In every role we have, in every interaction and situation we are engaged in - whether as children, parents, friends, lovers, partners, co-workers, bosses, etc. - real, lasting success in every area of our life, through all the ups and downs and the choices we make, is framed by the quality of our character. The Diamond Ethos goes beyond the Golden Rule (treating people the way we want to be treated) or the Platinum Rule (treating people the way they want to be treated); because sometimes choosing either one means enabling thoughts, choices, actions and behaviors that don't serve the ability every person has to build and sustain a strong, noble character that guides them as leaders in whatever field of influence they have (personally and professionally) in any given situation, encounter or moment.

The Diamond Ethos asks us to see and treat our fellow human beings as the highest possible expression of themselves, allowing for the possibility for them to rise to meet that potential in all they think, say and do - and lead by wise and conscious example. This includes sometimes calling them out with kindness - and even some tough love - when we witness they are heading in a direction that can sully their character and cause suffering within or without. In turn, we hold ourselves accountable by embodying the same standard as well, which is expressed in how we lead by the example we wish to see in the world in all we think, do, and say.

Although there isn't one definitive list of qualities that contributes to building Ethical Intelligence and a strong, noble character, I've chosen a collection of facets that reflect the heart of The Diamond Ethos and the foundation of Life Smarts. No single facet is more or less important than another. They are a buffet of rich opportunities that form a helpful roadmap for the lifetime innerevolutionary Learning Experience of adventure while growing in acquired wisdom. And of course, there are subsets in each one.

Each one is either a skillset or mindset  - and in some cases, both -  and can be learned by anyone, regardless of age. This is why they comprise so many of the topics I write about in my Life Smarts blog.
 
This is not about some impossible, toxic quest for perfectionism, or about beating yourself up, or feeling superior. Nobody is perfect and ever will be - just like you. 






Nobody I've ever met has mastered all of them, so beware of any ego-driven temptation to use this list as a comparison chart between you and another, as some sort of weapon - or just to inflate your ego; rather let them be facets of a strong, noble character you can work on refining every day, and contagiously nurture in others simply by how you reflect the virtues contained in each facet.