Good character is a defining quality of effective leadership. It is what enables leaders to make wise decisions, build trust, and carry people with them in moments of challenge. More than technical competence or interpersonal skills, character provides the deeper foundation for resilient and responsible leadership.
In a recent Brunswick article, Dr Ed Brooks, Executive Director of the Oxford Character Project, talks to Natasha Burroughs about raising the bar for leadership and business culture. Drawing on research with UK companies, he shows that leaders are valued not just for what they achieve, but for who they are. Virtues such as courage, humility, and resilience are consistently recognised as central to good leadership, driving both long-term performance and healthier organisational cultures.
In a fast-changing and uncertain world, competence alone is not enough. As Dr Brooks argues, it is character that enables leaders to act with judgment, integrity, and hope. This focus on character is not only a return to a neglected tradition but a vital step in preparing leaders who can foster trust and positive change in society.