高考英语《流行话题 语境识词 4500》Unit 69 Why Character Counts 素材Unit 69 Why Character Counts? Some time ago I was asked to consult for a bank that was having a problem with employee morale. "I don't know what's wrong," complained their young president. Bright and ambitious, he'd risen through the ranks only to see his institution faltering. He blamed his employees. "No matter what incentives I provide," he said, "they won't shake off this gloom." He was right. The atmosphere seemed poisoned with suspicion and lack of trust. But no one would tell me the source o this distrust. Finally the truth emerged. The boss, who was married, was having an affair with an employee. And everyone knew it. It was obvious now that the company's poor performance was caused by his conduct. But the greatest damage the man was doing was to himself. He was thinking only of his own gratification, disregarding long-term consequences. Moreover, he had violated the trust with his wife. In a word, his failing was one of character. Today it is out of vogue to speak in terms of character. But there is no more essential aspect of any person. Character is made up of those principles and values that give your life direction, meaning and depth. These constitute your inner sense of what's right and wrong based not on the rules of conduct but on who you are. They include such trait as integrit y, honesty, courage, fairness and generosity -- which arise from the hard choices we have to make in life. So wrong is simply in doing wrong, not in getting caught. Yet some people wonder if our inner values matter anymore. After all, hasn't our noted bank executive succeeded in every visible way, despite his faults? Thi...
