A business with employee morale problems will not reach its full potential.  An employee who displays positive character qualities not only helps himself, but also encourages those around him, creating a good work environment.  Several businesses in the Tuscaloosa area have implemented the Character First! Training program.  Some of the participants include Randall-Reilly Publishing, Quality Mazda-Volkswagen, Advantage Realty and Hobby Lobby. This year an open training Character First! Implementation Seminar was offered to all members of the Tuscaloosa Chamber of Commerce.

Benefits of Building Character in Businesses

•    Enhances morale and personal relationships
•     Improves quality
•     Develops customer relationships
•   Increases productivity 
•    Lower costs due to accidents 
•    Increases profits 
•    Serves the community

Building Character in Business

Since 1996, the Character Training Institute in Oklahoma City has trained thousands of business owners, managers, and supervisors how to demonstrate and reward good character in their companies.  The Character First! approach includes management training for supervisors, consulting services for leadership development, and practical resources to help individuals develop specific character qualities. The following steps explain how to put Character First! In your organization.eys to Success in the Workplace an

1.     Leadership Training

        Character First! is more than a program—it is a leadership model  
        that strengthens relationships, improves communication, and 
        builds teamwork. Character First! begins with a Basic
        Implementation Seminar for company supervisors, managers, and 
        owners.

        • Learn why character development is important, how leadership 
           can develop a culture of character, and how to use the 
           Character First! resources. 
        • Conduct a “Cultural Survey” to identify needs.

2.       Character Recognition

       Public recognition of good character is essential to a culture of 
       good character. Establish regular opportunities to recognize 
       employees for specific character qualities.

       • Give public recognition during employee meetings and
          spontaneous recognition each day. 
       • Get coaching from a Character First! consultant to help 
          supervisors give confident and meaningful character 
          recognitions in public.

3.    Teaching Resources

      Developing character is a life-long process. Character First! 
      provides monthly character bulletins so that employees and
      supervisors can discuss each quality in team meetings and in 
      conversation.

      • Give character bulletins to all employees.
      • Build awareness through character videos, PowerPoints, 
         posters, and framed displays.

4.    Continuing Education

       After 6 to 12 months of implementing CharacterFirst!, it is time
       to evaluate your approach and take it to the next level, including 
       character-based hiring practices and steps for correcting poor 
       character:

       • Attend Advanced Implementation & Effective Leadership 
          seminars. 
       • Establish a character steering committee. 
       • Conduct a second survey to measure progress.