The Heart of Connection: Character as the Front Wheel in The Tricycle Effect and Chicken Soup for the Soul

When was the last time a story touched your heart so deeply that it stayed with you long after you read it? It could be a tale of kindness, perseverance, or forgiveness. You know exactly what I mean if you’ve ever read a Chicken Soup for the Soul book. These stories connect with us on a profoundly emotional level, stirring something inside that resonates with our deepest values and aspirations. But why? What makes these stories so impactful? The answer lies in character.

Character is the heart of connection; in The Tricycle Effect, it’s the front wheel of the leadership framework. Just like the front wheel guides and directs the tricycle, character steers our lives and relationships. It’s what makes the Chicken Soup for the Soul series so universally beloved—every story reflects character traits like kindness, courage, forgiveness, and empathy. These stories don’t just entertain; they inspire us to be better people.

Why Stories Rooted in Character Connect to the Heart

Reading about someone overcoming adversity with resilience or showing compassion in a difficult moment reminds us of the power of good character in action. These stories resonate because they speak to what is most human in all of us. They highlight what we strive to be: trustworthy, caring, loyal, and empathetic. They show us that even in the face of challenges, we can choose the high road, build bridges, and leave a positive impact on others.

In The Tricycle Effect, character is described as a skill—one that can be grown, developed, and practiced every day. Similarly, Chicken Soup for the Soul stories showcase ordinary people choosing extraordinary character in pivotal moments. They teach us that character isn’t something we’re born with—it’s something we cultivate through our choices and actions. Just as the character wheel on the tricycle supports and directs leadership, these stories guide us toward living with purpose and significance.

The Front Wheel: Character in Action

Imagine a tricycle with three wheels. The front wheel—the largest—is character, while the two back wheels represent technical and people skills. Without a strong front wheel, and spokes on that wheel to make sure it can spin "true" without wobbling, the tricycle cannot move forward or stay balanced. It’s the same in life and leadership. Your character sets the course and keeps everything aligned.

When we read stories in Chicken Soup for the Soul, we see character in action. We see people leaning into the spokes of the character wheel—trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, empathy, and more. These spokes hold the wheel together, just as they hold our lives together. Every decision, every relationship, and every leadership moment is guided by this front wheel.

Why Character Is Universal

What makes Chicken Soup for the Soul so widely read across generations and cultures is the universal nature of character. Traits like kindness, courage, and forgiveness aren’t bound by geography or status. They are human qualities that unite us all. They remind us that no matter our differences, we all share the same capacity to choose character over convenience, courage over fear, and connection over isolation.

Bringing It Back to You: Your Own Character Wheel

So, what does this mean for you? Whether you’re leading a team, a family, or your own personal journey, the stories in Chicken Soup for the Soul are a reminder that character is the foundation of everything, especially leadership. They show us that no act of kindness is too small, no moment of courage is wasted, and no effort to build trust and empathy goes unnoticed.

If you’re ready to grow your own character wheel and lead with integrity and purpose, I invite you to explore The Tricycle Effect framework. My book, Coach-Ability and The Tricycle Effect, dives deep into how you can develop character as a skill and use it as the foundation of your leadership and life.

Call to Action

Want to take the first step toward strengthening your character wheel? Download a FREE Foreword and Chapter 1 of Coach-Ability and The Tricycle Effect to see how your character can transform your life and leadership. 

Click here to start your journey today.

Remember, just like the stories in Chicken Soup for the Soul, your own story can inspire, lead, and connect. It all starts with character. Trike On!

Teachability vs. Coachability: The Two Keys to Growth and Leadership

When it comes to personal and professional development, two qualities stand out: teachability and coachability. While they may seem similar, these two traits serve distinct purposes in helping you grow, lead, and thrive in all areas of life. Understanding the difference between them—and cultivating both—can unlock your potential and transform your leadership.

What is Teachability?

Teachability is your willingness to learn. It’s an attitude that embraces new ideas, seeks knowledge, and stays curious. Being teachable means you’re open to exploring perspectives that challenge your current way of thinking and eager to acquire new skills.

