Character Trumps Credentials

Whether you are hiring an employee, selecting a romantic partner, making a new friend, or sizing up any potential relationship, it would benefit you in the long run to evaluate the most critical personal attribute: character.

Don't take a person merely on their word, or what they say they are. Check for integrity. Do words match actions? Are they trying too hard to convince you (or themselves) about how great they are? Do they demonstrate goodwill? Do their motives seem selfish, or considerate? Do they tend to be coercive or respectful? Ponder each of these questions one at a time and feel the truth of each answer.

When making a new friend, take it slowly. It's great to have companionship, but pay attention to see if conversations are balanced. Do they spend as much time listening to you as talking? Are they "takers" who get as much as they can and give very little? Are they trying to present an image by trying to be impressive, or are they being truly authentic? Do they have good values? Are they caring toward others, or only those they are trying to get something from? People with good character demonstrate it in their actions-words to puff themselves up aren't necessary.

Certainly, if you are hiring for a trained, specialized position, credentials and experience are required. However, you can get the most intelligent person with great credentials, but if they do not have good character and goodwill, they can potentially cost more anguish and money than what they can produce in the way of beneficial contributions. Emotional intelligence includes good character, intelligence, common sense, empathy, and wisdom. Find out what their values are, what they most care about. Ask higher-level questions that are related to character, such as: "If you could improve one thing in the world, what would it be?"

Discernment is the requirement of the hour. Discernment is making wise choices based on awareness. Instinct is involved. It is imperative in these transitional and transformational times to use your gut feelings and inner sensory perceptions in making decisions. Know what your inner truth signals are. Know what truth and integrity feel like in your body.

If you have existing relationships that are not working toward your highest good and happiness, it will be wise to consider what character traits have been demonstrated. Do they take into account other points of view? Are they critical? Do they always need to be right? Do they pressure you in a conversation to the point where you just give up to experience peace? Do they know all the answers about how you should live or solve your problems? Do they try to overlay their value system onto you? Do they use fear or some other kind of manipulation in an attempt to control your choices?

Or do they come from the heart, with an open mind, willing to listen to your feelings and viewpoints? Do they care about how you feel? Are they supportive of your decisions? Are they loyal to your concerns and interests as much as their own? Are they helpful, generous, kind and easy to be around? Do they accept your values? Do they support your decisions?

It is your life. Your choices count big time in what you experience. It is time to tune in to your heart, and follow its guidance as you navigate through these turbulent times. You will be much happier, peaceful, and successful as you carefully select who will be in or stay in your life.

Michelle Marie Angel is dedicated to helping people overcome challenges in life with inspired information. For those who are seeking solace and solutions, Michelle is continually increasing her offerings. To sample these offerings, order a FREE eBooklet, How to Rise Above Economic Anxiety and Create Inner Peace: 12 Ideas that will Change Your Life, by sending an email to Michelle with **FREE E-BOOKLET** in the subject to: michelle@visionarysolutions.org. For program offerings visit http://www.visionarysolutions.org and for books and products visit http://www.smile4love.com.

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