Humanize and Characterize

What would Integrity, Compassion and Courage look like at school? What would Caring, Honesty and Excellence look like at work? What would Commitment, Flexibility and Zeal look like in business? What would Helpfulness, Loyalty and Understanding look like in community? What would Empathy, Fairness and Friendliness look like with family and friends (old and new)? Indeed, what do the Virtues (our myriad forms, faces and facets of Character) mean for us moving forward? What is their return on practice?

I suggest that our Humanity is our highest standard and inhumanity our lowest. What does our highest standard look like in Education and Business and Governance and Science and Sport and Entertainment (and all arenas of human endeavour)?

As we grapple with change and challenge locally, globally and glocally... we must not only NOT forget the importance of Character in finding our solutions... we must needs make it foundational to finding those solutions.

As a long time Business Educator and Entrepreneur myself, I am aware that Competitive Advantage holds two primary characteristics. One, we do something with the consistent practice of Excellence. Two, the "competition" finds it difficult to duplicate. That in mind, John F. Kennedy once said:

• "We have the power to make this the best generation of mankind in the history of the world or to make it the last."

And, Baha'u'llah said:

• "The betterment of the world can be accomplished through pure and goodly deeds, through commendable and seemly conduct."

That in mind and heart, we have two competing forces still to this day; locally, globally and glocally... the force of genuine Optimism, Unity, engagement and integration versus the force of cynicism, apathy, division and disintegration. At home, school, work, business and community... the foundational question is will we aim high or not? Which force will win?

In this special edition of A PEACE of WORK, I offer up that Albert Einstein said:

• "We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them."

If we are championing the forces of Optimism, Unity, engagement and integration... over the forces of cynicism, apathy, division and disintegration... at home school, work, business and community... ultimately, it is about what we bring to the table that is good (nay, great) and that others, at first look anyway, find difficult. Often times that "difference maker" is arising from who we are in practice and I suggest forging Character Leadership and Character Driven Cultures constitute such and same. Both build a Trustworthiness hugely and urgently needed in this world... locally, globally and glocally... and in those arenas of home, school, work, business, community, country and global commonwealth, if you will.

More succinctly put, if we want constructive and noble change to happen around us, we must needs advance our own practice of same. Enter, Character.

I humbly believe, assert and contend that continued study, practice and advancement of Character in Leadership and Culture is necessary to develop both the thinking and feeling capacities to face seismic changes and challenges in the world today. In the face of even unprecedented changes and challenges afoot, the capacity of Humanity matters. It matters in our classrooms, workplaces, businesses and communities. Indeed, I offer that it is...

The Way: A Case for Character

The Mandalorians have The Way, and we need ours. To move the needle on this thought, and, as a College Educator in Business, Strategic Management, Entrepreneurship, HR and Organizational Behaviour for over 30 years, I thought to apply the Toulmin Method for making a case around the need for exploring and advancing the Character of Leadership.

Developed by philosopher Stephen E. Toulmin, the Toulmin Method is a style of logic or argument often used in research and associated papers produced. One can use it to establish, make and contend on a point of view, following it's 6 components. Here is my humble and imperfect attempt at same.

THE CLAIM... the assertion sought to be proven; the main argument.

• Continued and ever deeper study, practice and advancement of Character in Leadership and Culture is necessary to develop new capacities to face seismic and even historic changes and challenges in the world today.

THE GROUNDS... are the evidence and facts that help support the claim.

• Many of the old world skills, abilities and knowledge are not answering the present and future day call to action.
• The world has myriad needs to be met and a future calling out. It could be said that Atlas is calling. And to close (for now)... it is noted that, in these times of change and challenge and uncertainty (the new game), Character is ever more vital.

Warrant... either implied or stated explicitly... is the assumption linking the identified grounds to the expressed claim.

• Simply and succinctly put, when past and current answers are not meeting the call or need, new answers are needed.
• When our current skills, abilities and knowledge are not ready for the undiscovered game, we need find new ways. As Albert Einstein indeed admonished, "We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them." Remember that definition of insanity thing? ... doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different outcome? If the world is calling out, what have we not tried?

Qualifier... shows that a claim may not be true in every situation or circumstance. We can use words like “presumably,” “some,” "often times" and “many” ... over absolutes... to help to express that we know there are instances where our claim may not be correct.?