Teachability happens independently. You might read books, watch tutorials, or experiment on your own to grow. It’s an essential trait for adapting to change and improving over time. Leaders who are teachable continuously learn and evolve, staying relevant and innovative in their fields.

What is Coachability?

While teachability is about your internal drive to learn, coachability is about your ability to accept guidance, feedback, and support from someone else. It’s the willingness to trust a coach or mentor to help you grow, even when their feedback might be uncomfortable to hear.

Coachability requires humility and vulnerability. It’s not always easy to admit where you need help or to let someone else point out blind spots in your leadership. But those who embrace coaching improve faster and achieve higher levels of performance because they leverage the wisdom and experience of others.

You can learn more about Coachability in my new Amazon Best Seller book:  Coach-Ability and The Tricycle Effect.  Download the Foreword by Tom Ziglar (Zig Ziglar's son and CEO of Ziglar Corp) and Chapter 1 for FREE here:  https://coach.lmdc.us/coachability-book

The Key Differences

Let’s break it down:

1. Teachability is an independent quality—you can develop it on your own by being open to learning.
2. Coachability requires a relationship with a coach or mentor—it’s about being receptive to personalized guidance and constructive feedback.
3. Teachability helps you grow at your own pace, while coachability accelerates your progress by providing expert insight and targeted advice.

Why You Need Both - Teachability and Coachability

Here’s the truth: being teachable is the foundation of growth, but being coachable takes you further, faster. When you’re teachable, you open the door to new possibilities and self-improvement. When you’re coachable, you work smarter—not just harder—because you gain access to the knowledge, experience, and wisdom of others.

Leaders who are both teachable and coachable are unstoppable. They know how to learn from every situation and seek out guidance when they need it most. This combination builds resilience, adaptability, and trust—qualities that form the foundation of character-driven leadership.

How to Build Teachability and Coachability

• Stay Curious: Make a habit of asking questions and seeking new perspectives.
• Embrace Feedback: View constructive criticism as an opportunity, not a threat.
• Be Open to Change: Growth often requires stepping out of your comfort zone.
• Trust the Process: Build relationships with mentors or coaches who can guide you.

Take the Next Step

Character is the foundation of leadership, and teachability and coachability are the tools that bring it to life. When you lead with character, you inspire trust, foster growth, and create lasting impact.

If you’re ready to grow in your coachability and start building character as the foundation of your leadership, I invite you to download The Tricycle Effect Framework for FREE. This Infographic will show you how to balance character, competence, and courage to transform your leadership.

Download The Tricycle Effect Framework Now

You can also schedule a complimentary call with Dane here:  https://coach.lmdc.us/dane

Remember: leadership isn’t just about achieving success—it’s about making a difference. Start leading with character today!

Trike On,
Coach Dane

Kindness is a Character Skill & Habit that is Contagious: Lead with Character First

Kindness is Contagious: Lead with Character First

Walking into a movie theater or convenience store may seem like an ordinary experience, but sometimes, these simple moments offer profound lessons. Recently, I visited Harkins Theaters in Phoenix with my family. 

At the entrance, I noticed the ticket taker wearing a button that read, “Kindness is contagious.” Its message was emphasized with the letters “US” highlighted inside the heart symbol, symbolizing that kindness starts with all of us.

Curious, I spoke with a manager who also wore the button and explained that the theater introduced this kindness initiative just two months ago. Since then, they've noticed a remarkable shift—customers are kinder to the staff and one another. 

Although there aren’t statistics to share, the manager said that the change in atmosphere was undeniable. This simple reminder of kindness set the tone for a more positive environment.

Similarly, Kwik Trip convenience stores display character-building messages like empathy, care, and teamwork near their facilities. These small yet meaningful gestures influence customer behavior, encouraging them to be their best selves. 

These efforts highlight an essential truth: when character skills and habits like kindness and empathy take center stage, everyone benefits.

Kindness and empathy are critical spokes in the Character Wheel of The Tricycle Effect, alongside virtues like trustworthiness, integrity, and fairness. We unlock our true leadership potential when we actively practice these character skills. Leadership is about influence, and influence grows when we lead with character first.

