Superior Framework

for Character Mastery

A Self-Development Tool
Superior Framework for Character Mastery
A Self-Development Tool
The Superior Framework for Character Mastery is meticulously crafted to furnish you with a structured
roadmap as you embark on your journey of character development. This tool serves as your compass, aiding
in the identification of your foremost strengths, pivotal areas for development, and initiation of a
development plan encompassing goal-setting and habit-tracking tailored to achieve Character Mastery.
Developed with precision, this tool offers a comprehensive approach to contemplate, assess, and nurture
character mastery, empowering you to unlock your fullest potential.

i. Creativity
ii. Curiosity
iii. Love of Learning

i. Appreciation
of Beauty
Wisdom and
and Excellence Knowledge
ii. Gratitude
i. Bravery
iii. Hope
iv. Humor ii. Persistence
Transcen- Courage
v. Spirituality dence iii. Vitality
iv. Drive

Practical
Wisdom
i. Experience
ii. Critical Reflection
iii. Judgment
iv. Decision Making
Temperance v. Perspective
Integrity

i. Forgiveness and Mercy i. Authenticity

ii. Humility / Modesty ii. Honesty
Justice Humanity iii. Responsibility
iii. Prudence
iv. Self-regulation iv. Self-accountability

i. Citizenship i. Love
ii. Fairness ii. Kindness
iii. Leadership iii. Social Intelligence


 Activity 1: Discover Your Top Character Strength
Why it matters: Recognizing and leveraging one's unique strengths is essential for personal and
professional growth. However, many individuals struggle to identify these strengths within themselves. This
activity is designed to facilitate the identification of your top strengths among the 31 Character Strengths
outlined in The Superior Framework for Character Mastery.

How to use it: Answer the following questions about each of the 31 character strengths using checkmarks.
Mark each question for each strength with a checkmark if it applies to you, and calculate the total when you
have considered each strength.

A. Does this strength B. Do others see this C. Does using this D. Do I use this strength
come naturally to me? strength in me? strength feel frequently?
energizing?

A B C D

come naturally to me?

Character Statements

Do I use this strength

Strengths

Does this strength

Do others see this

strength in me?

Does using this

Checkmarks
Number of
strength feel
energizing?

frequently?
Virtue: Wisdom and Knowledge
1. When someone tells me how to do
something, I automatically think of
alternative ways to get the same thing
Creativity done.

2. I have a special urge to do something

original.

Curiosity 3. I am never bored.

4. I have many interests.

5. I always go out of my way to attend

Love of educational events.
Learning
6. I often read books for fun.

Virtue: Courage

Bravery 7. I have taken frequent stands in the face of

strong opposition.

8. I always stand up for my beliefs.


A. Does this strength B. Do others see this C. Does using this D. Do I use this strength
come naturally to me? strength in me? strength feel frequently?
energizing?

A B C D

come naturally to me?

Character Statements

Do I use this strength

Strengths

Does this strength

Do others see this

strength in me?

Does using this

Checkmarks
Number of
strength feel
energizing?

frequently?
9. I finish things despite obstacles in the way.
Persistence
10. I always stick with what I decide to do.

11. I want to fully participate in life, not just

view it from the sidelines.
Vitality
12. I look forward to getting up in the
morning.

13. I am driven to excel in all aspects of my life,

constantly striving for improvement.
Drive 14. I am consistently motivated and
enthusiastic when pursuing my goals.

Virtue: Integrity
15. I always present myself genuinely, without
pretense or artificiality, in my
interactions with others.
Authenticity
16. I make decisions and take actions that are
true to my personal values and beliefs.

17. I believe in always telling the truth, even if

it may be uncomfortable or inconvenient.
Honesty
18. I rarely resort to dishonesty or deception
to avoid difficult situations.

19. I take full ownership of my actions and

obligations, ensuring that I fulfill my
Responsibility commitments.
20. I often take responsibility for my mistakes
or shortcomings, without shifting
blame onto others.


 A. Does this strength B. Do others see this C. Does using this D. Do I use this strength
come naturally to me? strength in me? strength feel frequently?
energizing?

