Ten Qualities of a Good Human
A new series of articles about ten qualities of a good human - dimensions of character to cultivate over a lifetime.
Last year, I wrote a series of articles on LinkedIn on the qualities I believe are crucial for a good leader. It’s a topic I ponder at length. Like everyone, I have moments of imposter syndrome and others where I feel confident in my leadership and decision-making. I even produced my first infographic - using Canva (to the faux dismay of my graphic design professional friends).
I’m not a ‘trained’ leader. I didn’t finish university. I don’t have an MBA. I’ve been to a few workshops and professional development events over the years, but what leadership skills I have accumulated are primarily by osmosis, learning on the job, watching others I admire, trial and error, and a heck of a lot of reading.
A distinction I was keen to make was the difference between leadership and management. Management is keeping the machinery running. Leadership is scooping up your team and carrying them to a promised land. It’s a distinction so often lost on people in leadership - too many see the process as more important than the purpose and vision.
I thoroughly enjoyed researching and writing the articles, often mixing in anecdotes and moments from my life that seemed relevant. I started with what seemed the most obvious - ‘showing up’ - being fully engaged, visible, and accountable, not just for the big moments but as a constant presence whether the team is facing challenges or triumphs.
Eventually, it struck me that the ten leadership qualities also equally apply to my view of what constitutes a ‘good human’.
So, I’m embarking on a new series of articles on this Substack, using the same ten qualities but connecting them to how all of us can be better people. I believe if we embrace the ten qualities, it is inevitable our relationships and connections will be stronger. Our lives will be more fulfilled.
I don’t believe there is anything earth-shattering in these ideas. It's more like commonsense. However, as is often the case, calling these ideas out, labelling them, and talking about them ensures we pay intentional attention. These are core attributes that enable us to live meaningful, impactful lives that centre around our capacity for connection, growth, and conscious engagement with the world around us.
Each quality is a dimension of character to be cultivated over a lifetime. From the fundamental practice of being present in our daily interactions to the wisdom of maintaining perspective in life's varied circumstances, each quality builds upon and reinforces the others.
Oh, you ask, what are the ten qualities? 🙂
Being Present
The Art of Listening
Living with Purpose
Building Authentic Connections
Living Truthfully
Quiet Confidence
Taking Responsibility
Embracing Change
Lifting Others
Maintaining Perspective
Quite obviously, none of the qualities exist in isolation. They form an interconnected web of human behaviour and attitude. The ability to embrace change, for instance, is strengthened by maintaining perspective, while the practice of lifting others enhances our sense of purpose. Together, they create a virtuous cycle of personal growth and positive impact on others.
I don’t see how these qualities vary around the world or cultures, professional contexts or personal circumstances. Whether in family relationships, professional endeavours, or community engagement, these attributes serve as reliable guides for navigating life's complexities with grace and wisdom.
In exploring each quality, I'll look at not just its theoretical importance but its practical application in daily life. We'll look at how these qualities manifest in different contexts, the challenges we face in developing them, and specific practices that can help us embody them more fully. As usual, I’ll dig back into my lived experience and seek to connect to moments from my life and the world around me to serve as illustrations.
This isn't a journey toward perfection but instead toward authentic human development. Each quality represents an ongoing practice rather than a destination – a direction rather than a final state. As we cultivate these attributes, we don't just improve ourselves; we contribute to the elevation of human interaction and understanding in our shared world.
Keep an eye open for these articles, I’ll mix them in with my ongoing Alone Ranger writing which will continue to ponder loneliness and connection - have you read about the one and only time astronauts went on strike?