In every society, there are “human benchmarks” — certain individuals whose behavior becomes a model for everyone else — shining examples that others admire and emulate. We call these individuals “class acts.” –Dan Sullivan
Strive to become the kind of person who acts with class, who becomes known as a class act, and who attracts other people with class to his or her sphere of influence.
How can you differentiate yourself as a class act in a world where most people are unconscious and “unspecial”? The answer is that you have to consciously work to become free from the many fears, worries, and anxieties that diminish the imaginations and ambitions of the vast majority of people and operate outside the world of conventionality in a world of expanding awareness, creativity, and accomplishment.
But to do this, you need a model of class act behavior to guide your own thinking and behavior. Dan Sullivan has identified the following characteristics of a class act to serve as your guide.
- Live by your own highest standards.
- Maintain dignity and grace under pressure.
- Focus and improve the behavior of others.
- Operate from a larger, inclusive perspective.
- Increase the quality of every experience.
- Counteract meanness, pettiness, and vulgarity.
- Take responsibility for actions and results.
- Strengthen the integrity of all situations.
- Expand the meaning of being human.
- Increase the confidence and capabilities of others.
Why being a class act helps you succeed
In fact, that’s one of the major benefits of being a class act: People want to do business with you or become involved in your sphere of influence. They perceive you as successful and someone who can expand their possibilities. They trust you to act with responsibility, integrity, and aplomb.
Perhaps that’s why the easiest way to spot class acts is by looking at the people class acts attract. Look at the people they do business with, the people they socialize with. Class acts tend to attract people who are at the top of their game.
Have you taken a good look lately at your friends, your colleagues, your partners, clients, and contacts? Are they class acts? If not, consider that disparity as a mirror reflecting your status back to you. Make the decision now to re-create yourself as a class act, and see what kind of people you start attracting. Do fewer things, but do them better. Raise the quality of your attitude and change your behaviors for the better.
* Source: The Success Principles by Jack Canfield