A B C D

come naturally to me?

Character Statements

Do I use this strength

Strengths

Does this strength

Do others see this

strength in me?

Does using this

Checkmarks
Number of
strength feel
energizing?

frequently?
21. I hold myself accountable for my choices
and decisions, acknowledging both
Self- my successes and failures.
accountability 22. I consistently take personal accountability
for my actions without making
excuses or rationalizations.

Virtue: Humanity
23. There are people in my life who care as
much about my feelings and well-
Love being as they do about their own.

24. I find it easy to accept love from others.

25. I am never too busy to help a friend.

Kindness
26. I frequently do favors for people.

27. I always know what makes someone

Social uncomfortable.
Intelligence 28. I am often aware of my own thoughts and
feelings.

Virtue: Justice
29. I never miss group meetings or team
practices.
Citizenship
30. I work at my very best when I am part of a
group.

31. I am strongly committed to principles of

justice and equality.
Fairness
32. I treat everyone fairly, regardless of my
personal feelings towards them.

33. In a group, I try to make sure everyone

feels included.
Leadership
34. I am good at planning group activities.


A. Does this strength B. Do others see this C. Does using this D. Do I use this strength
come naturally to me? strength in me? strength feel frequently?
energizing?

A B C D

come naturally to me?

Character Statements

Do I use this strength

Strengths

Does this strength

Do others see this

strength in me?

Does using this

Checkmarks
Number of
strength feel
energizing?

frequently?
Virtue: Temperance
35. I always allow others to leave their mistakes
Forgiveness in the past and make a fresh start.
and Mercy
36. I am willing to accept apologies.

37. I am proud that I am an ordinary person.

Humility and
Modesty
38. I rarely talk about myself.

39. I believe in the motto of “Better safe than

sorry”.
Prudence
40. My friends believe that I am thoughtful in
my words and deeds.

41. I am a highly disciplined person.

Self-regulation
42. I exercise on a regular basis.

Virtue: Transcendence
43. I have often been left speechless by the
Appreciation of beauty depicted in a movie.
Beauty and
Excellence 44. I frequently notice the beauty around me
without prompting from others.

45. I always express my thanks to people who

care about me.
Gratitude
46. When I look at my life, I find many things to
be grateful for.

47. I always look on the bright side.

Hope 48. I have a plan for what I want to be doing 5
years from now.

49. Whenever my friends are in a gloomy

mood, I try to tease them out of it.
Humor
50. Many people would say I am fun to be
with.

 A. Does this strength B. Do others see this C. Does using this D. Do I use this strength
come naturally to me? strength in me? strength feel frequently?
energizing?

A B C D

come naturally to me?

Character Statements

Do I use this strength

Strengths

Does this strength

Do others see this

strength in me?

Does using this

Checkmarks
Number of
strength feel
energizing?

frequently?
51. I spend at least 30 minutes in prayer,
meditation, or contemplation daily.
Spirituality
52. I feel myself connected to a greater purpose
of life.

Virtue: Practical Wisdom

53. I draw upon my past experiences to guide
my decision-making and problem-
solving in current situations.
Experience
54. I often learn from my previous experiences,
avoiding the same mistakes.

55. I regularly engage in introspection and

self-examination to evaluate my
Critical beliefs, biases, and actions.
Reflection
56. I frequently take the time to reflect critically
on my thoughts or behaviors, avoiding
acting impulsively.

57. I demonstrate sound judgment in assessing

situations and making informed decisions
Judgement based on careful consideration.

58. I rarely make hasty or ill-informed

judgments without fully evaluating the
available information.
59. I approach decision-making with a
systematic process, weighing the pros and
cons before reaching a conclusion.
Decision
making 60. I make decisions confidently, rarely feeling
indecisive or unsure about the best
course of action.

61. People describe me as “wise beyond my

years.”
Perspective
62. Others often come to me for advice.


Checkmarks Summary


 Your top three character strengths are those which have
the most checkmark:
1.

2.

3.

The following steps will help you to make use of your top strengths:
1. It can be easy to take your strengths for granted. Your strengths
are a key part of what makes you who you are!

