Character matters, folks! From the office to the classroom, character is the secret sauce that makes everything better. Our conversation is with Mike Park, the CEO of CharacterPlus®, the largest and most successful community-­wide character education initiative in the country. He examines and probes the importance of character in shaping not just individuals, but entire communities. We begin with a thought-provoking quote: 'Character is like a tree, and reputation is like its shadow.' As we unravel this metaphor, we learn that while reputation is what others see, character is the deep-rooted essence of who we really are.

Mike takes us on a journey through his own life, sharing how his experiences as a military intelligence officer taught him the value of kindness and compassion in building relationships. He emphasizes that character isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s crucial for families, schools, and workplaces. When people feel trusted and valued, they thrive—hello, happy families and productive workplaces!

So, whether you’re a parent, a teacher, or just someone navigating daily life, this episode is packed with nuggets of wisdom on how to cultivate character in ourselves and others. Let’s get "characterific", people!

[00:00] Why Character Matters

[01:25] Lincoln Quote and Guest Intro

[02:51] Mike Park Origin Story

[05:24] Defining Character and ABCs

[09:52] Reflection and Social Skills

[13:20] PRIMED and Micro Kindness

[15:26] Character Plus History

[21:46] What Schools of Character Do

[25:00] Integrity Recognition and Equity

[27:00] Character in Hiring and Life

[29:46] Better Rate Mortgage Sponsor

[30:30] Welcome Corps Invitation

[31:14] Businesses Need Character

[32:59] Professional Academy Launch

[36:45] Social Emotional Skills

[40:16] ROI of Character Culture

[46:01] PRIMED Personal Framework

[54:19] Closing Thanks and Signoff

Takeaways:

• Character is like a tree, while reputation is merely its shadow; let's nurture the tree!
• In today's fast-paced world, people often neglect the importance of character in their lives.
• Building positive character traits can significantly improve relationships and foster a sense of belonging.
• Schools that prioritize character education see notable improvements in student performance and behavior.

• Character Education & Resources | CharacterPlus
• CharacterPlus - Facebook
• CharacterPlus | Podcast on Spotify
• CharacterPlus - YouTube
• CharacterPlus® | LinkedIn
• Character.org - Home Page
• Character.org - Facebook
• Character.org (@CharacterDotOrg) / X
• Character.org - Instagram

This is Season 9! For more episodes, go to stlintune.com

#charactereducation #charactermatters #characterintheworkplace #charactertraits #buildingcharacter #characterandleadership