• I will note same in my concluding statement below.

Rebuttal... is an acknowledgement of another valid view of the situation.

• We are what we are.
• The alternate claim often heralded comes in three forms I suggest... first, that there is "nothing wrong or in need of change". Enter denial and apathy. Second, that it is too overwhelming and stress inducing to even consider the changes and challenges. Enter, the kind of weariness that forges an intended choice of "ignorance is bliss"... and the resulting constructed apathy, as a survival skill. Third, that we are "only human" and that we should "look at our history". Enter apathy, cynicism and fatalism. There is the argument that we are somehow doomed to the proverbial ash heaps of history, advancing the notion of apathy as action. The unifying nature of these three forms is that "we are what we are"... a stream of thought held consciously or even unconsciously by many.

Backing... any additional support of the warrant. Often times, the warrant is implied, and the backing simply provides additional support for the warrant by giving a specific example possibly.

• There is a real case for Character. I am again reminded that Baha'u'llah said, "The betterment of the world can be accomplished through pure and goodly deeds, through commendable and seemly conduct."
• And, as example inferred... I am reminded of the words of Margaret Mead in saying, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." We simply need look at great and constructive changes in history in the real world and in fiction to see that noble and courageous and committed actions of Character have made and do make a difference.

And so...

• I offer that, in many or most challenges around sustained and sustainable progress across the world (qualifier, as noted above), continued and ever deeper study, practice and advancement of Character in Leadership and Culture is necessary to develop the capacities to face seismic and even historic changes and challenges in the world today.
• Many of the old world skills, abilities and knowledge are not answering the call. The world has myriad needs to be met and a future calling out. And, in these times of change and challenge and uncertainty, Character is ever more vital. Indeed, when past and current answers are not meeting the call or need, new answers are needed.
• That said, the alternative is to accept that "we are what we are" and continue as normal.
• My thought is that there is a real case for Character. I am once and again reminded that Baha'u'llah said, "The betterment of the world can be accomplished through pure and goodly deeds, through commendable and seemly conduct." And, I am reminded of the words of Margaret Mead in saying, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

I suggest that Character and its capacity for Purpose and Unity... it fills in the blanks. When current skills, abilities and knowledge no longer meet the needs of the new reality, a new Trek and Gate are needed... an exploration and practice of Character and Temperament is necessary. Character ... what is it good for? Indeed and in deed, it is the anchor, ballast, rudder and sail... foundational to building the kind of new abilities, skills and knowledge necessary to both navigate and build on these times of change and challenge for an ever better world and future... that is both environmentally and economically sustaining and sustainable. My observation, experience and education tells me that Character advances our capacity to constructively influence... and to ever better manage stress. It advances our self-mastery. The Way that is Stoicism speaks to this. With it, we are able to rise... and find our joyful Strength.

I am an Educator, Speaker, Coach, Writer, and Creator advancing the forces of Character, Purpose and Unity for genuine Leadership... with Educators, Entrepreneurs and Emerging Leaders building an ever better world and future. I teach, speak, train, facilitate, coach, consult, write, blog, vlog, cartoon, sing, dance, box and create as vehicles for such work and Service... and I have fun doing it. It is my work and Service. Part of that is through our monthly shows, including Talk Reel... and #hUmaNITY.

Ultimately, I explore and advance on Character and Temperament as grounding forces for building Purpose ... and high functioning, palpable, powerful Unity. In doing so, I remain humbled by these words of Joe Calloway...

• "I had the distinct pleasure of being in an audience in Montreal with Barry Lewis Green on the stage. Quite simply, Barry absolutely captivated us with his talent, his message, and his heart. The feeling of Unity that Barry created in the room that day was extraordinary. I absolutely recommend him for your meeting or event."

That said, and with Candor...

... those kind words of Joe do capture my intent every time I engage my work and Service. I am a Master Facilitator for The Virtues Project... and I bring that to the proverbial table. I am a Certified Facilitator for Personality Dimensions... and bring that. I am a student around Stoicism and Spirit. I am a 42 year student and practitioner of the work of Richard Bolles around Purpose. I am an educator for 30+ years, and involved and engaged in leadership training and development for 44 years; and still the Student. My love of music, song, dance, and more is infused with a soulful passion for Character and Unity. The Trekker and Gater in me is driven by it. And, I deliver through The Epic Engage.