Take the time to reflect on and appreciate how your strengths have contributed to the successes
in your life. What benefits have they brought you?

2.  While your strengths primarily have a positive impact on you and

others, you may take them for granted because they come naturally to you. When you don’t fully
appreciate a strength, it can cause problems — particularly when you overuse a strength when a
different response would be optimal. As you work on appreciating your strengths, keep in mind
that moderating them may be needed at times. Think about whether there are other strengths
that might help you to express your strength in a balanced way.

3.    Think about how you can use your top strengths in new ways. Doing so
will help to increase your enjoyment and engagement in daily activities. For example, if one of
your strengths is citizenship, think of how you can stay connected to people in your organization
in a new way.


Activity 2: Identify Your Key Development Opportunities
Why it matters: While all 31 character strengths hold significance and merit development, this activity
serves to pinpoint the specific areas for growth that warrant prioritization

How to use it: Answer the following questions about each of the 31 character strengths using checkmarks.
Mark each question for each strength with a checkmark if it applies to you, and calculate the total of each row
when you have considered each strength.

A. Is this strength B. Have I had feedback or C. Is this a strength that I D. Am I motivated to make
important for my career experiences show me admire in others? changes on this strength?
goals or my role? that this is a growth
opportunity?

A B C D

Character Statements

changes on this strength?

Am I motivated to make
Strengths

important for my career

Have I had feedback or

Is this a strength that I

experiences show me
that this is a growth

Checkmarks
admire in others?
goals or my role?

Number of
Is this strength

opportunity?

Virtue: Wisdom and Knowledge

1. When someone tells me how to do
something, I automatically think of
alternative ways to get the same thing
Creativity done.

2. I have a special urge to do something

original.

Curiosity 3. I am never bored.

4. I have many interests.

5. I always go out of my way to attend

Love of educational events.
Learning
6. I often read books for fun.

Virtue: Courage

Bravery 7. I have taken frequent stands in the face of

strong opposition.

8. I always stand up for my beliefs.


 A. Is this strength B. Have I had feedback or C. Is this a strength that I D. Am I motivated to make
important for my career experiences show me admire in others? changes on this strength?
goals or my role? that this is a growth
opportunity?

A B C D

Character Statements

changes on this strength?

Am I motivated to make
Strengths

important for my career

Have I had feedback or

Is this a strength that I

experiences show me
that this is a growth

Checkmarks
admire in others?
goals or my role?

Number of
Is this strength

opportunity?
9. I finish things despite obstacles in the way.
Persistence
10. I always stick with what I decide to do.

11. I want to fully participate in life, not just

view it from the sidelines.
Vitality
12. I look forward to getting up in the
morning.

13. I am driven to excel in all aspects of my life,

constantly striving for improvement.
Drive 14. I am consistently motivated and
enthusiastic when pursuing my goals.

Virtue: Integrity
15. I always present myself genuinely, without
pretense or artificiality, in my
interactions with others.
Authenticity
16. I make decisions and take actions that are
true to my personal values and beliefs.

17. I believe in always telling the truth, even if

it may be uncomfortable or inconvenient.
Honesty
18. I rarely resort to dishonesty or deception
to avoid difficult situations.

19. I take full ownership of my actions and

obligations, ensuring that I fulfill my
Responsibility commitments.
20. I often take responsibility for my mistakes
or shortcomings, without shifting
blame onto others.


A. Is this strength B. Have I had feedback or C. Is this a strength that I D. Am I motivated to make
important for my career experiences show me admire in others? changes on this strength?
goals or my role? that this is a growth
opportunity?
A B C D

Character Statements

changes on this strength?

Am I motivated to make
Strengths

important for my career

Have I had feedback or

Is this a strength that I

experiences show me
that this is a growth

Checkmarks
admire in others?
goals or my role?

Number of
Is this strength

opportunity?
21. I hold myself accountable for my choices
and decisions, acknowledging both
Self- my successes and failures.
accountability 22. I consistently take personal accountability
for my actions without making
excuses or rationalizations.

