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In business, we usually associate the idea of "going the extra mile" with working extra hard for exceptional performance. Over the years as a business consultant, I've had clients reference going "the extra mile" in the context of sales or profit growth, recovering from a business setback, satisfying a customer, among others. These are all noble examples, yet none speak to "the extra mile" from the underlying context of character.

This is striking to me because corporate character, at the individual and organizational level, is the foundation of excellence. Over the years, in dozens of exceptional companies, I've observed that character has a decidedly pro-active quality. It is much more than just remaining "within the limits of the law" or settling for a "good enough" solution.

At a basic level, character stimulates a helpful attitude adjustment. As a core value, it offers the business leader a reassuring, confidence-inspiring compass for deciding what "the right thing to do" really is, despite varying opinions that may come from all directions. Character-based decision-making gives the leader a direction and a peace in tackling the tough calls in business life because these decisions inherently point to "true north".

I've also observed that when character-centered leaders tackle conflicts and other challenges, they are more likely to follow a process that considers the interests of multiple stakeholders. They strive for "win win" solutions that preserve relationships and encourage collaboration. Healthy corporate cultures flourish with this kind of mindset.

Finally, character-centered companies are more likely to become "corporate citizens" that create a greater good in their surrounding communities. It's been exciting for me to see companies of this kind go far beyond the idea of "paying taxes" to active community service in the form volunteer activities, charitable donations, and other forms of community involvement.

The concept of corporate character may seem intangible, but its impact is clear. People of character, and organizations of character, are consistently and positively described as "walking the talk." They really do work to the standard of "a yes being a yes, and a no being a no." They ultimately set a stronger benchmark for the workplace and an indelible mark on the world.

Charles Proudfit is the Founder and President of SKILLSOURCE®, which delivers business consulting, training, coaching and networking services on a national basis. Chuck developed his general management expertise at three industry-leading firms: The Procter & Gamble Company, The Ernest & Julio Gallo Winery, and LensCrafters Corporation. He earned his academic degree from Harvard University, where he pioneered the school's organizational development curriculum. An avid educator, Chuck has also served as an adjunct faculty member at the Great Oaks Institute. Chuck can be reached at Chuck Proudfit
http://www.skillsource.com/

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