SINCERITY. Some people we know always have their cards face up. We know where they stand and we know where we stand with them. There is no sham, pretense, hypocrisy, apple-polishing, show, arrogance or equivocation. They are real all the way through. This is an essential ingredient in getting along with people.
PERSONAL INTEGRITY. This refers to the special qualities of decency, honesty, loyalty, fair play and honor. An individual with a real personal integrity has a deep sense of responsibility and dependability. He is sound. He keeps his promises. He lives up to his commitments.
HUMILITY. If one picks out the great leaders of our present, of our past, one invariably finds the character trait humility. Maturity is usually combined with modesty. Never is it present in the smart alecks, the know-it-alls, the self appointed saviors, nor the persons whoknow the answers before they hear the questions,
COURTESY. This means much more than just being thoughtful or polite to other people, It means tolerance. I have my eccentricities and peculiarities and I approve of you having yours. You are just as good as I am, and I’ll respect your right to speak your piece even if I don’t agree, this is courtesy in its largest sense. Can you, under pressure, remain gracious, considerate, and courteous?
WISDOM. There isn’t any escape from the fact that, even though an individual might, be sincere and humble and courteous, unless he has the wisdom to make the right decisions and actions, to do the right things at the right time, to give correct guidance and counsel when it is indicated, he doesn’t get along with people.
CHARITY. Maybe this is the most important attribute for any personality. In its broadest interpretation it means the capacity to love. It implies acceptance of the fact that we all have weaknesses; we all make mistakes. To be able to get along with people requires the charity of forgiveness. Are you big enough and generous enough to love your neighbor as yourself?
Six Qualities of Character Essential for Maturity by: Horace E. Hudson, Cooperative Extension Service, The University of Georgia
Adopted from materials on Character and Moral DevelopmentUniversity of Illinois, Cooperative Extension Service inAgriculture and Home Economics, Urbana, Illinois
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