Virtue: Humanity
23. There are people in my life who care as
much about my feelings and well-
Love being as they do about their own.

24. I find it easy to accept love from others.

25. I am never too busy to help a friend.

Kindness
26. I frequently do favors for people.

27. I always know what makes someone

Social uncomfortable.
Intelligence 28. I am often aware of my own thoughts and
feelings.

Virtue: Justice
29. I never miss group meetings or team
practices.
Citizenship
30. I work at my very best when I am part of a
group.

31. I am strongly committed to principles of

justice and equality.
Fairness
32. I treat everyone fairly, regardless of my
personal feelings towards them.

33. In a group, I try to make sure everyone

feels included.
Leadership
34. I am good at planning group activities.


 A. Is this strength B. Have I had feedback or C. Is this a strength that I D. Am I motivated to make
important for my career experiences show me admire in others? changes on this strength?
goals or my role? that this is a growth
opportunity?
A B C D

Character Statements

changes on this strength?

Am I motivated to make
Strengths

important for my career

Have I had feedback or

Is this a strength that I

experiences show me
that this is a growth

Checkmarks
admire in others?
goals or my role?

Number of
Is this strength

opportunity?
Virtue: Temperance
35. I always allow others to leave their mistakes
Forgiveness in the past and make a fresh start.
and Mercy
36. I am willing to accept apologies.

37. I am proud that I am an ordinary person.

Humility and
Modesty
38. I rarely talk about myself.

39. I believe in the motto of “Better safe than

sorry”.
Prudence
40. My friends believe that I am thoughtful in
my words and deeds.

41. I am a highly disciplined person.

Self-regulation
42. I exercise on a regular basis.

Virtue: Transcendence
43. I have often been left speechless by the
Appreciation of beauty depicted in a movie.
Beauty and
Excellence 44. I frequently notice the beauty around me
without prompting from others.

45. I always express my thanks to people who

care about me.
Gratitude
46. When I look at my life, I find many things to
be grateful for.

47. I always look on the bright side.

Hope 48. I have a plan for what I want to be doing 5
years from now.

49. Whenever my friends are in a gloomy

mood, I try to tease them out of it.
Humor
50. Many people would say I am fun to be
with.

A. Is this strength B. Have I had feedback or C. Is this a strength that I D. Am I motivated to make
important for my career experiences show me admire in others? changes on this strength?
goals or my role? that this is a growth
opportunity?

A B C D

Character Statements

changes on this strength?

Am I motivated to make
Strengths

important for my career

Have I had feedback or

Is this a strength that I

experiences show me
that this is a growth

Checkmarks
admire in others?
goals or my role?

Number of
Is this strength

opportunity?
51. I spend at least 30 minutes in prayer,
meditation, or contemplation daily.
Spirituality
52. I feel myself connected to a greater purpose
of life.

Virtue: Practical Wisdom

53. I draw upon my past experiences to guide
my decision-making and problem-
solving in current situations.
Experience
54. I often learn from my previous experiences,
avoiding the same mistakes.

55. I regularly engage in introspection and

self-examination to evaluate my
Critical beliefs, biases, and actions.
Reflection
56. I frequently take the time to reflect critically
on my thoughts or behaviors, avoiding
acting impulsively.

57. I demonstrate sound judgment in assessing

situations and making informed decisions
Judgement based on careful consideration.

58. I rarely make hasty or ill-informed

judgments without fully evaluating the
available information.
59. I approach decision-making with a
systematic process, weighing the pros and
cons before reaching a conclusion.
Decision
making 60. I make decisions confidently, rarely feeling
indecisive or unsure about the best
course of action.

61. People describe me as “wise beyond my

years.”
Perspective
62. Others often come to me for advice.

 Checkmarks Summary


Your top three development opportunities are
those which have the most checkmark:

1.

2.

3.

The Importance of Focus

Now that you understand your strengths and development opportunities, it’s time to select three
development areas to prioritize.

It is important to select not more than three areas to focus on at once, because working with too
many development opportunities at the same time can be overwhelming and impede progress.

