Do You Have These Character Strengths?
Ray Williams
9-Time Published Author / Retired Executive Coach / Helping Others Live Better Lives
Good character is a quality everyone values, whether they are looking for friends, employees, or partners. It refers to the positive traits that individuals possess, traits that reflect their virtues and positive aspects rather than their flaws. Good character is divided into 24 different strengths under six broad virtues, as per the principles of positive psychology. This classification was developed by Martin Seligman and Neal Mayerson, founders of the Values In Action (VIA) Institute on Character.
A Brief History
Seligman and Mayerson created these classifications to help people understand their positive traits better. They were later classified under six virtues by a group of 50 social scientists, allowing individuals to easily identify and understand their strengths and virtues. This knowledge helps improve well-being and resilience against stress and trauma. Research across various cultures shows the universal relevance of these character strengths, as they are connected to individual and societal well-being.
Character Strengths Categories
The 24 character strengths are categorized under these 6 major categories:
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Here’s a Detailed Breakdown:
Wisdom
Those who score high in the area of wisdom tend to have cognitive strengths that lead them to acquire knowledge and use it in creative and useful ways. The core wisdom character strengths are:
Courage
People who score high in courage have emotional character strengths that allow them to accomplish goals despite any opposition they face—whether internal or external. The character strengths associated with courage are:
Humanity
Those who score high in humanity have a range of interpersonal character strengths that involve caring for and befriending others. These core character strengths are:
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Justice
People who are strong in justice tend to possess civic strengths that underscore the importance of a healthy community. The character strengths in the justice group are:
Temperance
Those who score high in temperance tend to have strengths that protect against the excesses in life. These strengths are:
Transcendence
People who are strong in transcendence tend to forge connections with God, the universe, or religions that provide meaning, purpose, and understanding. The core positive strengths associated with transcendence are:
Understanding and applying these strengths allow individuals to overcome challenges, improve their emotional well-being, and establish a strong sense of community and justice.
How to Use Character Strengths
Recognizing and leveraging these strengths can lead to improved life quality and academic success, enhance tolerance and diversity appreciation, and help in the formation of well-rounded personalities. For instance, using one’s unique strengths in new ways every week has been proven to increase happiness and reduce depression, benefiting various demographics including older adults and trauma victims.
Further Reading
To delve deeper into the importance of good character and virtues, consider reading my latest book, Virtuous Leadership: The Character Secrets of Great Leaders, available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
In Summary
Understanding our character strengths helps us focus on our virtues and positive aspects, leading to improved emotional well-being and resilience against life's challenges. By embracing our strengths, we can enhance our lives and contribute to the well-being of our communities.
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Great piece of sharing ??People who score high in courage have emotional character strengths that allow them to accomplish goals despite any opposition they face—whether internal or external..