What defines "Character"?

Our character is what we do when we think no one is looking. --H. Jackson Browne

The measure of a man's real character is what he would do if he knew he never would be found out. --Thomas Babington Macaulay

This past weekend at TAGS, a mistake was made. Some people might have been tempted to let it slide, hoping no one would notice, and a huge success would stand. We took a different approach. We reported ourselves to the meet referee when we realized the error, and consequently forfeited our success.

We entered TAGS with four names on a relay, but made changes to the relay at the meet, and in our excitement and focus on doing well, failed to change the names on the relay card before the race. Technically, that constitutes a DQ. The relay swim itself, however, was totally legit: no false starts, very fast swimming. So fast it ranked #8 in the NATION and #1 at TAGS.

We have always told our swimmers what we felt our priorities order was: (1) family, (2) citizenship, (3) academics, (4) athletics, and (5) everything else.

Our relay swimmers, when asked to recall what those priorities were as we discussed the unfortunate situation, first responded "Swimming fast?" No, higher than that. "Having fun?" Better, but higher than that. "Do what's right." Correct.

The relay swimmers were disappointed to the max about the DQ, but all agreed that doing what was right was more important. And as one bright smiling face offered, "But we'll always have that swim in our hearts, we know how fast we are, and NO ONE can take that away."

That may be the proudest moment I have had (among many) with this group that I coach. And to think that they are only 13-14 is even more amazing. (To the relay ladies: Charlie, Latte', Sparky(!), and Macaroon, you guys are truly incredible!)

And for the support and pride in their daughters for doing what is right, I applaud the parents as well.

“Rather fail with honor than succeed by fraud.” – Sophocles

"It is better to deserve honors and not have them than to have them and not deserve them." - Mark Twain

Too often we get caught up with the pressure to succeed at any cost, any sacrifice, any effort. To a point that is fine, but that desire to reach the top sometimes encourages shortcuts, and that sometimes involves ... cheating. We refuse to do that. Not, as the swimmers and I discussed, because you might get caught, but because it is just not right.


USA Swimming has just sent out a couple of really good articles in its weekly coaches e-blast. I will include one here, and post the other in a separate post.



The Pressure to Cheat

What’s causing the growing hole in our moral ozone? Why are cheating and lying so common in schools, on the sports field, and in business and politics? Apparently it’s a thing called pressure.

Kids are under pressure to get into college, athletes and coaches are under pressure to win, and according to a survey by the American Management Association, the pressure to meet business objectives and deadlines is the leading cause of unethical corporate behavior. The desires to further one’s career and protect one's livelihood are the second and third reasons people lie or cheat.

In other words, we take ethical shortcuts to get what we want. DUH!

Why are we so willing to shift responsibility for every form of human weakness from ourselves to the system? We don’t blame the liar; we blame the law. We don’t blame the cheater; we blame the test.

The implication is: Don’t expect me to be ethical when personal interests are at stake.

Please!

What we call pressures today used to be called temptations. Everyone knew that the test of character was our ability to resist them. Calling enticements pressures doesn’t change anything.

We must believe in and expect integrity and moral courage and not surrender when our principles are challenged. We need to expect good people to do what’s right, even when it’s difficult or costly.

Yes, lots of people act dishonorably in the face of pressure. But pressure is an explanation, not a justification. Pressures, temptations – call them what you will – are part of life. Sure, it would be helpful if we had less pressure, but it’s far more important that we have more character.

This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts.

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