Bottom line... I deeply hold to the idea that the return on Character is that it is foundational and fundamental to humanizing, nobilizing, characterizing (and mobilizing) our road ahead.

I believe in the value of science and technology... in Service to Humanity. I have since early childhood. That said, I believe that the human spirit is unfathomable and unstoppable in it's capacity. I hold that Humans Together Strong is our best reality forward... at home, school, work, business, and community. Indeed, it is my Just Cause. My central tool is The Humanity Map and exploring 6 Strategies across 6 Temperaments in order to advance Character-driven Leadership that makes a difference for the good at home, school, work, business, and community. And so, I say again...

• Yes, I offer that, in most challenges around sustained and sustainable progress across the world, continued and ever deeper study, practice and advancement of Character in Leadership and Culture is necessary to develop the capacities to face the seismic and even historic changes and challenges in the world today. Many of the old world skills, abilities and knowledge are not answering the call. The world has myriad needs to be met and a future calling out. And, in these times of change and challenge and uncertainty, Character is ever more vital. Indeed, when past and current answers are not meeting the call or need, new answers are needed. That said, the alternative is to accept that "we are what we are" and continue as normal. My thought is that there is a real case for Character. I am once and yet again reminded that Baha'u'llah said, "The betterment of the world can be accomplished through pure and goodly deeds, through commendable and seemly conduct." And, I am reminded of the words of Margaret Mead in saying, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

To date, and recently, I have shared on 33 Virtues, from Acceptance to Discernment... and now, Dominion is the 34th.

Walking our own responsible path, humble, cool and confident. This is the Virtue that is Dominion in practice. With it, we do not force ourselves or our beliefs on others, but we have discerned and decided to own them for ourselves. Humans Together Strong and the exploration and advancement of Character Leadership is part of mine. That is my road ahead. Truthfully, I think that it needs be ours, for more and more of us at home, school, work, business and community. If you are thinking same, I invite you to consider these recent posts:

• Rock the Epic Engage
• Deconstructing on Character
• Walking Character Leadership
• 3 Foundations to Cool Change
• Six Schools Forward
• Our Trek and Gate Forward
• More Optimism Please

Imagine aiming high in all arenas of human endeavour. Imagine it in our own respective arenas. Character matters. Our practice of it matters. So...

• What would Integrity, Compassion and Courage look like at school?
• What would Caring, Honesty and Excellence look like at work?
• What would Commitment, Flexibility and Zeal look like in business?
• What would Helpfulness, Loyalty and Understanding look like in community?
• What would Empathy, Fairness and Friendliness look like with family and friends (old and new alike)?
• What would Truthfulness, Responsibility and Accountability look like in sales and marketing?
• What would Diligence and Discernment and Sagacity look like in Research and Science?

These questions and their answers matter. If this resonates, I keep the door wide open to reach out and ride alongside as we continue an ever deeper study, practice and advancement of Character in Leadership and Culture ... necessary to develop those new skills, abilities, knowledge and capacity as we face the changes and challenges ahead.

Let us Humanize, Nobilize, Characterize and Mobilize for an ever better world and future. You can even check out Command and Deliver Leadership Coaching.

Either way, I sincerely wish you...

Peace, Justice and Unity...

Barry Lewis Green, aka The Unity Guy with Epic Engage

• I am an Educator, Speaker, Coach, Author and Creator helping Educators, Entrepreneurs and Emerging Leaders lead for a better world with Character, Purpose and Unity. I help advance Character, Purpose and Unity as forces for that better world. In so doing, I bring my work as Master Facilitator with the Virtues Project? ... my experience as a Certified Facilitator with Personality Dimensions? ... and my Service as a Facilitator with the Ruhi Institute and as Practitioner of the work of What Color is Your Parachute? since 1982.
• I invite you to check out Character, Leadership and Education...
• ... and The Humanity Map
• ... and 3 Foundation to Cool, Constructive Change
• ... and TUGtv...
• ... and The #hUmaNITY Podcast ... officially launching in October 2024...
• ... and The Epic Entrepreneurial Assessment...
• ... and The Epic Engage Onesheet...
• ... and my services forward. I and we serve...

