Harvey Mackay Column- Make Character Your Best Characteristic
Harvey Mackay’s column uses an ancient Hawaiian metaphor of a child’s bowl of light to illustrate how character fuels personal and professional growth, while negative emotions act as stones that dim that light. He argues that character functions as a compass in business, underpinning trust, credibility, long‑term success, sound decision‑making, personal satisfaction, and influential leadership. Mackay reinforces his points with quotes from Indira Gandhi and Stevie Wonder, then tells a contrasting anecdote about two equally talented salespeople—John, whose integrity earns lasting loyalty, and Mike, whose short‑term deceit erodes reputation. The piece concludes with a moral that reputation is valuable, but character is priceless, urging readers to nurture their “light” by discarding the stones of envy, jealousy, anger, and fear.
Topics
Hawaiian Bowl‑of‑Light Metaphor: Light vs. Stones as a Model for Character
A cultural story that frames character as a bowl of light that grows when nurtured and dims when negative emotions (stones) are added, with the possibility of turning the bowl upside down to discard the stones.
Character as a Business Compass: Trust, Credibility, and Sustainable Growth
An argument that strong character drives trust, credibility, long‑term success, consistent decision‑making, personal satisfaction, and leadership influence in business contexts.
John vs. Mike: Real‑World Illustration of Character’s Impact on Sales Success
A comparative anecdote of two salespeople—John, who prioritizes honesty and builds lasting client relationships, and Mike, who pursues short‑term gains through exaggeration, leading to reputation loss.
Supporting Voices: Gandhi and Stevie Wonder on Work Ethic and Character
Quotes from Indira Gandhi (via Mahatma Gandhi) and Stevie Wonder that reinforce the column’s thesis that character, not just ability, sustains success.
Mackay’s Moral: Reputation Is Precious, Character Is Priceless
A concise concluding statement that encapsulates the column’s central message, urging readers to prioritize character development.