The Leader on the Inside*

The Statesman is not just interested in appearing to be a leader; he desires to be a leader on the inside. The Statesman wants to be a leader of character. Character is what you are on the inside and is usually revealed when you are under pressure. Character can be compared with fashion which is the "science of appearances" according to Steven Covey. A person focused on fashion wants to appear to be something that he is not.

The foundation of all character is discipline which is "the ability to say 'no' to our impulses." We can think of the development of character this way:

Our beliefs inform our thoughts
Our thoughts inform our actions
Our actions inform our habits
Our habits comprise our character

We could say that character is the sum of our habits. We need leaders who will not just make the right decisions, but will make the right decisions out of habit.

*Quotes from Steven Covey, Principle-Centered Leadership