Now, it’s your turn to take action. Start your journey toward character-driven leadership today. Download the Foreword and Chapter 1 of my new book, Coach-Ability and The Tricycle Effect, for FREE here. Let’s develop kindness, empathy, and other character skills in our habits and form the foundation of leadership in how we lead and live.

Trike On!

Coach Dane

www.lmdc.us

Embracing the "X" of Character: Life Lessons from Melchizedek and the Tricycle Framework

Finding stability and direction is essential in our pursuit of a purposeful life. The ancient figure of Melchizedek—known as the King of Salem and a symbol of peace and wisdom—teaches us about living with integrity and completeness. And when we look at the humble structure of a tricycle, we find a powerful metaphor for building a life framework based on *Courage*, *Competence*, and *Character*. Together, these values create an “X” framework for a life marked by balance, strength, and lasting impact

Melchizedek and the Symbolic "X" in Hebrew: Completeness, Fulfillment, and Truth

In Hebrew symbolism, the letter *Tav* (ת) resembles an "X" in ancient scripts and carries deep meanings of fulfillment, truth, and covenant. As the last letter in the Hebrew alphabet, *Tav* signifies completeness, the ultimate mark of something reaching its intended fulfillment. In mystical traditions, *Tav* is linked to the Hebrew word *emet* (truth), conveying a concept that encompasses the beginning and the end, a complete cycle of truth.

In the book of *Ezekiel* (9:4), this "X"-like *Tav* was a protective mark placed on the faithful, symbolizing a seal of authenticity, trust, and covenant with divine purpose. Much like the “X” framework of the tricycle, *Tav* reminds us that a life marked by character and truth is one rooted in completion and integrity. This Hebrew symbolism ties to Melchizedek’s example as a leader whose life reflected wholeness and divine alignment.

The Tricycle’s "X" Frame: A Foundation of Courage, Competence, and Character

When viewed from the side, a tricycle’s frame forms an “X.” This shape is more than practical; it represents the balanced intersection of courage, competence, and character. Each part of the tricycle reflects an essential component of a meaningful, character-led life:

- Courage as Vision (The Seat)**: The seat represents courage, the vision to make decisions grounded in values and purpose. This courageous vision enables us to choose the right path, guiding each step of our journey with integrity and resilience. True courage is not just boldness; it is the willingness to act in alignment with what is right, to lead by example, and to remain grounded when faced with challenges.

- Character as the Front Wheel**: The front wheel, representing our character, leads the tricycle forward, much like our values guide our lives. Character includes empathy, integrity, humility, and resilience. By putting values at the forefront of all we do, we make choices that reflect our deepest principles, aligning our actions with our beliefs and allowing our character to shape each interaction and decision.

- Competence as the Rear Wheels**: The two back wheels support the tricycle’s movement, representing essential skills. One wheel symbolizes *People Skills* (such as leadership, teamwork, critical thinking, problem-solving, and organization), while the other represents *Technical Skills* (such as typing, baking, driving, and operating a computer). Together, these competencies provide balance, enabling us to engage effectively and fulfill our goals. Like the tricycle’s rear wheels, competence stabilizes us, allowing us to make a meaningful impact through practical skills.

Living the "X": Aligning Courage, Competence, and Character

The “X” of the tricycle frame isn’t just a structure; it’s a powerful reminder that a fulfilling life requires aligning courage, character, and competence. When character forms our foundation of values, courage forms our vision, and competence gives us the practical skills to take action, we create a balanced, purpose-driven life. 

As the saying goes, *everything rises and falls on leadership,* and *leadership rises and falls on character.* The “X” reminds us that true leadership and fulfillment are built on a foundation of integrity and that our influence and impact grow as we align our vision, skills, and character.

Answering the Call to Lead with Courage, Character, and Competence

The “X” framework and Melchizedek’s example both call us to live with intentionality, courage, and purpose. Imagine a life where your vision guides your choices, your character directs your actions, and your competence enables you to make a meaningful impact. This is the path of a character-led life—a journey marked by resilience, purpose, and positive influence.