Use the following two worksheets to help you select three development areas to prioritize using the
top strengths and development opportunities you have identified in Activities 1 and 2.


 Activity 3: Are Any Top Strengths a Development
Opportunity? The Importance of Balance
When you use your top character strengths, you probably feel energized and engaged. Because they come so
naturally to you, you might not even be aware of how often you rely on them. Most of the time this isn’t
problematic, but there are times when automatically using our natural tendencies can create issues. For
example, people who are high in the ‘drive’ often approach situations from a results-oriented, problem-solving
outlook. While this perspective often produces commendable bottom-line results, in other areas of our life this
might not be optimal. For instance, if someone requires coaching or a listening ear, a more open and curious
mindset would be more suitable. In other words, humility and social intelligence would help to balance drive.
For this reason, it’s important to consider whether there are ways to fine-tune or modulate your expression of
your top character strengths. Use the following worksheet to help determine whether any top strengths might
be development opportunities in disguise:

My Top Strength Reflection Questions

[List top selected character strengths below.]
1. How has this character strength contributed to
my career success?
2. What are the potential benefits of developing
this strength further?
3. Do I tend to overuse this strength, or is my
usage balanced? What situations can create
problems for me or others when I overuse this
strength? What other character strengths can
help balance this strength?

1.

2.

3.


Activity 4: Prioritizing Your Development Opportunities
The above reflection questions from Activity 3 should give you a sense of your clearest development
opportunities to prioritize. Record them below:

My Key Development Opportunities Reflection Questions

List key development opportunities below.] 1. What are the potential benefits of further
developing this character strength?
2. Is now a good time to focus on this character
strength?

1.

2.

3.

My current key development opportunities:

1.

2.

3.

Reflecting on Development Opportunities

In Activity 5, we’ll explore your selected key development opportunities in greater detail.
Once you have reflected on what the underuse, overuse, and balanced usage of a given character strength
looks like, it will be easier to identify next steps in Activity 6.
When thinking of next steps, consider your ultimate goal, such as becoming a wise, decisive leader.
Additionally, consider the smaller steps you will need to take to get closer to reaching your ultimate goal,
such as scheduling a few minutes each day to reflect on upcoming decisions.
Use the following templates in Activity 5 and Activity 6 to help you explore a character strength that you
have selected as a development opportunity.


Activity 5 - Example (a): Deep Dive into a Development Opportunity

Development Area Character Strength: Kindness

Underuse Overuse
                   
   
        
     

• I fail to extend acts of kindness or assistance to • I prioritize kindness to the extent that I neglect
team members, disregarding their needs or to hold team members accountable for their
struggles as insignificant. actions or performance, resulting in lowered
• I overlook opportunities to foster a supportive standards and productivity.
and nurturing environment within the team, • I become excessively lenient or
resulting in decreased morale and accommodating, failing to address issues or
engagement. provide constructive feedback when
• I exhibit a lack of empathy or compassion necessary, hindering the team's growth and
towards team members facing challenges, development.
leading to strained relationships and • I risk being perceived as overly soft or
diminished trust. ineffectual as a leader, undermining my
authority and ability to lead effectively.

Balanced Expression

What happens when this character strength is used at the right time in the right
amount? What other character strength will I need to rely on to properly express
this strength?

• I demonstrate kindness by actively supporting and empowering team members, fostering a

culture of trust, collaboration, and mutual respect.
• I strike a balance between demonstrating compassion and holding team members accountable,
ensuring that I maintain high standards while also providing support and encouragement.
• I recognize the importance of setting clear expectations and boundaries as a leader, ensuring that
kindness is balanced with firmness and consistency in decision-making.
• By incorporating elements of good judgement, I regulate the expression of kindness, ensuring
that it enhances rather than detracts from my effectiveness as a leader.


