I was on a training session recently when the following quote flashed up…

“Your character is what you do when no one is watching.”

It struck a chord because I think it’s such a big (and sometimes vulnerable/confronting) question to ask: How do we want to show up for ourselves, drive our lives and be perceived by others?

Full transparency – at the time I saw this quote, I was working from home, wrapped in my dressing gown, accompanied with unbrushed hair – great start (and a great look). I’ll be honest, I wasn’t giving ‘CEO of my life’ energy, and I didn’t show up as best as I could have for that work day (soz NM).

Having spoken to many, many SME business owners over my time in recruitment, the one trait that they all value and seek in their employees is this – people that show up when they’re not there.

When said owners/managers are not there to push goals, track KPIs or drive the day to day. They seek people who are self-motivated and care about the work they produce.

These employees don’t do it because they have to – they do it because of their sense of self. They care about how they want to be perceived, the impact they have and the standards that they hold for themselves.

That kind of self-leadership/ownership can’t be taught – it’s character.

So next time you’re having a down day (because let’s face it, we all have them), get out of your dressing gown *note to self* and do something that future you will thank you for.

It doesn’t need to be big, just intentional. See it as building blocks to a stronger character.