Beyond Skills: How Strong Character Defines Great Leaders

Forbes

25-03-2025

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It's been said that character is what we do when we think no one is watching and how we treat people who can't do us any good.
As a careful observer of character for more than six decades, Robert L. Dilenschneider understands that better than most. The former president and CEO of strategic communications giant Hill & Knowlton, he's had an up-close-and-personal view of human behavior in circumstances ranging from tragedy to triumph.
Bob has shared his observations in several books. His latest is Character: Life Lessons in Courage, Integrity, and Leadership.
In examining character, he considers eight components: leadership, innovation, resilience, breaking barriers, courage, loyalty, integrity, and openness and transparency. How did he land on those particular components?
'Character is the bedrock of leadership, and in studying significant figures from history, I found that these eight traits were essential to their success,' he says. 'Leadership isn't just about making decisions. It's about guiding others with integrity. Innovation is the ability to push boundaries, as Steve Jobs did. Resilience defines those who rise from adversity, like Nelson Mandela. Breaking barriers is the hallmark of pioneers like Margaret Chase Smith. Courage sustains action when the path is difficult, loyalty builds trust, integrity is the moral compass, and openness and transparency ensure credibility. Each of these traits is not just a virtue but a necessity for those seeking to shape the world in a meaningful way.'
In today's topsy-turvy political and business climate, what can leaders do to face the challenge of leading with integrity?
Robert L. Dilenschneider
Bob says integrity is the foundation of trust, and trust is the currency of leadership. 'Look at figures like Colin Powell, who led with conviction, or Dwight Eisenhower, who balanced military strength with moral responsibility,' he says. 'Leaders today must hold fast to their principles while embracing transparency. They must speak the truth—even when inconvenient—because honesty builds enduring respect.'
How does staying true to personal values help a person navigate crises or challenges in a professional setting?
'Staying true to one's values provides a guiding light in moments of uncertainty,' Bob says. 'Anwar Sadat took an extraordinary risk in making peace with Israel because he believed in the larger goal of stability for his people. Similarly, Eleanor Roosevelt championed human rights despite opposition. When challenges arise, those who rely on deeply held values rather than momentary pressures emerge with their character intact. Personal values give clarity amid chaos.'
From the example of Anwar Sadat, what can leaders learn about change?
'Sadat exemplified the courage to redefine leadership,' Bob says. 'He understood that actual progress requires bold action—sometimes at significant personal risk. His decision to seek peace rather than continue the conflict with Israel was an extraordinary act of vision. Leaders can learn that change is not about appeasement but about conviction, about knowing when the right course demands a break from tradition. It's in these moments that leadership is tested.'
Leadership, of course, is more about behaviors than titles. How does the example of Mother Teresa reinforce that reality?
'Mother Teresa led not through political power but through action. She embodied the idea that leadership is not about commanding authority but about inspiring people through service and example. Her life showed that authenticity, selflessness, and dedication to a cause can have a more profound impact than any title.'
Steve Jobs helped introduce an amazing array of paradigm-breaking products. Bob explains how that example of innovative thinking can help leaders in non-technical fields.
'Jobs demonstrated that innovation is not just about technology. It's about vision, perseverance, and an uncompromising focus on excellence. He rejected complacency and continuously sought ways to improve. Leaders in any field can learn from their ability to anticipate needs before they are recognized, challenge assumptions, and embrace calculated risks. The key lesson: Never settle for the status quo.'
How can entrepreneurs benefit from studying the lives of Nelson Mandela and Stephen Hawking?
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'Both of these men displayed resilience in the face of overwhelming odds,' Bob says. 'Mandela endured decades in prison yet never lost his belief in reconciliation. Hawking defied physical limitations to redefine our understanding of the universe. Entrepreneurs face setbacks, but success comes from the ability to adapt, persist, and see opportunities where others see obstacles. Their lives show that true visionaries do not let adversity dictate their destiny.'
Bob quotes basketball legend John Wooden as saying, 'Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.' How can today's political and business leaders benefit from adopting that perspective in their own behaviors?
'Wooden's words remind us that true success is built on character, not perception,' Bob says. 'In today's world of social media and immediate judgment, it's easy to focus on reputation management. However, leaders who prioritize doing what is right over what is popular leave a lasting legacy. John McCain's unwavering loyalty to his fellow soldiers is a perfect example—he made difficult choices based on principle, not public opinion. Those who lead with integrity will ultimately be remembered for their actions, not for fleeting headlines.'
What role does self-awareness play in an individual's effort to build personal character, and what are the steps to strengthening that skill?
Bob says self-awareness is the foundation of personal growth. 'It requires a willingness to reflect on strengths and weaknesses, seek honest feedback, and remain open to learning. Great leaders—from Eisenhower to Katherine Graham—understood that acknowledging mistakes is a sign of strength, not weakness. To strengthen self-awareness, individuals must practice humility, actively listen, and continuously self-improve. The more you understand yourself, the better you're equipped to lead authentically.'
What's the greatest challenge to character in today's world?
Bob says it's distraction—losing sight of long-term values in the face of short-term pressures. 'In a time of instant gratification, we must remind ourselves that character is built over a lifetime. Daily decisions—how we treat people, stand by our principles, respond in times of crisis—shape the legacy we leave behind.'