Activity 5 - Example (b): Deep Dive into a Development Opportunity

Development Area Character Strength: Judgement

Underuse Overuse
                   
        
        
    

• I fail to accurately assess situations or consider • I become overly rigid or dogmatic in my

relevant factors when making decisions, approach to decision-making, failing to adapt
leading to poor outcomes or missed to changing circumstances or consider
opportunities. alternative viewpoints.
• I overlook the importance of aligning actions • I prioritize judgment to the extent that I
with values and goals, resulting in decisions dismiss input or feedback from others, limiting
that are inconsistent or detrimental to the collaboration and innovation within the team
organization's mission. or organization.
• I struggle to navigate complex or ambiguous • I risk making unilateral decisions without
situations, leading to indecision or reliance on seeking input or buy-in from key stakeholders,
others to make choices on my behalf. leading to resistance or disengagement from
team members.

Balanced Expression

What occurs when this character strength is appropriately applied, in the right
measure and timing, within a leadership role? Which other leadership
dimensions will I need to integrate to maintain equilibrium?

• I exercise sound judgment by carefully assessing situations, weighing relevant factors, and
considering the potential impact of decisions on individuals and the organization as a whole.
• I align actions with values and goals, ensuring that decisions are consistent with the organization's
mission and vision.
• I balance judgment with humility, remaining open to input and feedback from others and
acknowledging that I don't have all the answers.
• By incorporating elements of temperance, I regulate the expression of judgment, ensuring that it
enhances rather than detracts from my effectiveness as a leader.


Activity 5 - Example (c): Deep Dive into a Development Opportunity

Development Area Character Strength:

Humility/Modesty

Underuse Overuse
                   
        
        
    

• I seek constant recognition or praise for my • I downplay my achievements to the extent

accomplishments, prioritizing self-promotion that I fail to assert myself or advocate for my
over the well-being of the team or ideas or contributions, hindering my ability to
organization. influence or lead effectively.
• I disregard the contributions of others and fail • I defer excessively to others and fail to assert
to acknowledge their efforts or achievements, my expertise or opinions when necessary,
leading to resentment and disengagement. diminishing my credibility and impact as a
• I exhibit arrogance or entitlement, believing leader.
that I am inherently superior to others and • I risk being perceived as weak or lacking
deserving of special treatment or privileges. confidence, allowing others to overshadow
me or take credit for my work, undermining
my leadership authority.

Balanced Expression
What happens when this character strength is used at the right time in the right
amount? What other character strength will I need to rely on to properly express
this strength?

• I demonstrate humility by letting my accomplishments speak for themselves and prioritizing the
success and well-being of the team over personal recognition.
• I acknowledge the contributions of others and celebrate their achievements, fostering a culture of
citizenship and mutual respect within the team or organization.
• I balance humility with confidence, asserting myself when necessary and advocating for my ideas
or contributions while remaining open to feedback and input from others.


Activity 5: Deep Dive into a Development Opportunity

Development Area

Strength: Elements:

Underuse Overuse
What occurs when this character strength is What happens when this character strength is
lacking? overly emphasized without balance from other
character strengths?

Balanced Expression
What happens when this character strength is used at the right time in the right
amount? What other character strength will I need to rely on to properly express
this strength?


 Activity 6: My Next Steps — Achieving Big Goals
Through Small Steps

Strength: Elements:

Ultimate goal(s): Smaller steps I can take to get

closer to my ultimate goal:

Preparing for Goal Attainment

What challenges will I face? What strengths or strategies can I use in the face of
those challenges?


Achieving Your Goals with a Development Plan
Now that you have an ultimate goal for a given character strength and a series of smaller goals, you’re ready
to begin your development plan in Activity 7.
A common mistake people make when embarking on a habit change plan is to set unrealistic expectations
for themselves. Instead, select one or two small, easy-to-complete actions that will get you closer to your
ultimate goal. By tracking your progress, you will increase the chances of successfully achieving your goals by
changing your habits.
Instructions: Use the worksheet on the following page to help you track your progress. Think about how you
can make this change as easy as possible for yourself, such as implementing visible reminders, rewarding
yourself every day, and being accountable to someone else, as you set out on this developmental journey.


 Activity 7: Tracking Your New Habits

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Did I do my best
to practice my
habit?

If yes? When and

where?
(if not, see final
question)

What
happened?

Would I like to
make this a
part of my
routine?

