground. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Gould_Shaw

  31. Colonel Robert Shaw During the battle, the Massachusetts 54th Infantry lost half of its men, including Colonel Shaw. Those who survived the battle continued to fight with bravery and distinction. Despite constant change and difficult times, the men of the 54th Massachusetts served their country well. http://www.medalofhonor.com/54thRegiment.htm

  32. James Madison 1751-1835 After graduating from the College of New Jersey at Princeton, James Madison pursued his interest in public affairs by studying law. http://www.constitution.org/cs_image.htm

  33. James Madison 1751-1835 He wrote, “The principles and modes of government are too important to be disregarded by an inquisitive mind and I think are well worthy of a critical examination by all students that have health and leisure.” http://www.constitution.org/cs_image.htm

  34. James Madison 1751-1835 In 1776, Madison was appointed to a committee assigned to prepare “a plan of government as will be most likely to maintain peace and order in this colony, and secure substantial and equal liberty to the people.” http://www.constitution.org/cs_image.htm

  35. James Madison 1751-1835 In December of 1779, Madison was a delegate from Orange County, Virginia to the Continental Congress. He served there until 1783, and then returned in May of 1787 to discuss problems he observed in the federal government. http://www.constitution.org/img/madison.gif

  36. James Madison 1751-1835 From his observation of the United States and his study of historic confederations, Madison formed the ideas that became Virginia’s proposal to the convention. He later helped draft the Bill of Rights. http://www.constitution.org/cs_image.htm

  37. James Madison 1751-1835 Madison served as Secretary of State in the Jefferson administration and became the fourth president of the United States. His clear vision and flexible leadership distinguish him as a central figure in American history. http://www.constitution.org/cs_image.htm

  38. Adapted from: Character First! Series III. Character Training Institute. Oklahoma City, OK: 1998. http://www.characterfirst.com http://www.hummingbirds.net/ http://www.angelfire.com/mb/matthewbroderick/robertshaw.html http://www.medalofhonor.com/54thRegiment.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Gould_Shaw http://www.constitution.org/cs_image.htm http://www.constitution.org/img/madison.gif

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