Developing CharacterChapter 3

Objectives

Explain how character impacts individuals and society.

Analyze the relationship between values and character.

Compare ways people acquire values. Explain the importance of living

according to one’s personal standards. Describe how people can make ethical

choices.

Key Terms

Character Mentor Values Personal standard Peer pressure Proactive Ethics

Quick Write

Choose a person you truly admire. Write about the personal qualities this person has that have earned your respect. Briefly explain why you look up to this person. › Do they set an example for others to

follow?› Do they inspire you to achieve more?› Do they strive to make a difference in

others’ lives?

What is Character?

Character – moral strength and integrity.› Know what is right from wrong› Committed to doing to right thing› Accept and live by principles

Honesty, respect, caring, responsibility, mutual trust

› Promotes the well being of society› In order for society to function, people

must cooperate with each other

Character

Name people how help to develop YOUR character.

Why does society need people with character and have universal values?

Mentor

Someone who acts as a teacher or guide.

› Person takes a special interest in your life › Someone that you look up to

Activity

Write a job description for a mentor

› Young at-risk students

› New professionals

› New parents

› College students

Importance of Values

Values – beliefs and ideas about what is important.

› Universal Values

› Acquiring Values

› Living by Your Values

Universal Values

Some values are the same to all societies.

Values guide people and help them live together in society.

Universal Values

Trustworthiness› Keep promises› Dependable› Stand by your friends, family, country, and

religion Respect

› Show high regard for self and others› Tolerant of differences› Deal peacefully with anger, insults, and

disagreements

Universal Values

Fairness› Treat others equitably› Take turns and share› Practice good sportsmanship

Responsibility› Be accountable for your actions› Be dependable› Admit your mistakes, correct them and

accept the responsibility

Universal Values

Caring› Be kind and compassionate› Express gratitude and give encouragement› Help people in need

Honesty› Tell the truth› Be sincere› Don’t cheat or steal

Universal Values

Integrity› Stand up for your beliefs› Resist peer pressure› Live according to your values

Self-discipline› Exercise self-control› Demonstrate hard work› Give your best effort› Be determined

Universal Values

Citizenship› Respect authority, obey laws and rules› Volunteer at school and in the community› Vote› Conserve natural resources

Acquiring Values

You begin to learn values as soon as you are born.

Where/how do you learn values?› From parents and teachers correcting your

behavior Sharing, fighting with siblings

› From religion and culture› Society

Not stealing is taught to us by the use of punishment when caught

Activity

For each of the following scenarios select three universal values that the person would need to communicate.

Scenario 1

A nurse caring for a grouchy patient.

Scenario 2

A parent dealing with a rebellious child.

Scenario 3

An employer addressing an employee’s consistent tardiness.

Scenario 4

A teen discussing a mutual acquaintance with a friend.

Living by Your Values

Consider the consequences Listen to your conscience Turn to your family Gain knowledge Evaluate the source Talk to others

Setting Your Standards

Personal standard – rule or principal you set for yourself› Guides your behavior by defining what you

do or don’t do› Code of conduct

Peer pressure – influence of others Proactive – taking the initiative to think

and plan ahead for situations

Setting Your Standards

When setting personal standards ask yourself:› What situations tend to put your values in

conflict with others?› When do you feel uncomfortable in what

you think people expect of you?› In what situations do you tend to feel

pressured into being and doing something you don’t want to do?

› What types of situations do you feel that you are compromising yourself?

Making Ethical Choices

Ethics – principles and values that guide the way you live

› Based on what is fair, right, just, caring, and best for all people involved

› Some are clear-cut, others can be challenging

Applying Personal Standards

What are your personal standards?

› Write them down and put them in your wallet.

Character in Action

Have developed a positive set of values, set personal standards, and make ethical choices

Is a learning process