You have probably heard the term “he (or she) is a class act”. If you took a moment right now I bet you can think of a person you would call a class act. I think of Jacqueline Kennedy, Hilary Clinton, Will Smith, Bill Gates, Derek Jeter and few individuals I have had the pleasure to work for. So what makes up a “class act”?
My definition of a class act is someone whose behavior others admire and try to be like. Author Jack Canfield in his book The Success Principles writes to become a class act one must “Strive to become the kind of person who acts with class, who becomes known as a class act, and who attracts other people with class to his or her sphere of influence.” That sounds great but how do you do that!
It requires a change in attitude, perspective and behavior. Think about how you present yourself in the business world and compare it to how someone who you think of as a “class act” presents themselves.
A few of the distinctive behaviors they exhibit are someone who takes responsibility for their actions. They are honest about the results of their decisions and actions weather it’s a success or failure.
They show respect and appreciation towards others. In short they don’t gossip or say mean and petty remarks about others.
In difficult situations they remain calm and in control. They don’t lose their temper or act out towards others rather they help others to assist in the problem solving process. I believe this is called “grace under pressure”.
They have the ability to make others feel included and respected for their individual contributions especially during difficult times. They make others feel good about themselves and appreciated.
Just by being who they – a great role model- they help others to make changes in their behavior, to raise their standard of performance simply because they want to emulate their role model.
They are the leaders who help increase the confidence, capabilities, esteem and performance of others by living by their own high standards they have set for themselves.
How do you compare with the characteristics above? Where can you make changes in your attitude, perspective and behavior to move you towards becoming a class act?
Why even consider this? Because being a class act will help you succeed in business and in life. People like to do business with people they respect, trust, like and what to be around. That seems like reasons enough for me. When we act well we do well.