• "I had the distinct pleasure of being in an audience in Montreal with Barry Lewis Green on the stage. Quite simply, Barry absolutely captivated us with his talent, his message, and his heart. The feeling of Unity that Barry created in the room that day was extraordinary. I absolutely recommend him for your meeting or event." --- Joe Calloway

• "The Mount Pearl Paradise Chamber of Commerce were fortunate enough to have Barry Lewis Green as a presenter for a Webinar Series we recently offered. He was so engaged with his audience and made everyone feel valued. He brought excitement and energy to our session and certainly shared his passion and knowledge with us. We will certainly be having Barry back for another series. Thanks Barry for being so professional." - Wanda Palmer

• "Barry has a presence...I have known of Barry’s work for many years but have gotten to know him as a friend and colleague within the past five. Whether it be in person or during a presentation, he has the uncanny ability to pull on all of your emotions while driving home key messages that provide personal clarity. Barry’s presentation skills can be explained as ‘heavy metal hits’ meets ‘folk tunes’ meets ‘sounds of nature’. He has an arsenal of skills that is quite eclectic. As a Master Facilitator for The Virtues Project and several other impactful programs, he combines a wealth of knowledge with his own extensive library of content creations. He is highly respected and well-connected within the speaking and social action communities. Barry is a true champion of character leadership. He ‘talks the talk’ and ‘walks the walk’. He approaches each and every interaction with passion and ZEAL! I highly recommend reaching out to Barry for collaboration opportunities." - Trent Langdon

• "The most learned or experienced person is not always the one who helps us grow and thrive. We all grow and thrive with those who ask the important questions in a loving and Noble manner - with the patience to allow our thinking to unfold, our feelings to emerge and our spirits to soar. This is what being in the same space with Barry is like. Working with Barry on #hUmaNITY is such a joy. I feel the excitement of standing before a blank canvas at the beginning of every gathering, exploring the depths of our creative energies throughout the conversations shared, and emerging at the end with a piece that I could not have painted singularly even on my best days. That is what conversations with Barry feels like. He is organized and efficient. Fearless and Bold. Lives with arms wide open.... and has the best questions (which begin with "I wonder....") asked in a most inclusive manner within a safe space that I often forget we are recording and that others will be witnessing our responses." - Russell Zehtab

• "Barry is compassionately honest. He has the talent to say what needs to be said in a way that people "get" it. His honesty and intelligence come through whether he is presenting on stage or just hanging out with friends. And...have you heard him sing? Man... he has a set of lungs that can wail a tune. Talented, smart and funny, when he takes the stage, he commands the stage." - Lea Brovedani

• "It takes immense strength of character to insistently amplify the goodness of every individual whose destiny crosses path with one’s own, no matter how briefly. This is who Barry is. The precious gift of Barry’s faith in you compels an irrepressible desire to show up as the best version of yourself. And in a world aching for radical hope and pragmatic wisdom, Barry is the gentle torch bearer whose light is constant amidst the maelstrom of fads. Should you then find your path intersecting with Barry’s, pause for a while in his companionship, and make space for the gift of his life-changing attention. I know because I paused. Barry, my heart continues to expand with immense gratitude for your indescribable presence. And this gift of an expanding heart, is priceless ??" - Dr. Roslina Chai

• I had the privilege of collaborating with Barry on one of our projects, Her Own Boss. His skill in value-based facilitation is nothing short of transformative. With a warm, inclusive teaching style, he connected deeply with our participants, helping them uncover their core values and guiding them in applying these principles to their businesses. I heard great things about him from our previous cohort and I witnessed that firsthand when I attended some of his sessions. If you're looking for someone who can train you/your team in values-driven facilitation, look no further than Barry. - Serah Gazali

• Working with Barry Lewis Green is a lovely silver lining to navigating through Covid times. We connected for thoughtful monthly Digital Coffees. Barry’s ease with the art of meaningful conversation and asking questions that inspire me to dig deeper always result in a joy-filled journey through many topics. I am one of many colleagues Barry engages with regularly for TUG TV - so many topics, something truly for everyone! Barry’s charismatic personality and zeal for life makes it an absolute joy to work on any project with him. And just wait until Barry launches his BOXSA project! - Elaine Dunphy