In every role we have, in every influential situation we are 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, 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. 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.

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™. No single facet is more or less important than another. They are a buffet of rich opportunities for Self-Assessment/Self-Relection, as well as a framework for walking our talk - no matter where we find ourselves. Together they form a helpful roadmap for the lifetime adventure of growing in conscious awareness. 

Each one is either a Life Smarts skillset or mindset  - and in some cases, both.
 
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. 

"Virtue is its own reward, and brings with it the truest and highest pleasure; but if we cultivate it only for pleasure's sake, we are selfish, not religious, and will never gain the pleasure, because we can never have the virtue." - John Henry Newman

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 (or 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 humbly reflect the virtues contained in each facet.