37 Powerful Questions To Test Your Character & Help You Grow

August 23, 2018 by Taylor Studios in Professional & Industry Tips

Character is combination of moral qualities, attributes, good behaviors and habits that is the whole of “you.” It’s consistent good behavior in all circumstances and with all people. It’s how we treat other people and live a purposeful life. It’s your core values.

I grew up on a farm and there’s a joke that all that hard work builds character. It sure didn’t feel like it when it was below freezing and I was pitching smelly silage to feed the cattle. The lesson is , it is , it is tested, it can erode or grow in good times and bad. It is the questions of: Who am I? Who are we? Or even ? Often it is defining moments where you are making a decision between two different things you believe in. It can be as simple as right and wrong and is often more nuanced. It’s a legacy and a reputation.

I was recently part of an external team interviewing for a high level position. We had a great pool of candidates. One industry career long candidate had a defining moment that definitely affected his resume. He got into a verbal fight with a constituent, was fired and now has a two-year gap on his resume. Sometimes a character decision or moment can be that unfortunate. Sometimes people get away with it for a long time. It’s being a good example even when the media blasts bad examples every day.

Here are some questions you can ask yourself to gauge your character:

People Oriented Questions

Growth Oriented Questions

Self Reflective Questions

“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” ~ Helen Keller

“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” ~ Abe Lincoln