Are you ready to embrace this framework? Take the next step by exploring resources that guide you in building character, resilience, and skillful leadership. Begin your journey by visiting https://coach.lmdc.us/coachability-book and discover how leading with courage, character, and competence can transform your life and positively impact those around you. Embrace the “X” and create a legacy of true leadership.

Coach-Ability and The Tricycle Effect Book Ranked #1 Best Seller in three categories!

 Successful Book Launch on Amazon!

Busting 3 Myths About Coaching Character as a Skill

 Busting 3 Myths About Coaching Character as a Skill

*By Coach Dane*

When it comes to leadership, *character* is often thought of as something you either have or you don’t. But what if I told you that character can be coached just like any other skill? This may sound surprising, but it’s true! In my book *Coach-Ability and The Tricycle Effect*, I focus on how developing strong character skills is the foundation of effective leadership. However, there are many myths that prevent people from understanding that character is not just inherent—it can be learned, developed, and refined. In this blog post, we’ll tackle three of the most common myths about coaching character as a skill.

Myth #1: "Character is something you’re born with, not something you can develop."

One of the biggest myths about character is that it’s something fixed at birth—either you have it, or you don’t. While it’s true that certain character traits might come more naturally to some than others, *character* itself is shaped by our experiences, choices, and the effort we put into growth. Just like learning a new language or mastering a musical instrument, character can be developed through intentional practice and feedback. In fact, the core message of *The Tricycle Effect* framework is that character is the front wheel that guides you and drives your success in leadership. Just like you can train to improve your communication or technical skills, you can work on becoming more trustworthy, responsible, and empathetic.

Myth #2: "Character development is too vague and hard to measure."

Some people believe that character is a "fuzzy" concept that’s too subjective to be measured or coached. But just because character isn't measured by numbers like sales or performance stats doesn’t mean it’s not measurable. In *Coach-Ability and The Tricycle Effect*, I break character down into practical skills like integrity, empathy, courage, and accountability—these are clear, definable traits that can be improved through feedback, coaching, and practice. By focusing on specific character skills and setting tangible goals, you can track progress and see real growth. For example, setting a goal to actively listen to your team’s concerns for a set number of times each week is a measurable way to practice empathy. Just like other skills, the more you practice, the better you become!

Myth #3: "Character development is just about personal growth, not professional success."

Some people think that character only affects your personal life, but it is actually one of the biggest drivers of professional success as well. Building character skills like trustworthiness, fairness, and responsibility directly impacts your ability to lead others effectively. In fact, character is often the “X-factor” that separates good leaders from great leaders. When leaders demonstrate character by making ethical decisions, taking accountability, and showing empathy, they earn trust and loyalty from their team, which leads to a positive work culture and better results. In short, character development is not just a personal endeavor—it’s a professional investment that pays off by building a stronger, more successful team.

Take Action: Build Your Character Skills

Now that we’ve busted these myths, I challenge you to take action! Remember, character isn’t something you’re stuck with—it’s something you can develop and grow, just like any other skill. Start by identifying one character skill you want to improve, and then create a plan to practice it daily. If you’re ready to take your leadership to the next level, I invite you to visit my book at Amazon to explore *Coach-Ability and The Tricycle Effect*, where I dive deeper into the steps you can take to build character as the foundation of your leadership.

Here is the Amazon book link:  https://coach.lmdc.us/coachable_book

Ready to start building your character skills?

Stay connected for more insights and tips on developing character-first leadership!

Trike On!

Coach Dane

Coach-Ability and The Tricycle Effect Book is Launched!

Coach Ability and The Tricycle Effect Book Unboxing - Action Video

My new book is born!

https://lnkd.in/g34gNZSH via @YouTube

Learn how "Coaching Character as the Foundation of Leadership" can help you become a better leader, become more successful for yourself, and become more significant in life for others.

https://lnkd.in/g56jBrrR (Amazon Link)

If you go to that link at Amazon, my eBook is FREE today only - 23 October 2024.:)

My gift to you!

Enjoy and "Go Make a Difference in this World!"

Thank you and Trike On! Dane:)