Join the Global Virtuosity Movement and strengthen one essential character dimension each month. Explore the Character Wheel to dive deeper into each strength and follow along. For added insights, connect with us on social media, and use Virtuosity for daily practice and reflection.
11
Dimensions of character developed across the calendar year
5
Stages of development from discovery to sustained practice
365
Daily exercises building character through consistent action
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Crossan, Byrne, Seijts, Reno, Monzani, & Gandz (2017)
The Five Stages of Character Development
Formation, Not Information
Developing character is similar to developing physical strength. You don't build a muscle by pushing it to the limit on day one. Effective training is scaffolded — you learn what the muscle is, how to activate it, how to strengthen it, how it works with the rest of the body, and how to use it reliably in different conditions.
I
Discover
Identify the dimension — what it looks like when it is working well, when it is underdeveloped, and when it is strong but unsupported.
II
Activate
Engage the muscle intentionally. Experiment with small actions that bring the dimension into use, much like learning proper form before adding load.
III
Strengthen
Use targeted exercises to build consistency and reliability, applying the dimension more deliberately and under increasing pressure.
IV
Connect
No muscle works alone. Focus on how the dimension interacts with other aspects of character and with the people around you.
V
Sustain
Maintain the dimension over time by shaping habits, systems, and environments that support its continued use — especially when conditions change.