Class acts liberate themselves by establishing personal standards of thinking and behavior that are more demanding and exacting than those of conventional society. They are consciously chosen, established, and applied.
Maintain dignity and grace under pressure.
There are three aspects of this characteristic. The first is imperturbability in the face of chaos. Because you are used to leading yourself by living by your own highest standards, you are able to lead others as well. The second is a calmness that gives courage. Your calmness gives others hope that things will turn out all right. The third is a quality of certainty. The greatest twentieth-century example of this characteristic of a class act was Winston Churchill, who in World War II almost single-handedly saved Western civilization from defeat at the hands of Nazi Germany, by his ability to stay calm and provide confident and courageous leadership that focused the resolve of both the British and the Americans.
Focus and improve the behavior of others.
Because a class act individual is a good role model, other people around them begin thinking and acting at a level that surprises both themselves and others. Someone who best exemplifies this third characteristic of a class act is Larry bird, the great all-star, Hall of Fame basketball player who played on three championship teams with the Boston Celtics. To a person, the other players on those teams have said they were able to play at such a high level only because of Larry Bird’s example and leadership.
Operate from a larger, inclusive perspective.
Because class acts are in touch with their own humanity, they have a deeper understanding and compassion for the humanity of others. They feel inextricably linked to others, are compassionate about human failures, and are courteous in the midst of conflict.
Increase the quality of every experience.
Class act individuals have the ability to transform seemingly insignificant situations into something enjoyable, meaningful, and memorable because of their conscious thinking and actions. They are creators rather than merely consumers, and they constantly enrich the lives of others by introducing greater beauty, significance, uniqueness, and stimulation into every experience. How you are treated at a Four Seasons Hotel is a good example of this characteristic.
Counteract meanness, pettiness, and vulgarity.
The hallmarks of this characteristic are courtesy, respect, appreciation, gratitude, and generosity of spirit. One of my favorite examples of this characteristic of a class act is Pat Riley, the former coach of the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks and current coach of the Miami Heat. What makes him a class act in my mind is his grace in the face of loss off the court. When Pat was coaching the Miami Hear in the NBA playoffs against the New York Knicks, he invited the entire opposing team and its coach to his home for a barbeque and personally spoke to each player, congratulating all for a great season and wishing them the best. Though Pat could have been competitive and aggressive, he acted instead in a way that elevated and acknowledged others. That’s a class act.
Take responsibility for actions and results.
Class act individuals are accountable when others hide; they tell the truth about their failures; and they transform defeats into progress.
Strengthen the integrity of all situations.
Class act individuals are always establishing and achieving larger goals that require them to constantly grow and develop as well as add increasing value to the world.
Expand the meaning of being human.
Class act individuals approach everyone, including themselves, uniquely, and as a result constantly find new ways to make life better for themselves and others. In pushing boundaries for themselves, they do the same for others by giving them new freedom to express their uniqueness in the world.
Increase the confidence and capabilities of others.
Class acts are energy creators rather than energy drainers. Class acts build confidence in themselves by consciously choosing their governing ideas and ideals and creating structures that support the fulfillment of their aspirations and capabilities. These new structures also support others in their full expression by creating environments that encourage greater creativity, cooperation, progress, and growth.
From Jack Canfield's book "The Success Principles"