If not, what can

I do to increase
my chances of
success?


Maintaining Momentum
Character Mastery is an ongoing process and it is normal to go through periods of time where you cannot
maintain a high level of focus on your goals.
Be kind to yourself, and remember that you can always begin again or choose new goals to pursue. When
you’re feeling uninspired, think about why your chosen character strength(s) matters to you, and the impact
focusing on it can have on yourself and the people around you. Some people find it more helpful to focus
on what they will lose if they don’t stay committed to making changes, while others find it more helpful to
focus on what they stand to gain. Revisiting your work — and the progress you’ve already made —
throughout this guide can help motivate you to achieve your goals.
If you want to maintain the habits you have identified through this process over the long term, these
questions can help you to reflect on whether you need to make any changes to your plan:
• Am I getting closer to reaching my ultimate Character Mastery goal(s)?
• Are the daily habits becoming easier or more natural for me?
• Are the supports I rely on to perform my new habit(s) helping me to overcome challenges?
Remember that lasting change takes time, and that consistency trumps intensity. By focusing on taking
small steps on a consistent basis you will achieve your goals.

Reference
SIGMA Assessment Systems INC. (n.d.). Leader Character Development Guide. Retrieved April 2, 2024,
from https://www.sigmaassessmentsystems.com/leadership-skill-development-series/


Superior Framework
for Character Mastery
Supporting Material
 Superior Framework for
Character Mastery
i. Creativity
ii. Curiosity
iii. Love of Learning

i. Appreciation
of Beauty
Wisdom and
and Excellence Knowledge
ii. Gratitude
i. Bravery
iii. Hope
iv. Humor ii. Persistence
Transcen- Courage
v. Spirituality dence iii. Vitality
iv. Drive

Practical
Wisdom
i. Experience
ii. Critical Reflection
iii. Judgment
iv. Decision Making
Temperance v. Perspective
Integrity

i. Forgiveness and Mercy i. Authenticity

ii. Humility / Modesty ii. Honesty
Justice Humanity iii. Responsibility
iii. Prudence
iv. Self-regulation iv. Self-accountability

i. Citizenship i. Love
ii. Fairness ii. Kindness
iii. Leadership iii. Social Intelligence

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Superior Framework for
Character Mastery

Cognitive strengths that entail the acquisition of knowledge.

i. Creativity [originality, ingenuity]:

Thinking of novel and productive ways to conceptualize and do things; includes artistic
achievement but is not limited to it.

ii. Curiosity [interest, novelty-seeking, openness to experience]:

Taking an interest in ongoing experience for its own sake; finding subjects and topics
fascinating; exploring and discovering.

iii. Love of Learning:

Mastering new skills, topics, and bodies of knowledge, whether on one’s own or formally;
obviously related to the strength of curiosity but goes beyond it to describe the tendency to
add systematically to what one knows.

Emotional strengths that involve the exercise of will to accomplish goals in the face
of opposition, external or internal.

i. Bravery [valor]:
Not shrinking from threat, challenge, difficulty, or pain; speaking up for what is right even if there is
opposition; acting on convictions even if unpopular; includes physical bravery but is not limited to it.

ii. Persistence [perseverance, industriousness]:

Finishing what one starts; persisting in a course of action in spite of obstacles; “getting it out the
door”; taking pleasure in completing tasks.

iii. Vitality [Zest, Enthusiasm, Vigor, Energy]:

Approaching life with excitement and energy; not doing things halfway or halfheartedly; living life as
an adventure; feeling alive and activated.

iv. Drive [Initiative Orientation, Achieving Excellence]:

Approaching tasks with proactive initiative and an unwavering commitment to excellence, fueled
by an internal motivation to achieve goals and produce outstanding results.

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The sincere alignment of words, actions, and emotions, reflecting an
authentic portrayal of oneself, while taking full ownership of responsibilities
and engaging in continuous self-accountability.

i. Authenticity:
The quality of being genuine in one's interactions and true to oneself, without pretense or artificiality. It
involves presenting oneself sincerely, with words and actions that reflect one's true identity and values.

ii. Honesty:
Maintaining truthfulness and transparency in communication and behavior, emphasizing sincerity and
consistency in conveying information and dealing with others.

iii. Responsibility:
It involves taking ownership of one's actions and commitments, acknowledging the consequences of
choices, and fulfilling obligations diligently.

iv. Self-accountability:
The practice of holding oneself accountable for one's actions, decisions, and outcomes. It involves
admitting mistakes and actively seeking self-improvement through reflection and learning.

Interpersonal strengths that involve tending and befriending others

i. Love:
Valuing close relations with others, in particular those in which sharing and caring are reciprocated;
being close to people.

ii. Kindness [generosity, nurturance, care, compassion, altruistic love and niceness]:
Doing favors and good deeds for others; helping them; taking care of them.

iii. Social intelligence [emotional intelligence, personal intelligence]:

Being aware of the motives and feelings of other people and oneself; knowing what to do to fit into
different social situations; knowing what makes other people tick.

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Civic strengths that underlie healthy community life.

i. Citizenship [social responsibility, loyalty, teamwork]:

Working well as a member of a group or team; being loyal to the group; doing one’s share.

ii. Fairness:
Treating all people the same according to notions of fairness and justice; not letting personal
feelings bias decisions about others; giving everyone a fair chance.

iii. Leadership:
Encouraging a group of which one is a member to get things done and at the same time maintain
good relations within the group; organizing group activities and seeing that they happen.

Strengths that protect against excess.

i. Forgiveness and Mercy:

Forgiving those who have done wrong; accepting the shortcomings of others; giving people a
second chance; not being vengeful.

ii. Humility / Modesty:

Letting one’s accomplishments speak for themselves; not seeking the spotlight; not regarding
oneself as more special than one is.

iii. Prudence:
Being careful about one’s choices; not taking undue risks; not saying or doing things that might
later be regretted.

iv. Self-regulation [self-control]:

Regulating what one feels and does; being disciplined; controlling one’s appetites and emotions.

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Strengths that forge connections to the larger universe and provide meaning.

i. Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence [awe, wonder, elevation]:

Noticing and appreciating beauty, excellence, and/or skilled performance in various domains of
life, from nature to art to mathematics to science to everyday experience.

ii. Gratitude:
Being aware of and thankful for the good things that happen; taking time to express thanks.

iii. Hope [optimism, future-mindedness, future orientation]:

Expecting the best in the future and working to achieve it; believing that a good future is
something that can be brought about.

iv. Humor [playfulness]:

Liking to laugh and tease; bringing smiles to other people; seeing the light side; making (not
necessarily telling) jokes.

v. Spirituality [religiousness, faith, purpose]:

Having coherent beliefs about the higher purpose and meaning of the universe; knowing where
one fits within the larger scheme; having beliefs about the meaning of life that shape conduct and
provide comfort.

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 A “meta virtue” developed through experience and critical reflection. It involves making
sound judgement and decision in real-life contexts.

i. Experience:
The insights gained from real-life involvement, guiding judgment and decision-making by recognizing
patterns and anticipating challenges.

ii. Critical Reflection:

The process of evaluating beliefs and biases, considering alternative perspectives, and refining
understanding of ethical principles, fostering continuous learning and growth in practical wisdom.

iii. Judgment:
The skill of accurately assessing situations, weighing factors, and determining the best course of action
aligned with values and goals.

iv. Decision Making:

Choosing the most suitable action among available options, considering outcomes and values to achieve
positive results while minimizing harm, thereby demonstrating practical wisdom in navigating complex
situations.

v. Perspective:
Being able to provide wise counsel to others; having ways of looking at the world that make sense to
oneself and to other people.

References
1. Aristotle (1999), Nicomachean Ethics, Pearson
2. Crossan, M., Seijts, G., & Gandz, J. (2015). Developing leadership character. Routledge.
3. Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues. (2020). Character education in universities: A
framework for flourishing.
4. Peterson, C., & Seligman, M. E. (2004). Character strengths and virtues: A handbook and
classification (Vol. 1). Oxford university press.

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