Lorne Rubis - The Character Triangle: Build Character, Have an Impact, and Inspire Others

Copyright 2011 by Lorne Rubis

Langdon Street Press

212 3rd Ave North, Suite 290

Minneapolis, MN 55401

612.455.2293

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the written prior permission of the author.

The author gratefully acknowledges permission to reprint the poem "Kindness" by Naomi Shihab Nye.

Cover Design by Alese Pickering

ISBN: 978-1-936782-69-7

"Lorne Rubis' The Character Triangle enables you to write your own playbook to effectively and constructively 'play' in the game of life! A concise, to the point, and practical guide. Superb!"

Gary Ames, retired CEO, MediaOne International

"The Character Triangle is a virtual GPS to successful relationship management both personal and business. Inspirational, highly relevant and full of insights and advice from a talented leader ... an exceptionally valuable tool for managers."

Larry Berg, President and CEO, Vancouver International Airport Authority

"The Character Triangle is a testament to Lorne Rubis' deep understanding of the links between performance and humanity. Rubis has a way of extracting simplicity from complex 'real life' experiences. His stories are compelling and heartfelt sometimes he wins, sometimes he loses but each experience leads to a profound lesson the reader can apply to everyday life. If you follow the guidance in this book, you will be a stronger, more productive, and more fulfilled human being. Lorne Rubis is fast becoming one of life's great teachers. Read the book!"

Jamie Brunner, Founder and CEO, Kinetix Living Inc.

"The Character Triangle is a wonderful read and an important book for anyone interested in living a values-filled life filled with abundance and inspiration. With a helpful framework for decision making, informed by a lifetime of real-world experience, Lorne Rubis has written a thoughtful, interesting and ultimately helpful book for developing the character of your life and others."

Daniel Debow, co-CEO, Rypple

"Lorne's advice is what is required in corporate America today. By reading and incorporating the suggestions of The Character Triangle, today's managers will undoubtedly become leaders with the ability to inspire their troops. Read it, believe it, and do it."

Mike Delisle, CEO, International Certification Services, Inc.

"What a great read. Lorne speaks from experience in The Character Triangle. He's impacted and inspired thousands, directly and indirectlymyself included. This book provides the tools necessary for you to begin making changes on the inside which ultimately shine through on the outside. The fact that Lorne practices what he preaches allows him to communicate the vision in a way that makes the difference."

Bill Garcia, Co-founder and Managing Partner, TableForce, Ltd.

"Lorne Rubis has taken three seemingly simple words and has added weight and substance to create a magnificent framework for leading in today's world. A must read for anyone serious about making an impact."

Ross Gilchrist, Leader, Strategic Design and Talent, Co-founder, The Next Institute Inc.

"In The Character Triangle, Lorne Rubis gives the reader both a "lens" with which to see him/herself in a new way and a "window" into the soul of a man who has lived the life of Accountability, Respect, and Abundance that he describes. I have known Lorne as a close friend for over twenty years. I have had the chance to observe him as a father, husband, and executive. In each of these roles, he is the same man optimistic, compassionate, insightful, and curious. And his highly successful marriage and wonderful children are proof positive that Lorne's philosophy works at every level. I highly recommend his book. It will change your life."

Greg Goodwin, CEO, Kuni Automotive

"I have known Lorne to be an authentic and a passionate people leader with great insights into human behavior in the workplace. This book is instructive and provides easy steps to building a strong personal character for lasting happiness."

Firoz Lalji, CEO and Chairman, Zones, Inc.

"Lorne Rubis is a special leader. I knew it from the first time I met him as CEO of Ryzex. Over several years he has shared important lessons and stories from his life and his career that I have enjoyed and reflected on. I leave every encounter with Lorne smiling and thinking deeply. The Character Triangle captures his best. Time reading this book and performing the exercises is well invested."

Derek Long, Executive Director, Sustainable Connections

"The news is rife with examples of corruption and deceit in corporations; frequently, at the core of those issues are the character traits of the leadership in those organizations... with that backdrop comes a book that is both timely and well written by an author whose experience is not academic but in the living and breathing world that is corporate America... In The Character Triangle, Lorne Rubis shares more than just a framework for leading; he shares his story, his life, and, at the center, the character traits that have been his guideposts. I have known Lorne for a long time... as a boss, as a colleague, and as a friend... in all these years, the traits Lorne writes about are ones that he not only lived by but, more importantly, demanded his team learn, live, and teach."

David R. McCauley, Consultant; former COO Barking Software and VP Sales, Micron Electronics

"Great leaders come in all shapes and sizes with a wide range of experiences, knowledge, and abilities. What they all have in common, however, is great character. In the The Character Triangle, Lorne Rubis provides a terrific framework to be applied by all who desire to lead and lead well."

Dick McCormick, Chairman Emeritus, US WEST

"I encourage the reader to listen to what Lorne has to say with a serious intent, because what he offers is not only wise but is also a practical playbook for personal and professional success. I have known Lorne for over 30 years as a friend and business colleague. I know that Lorne speaks from experience and "walks the talk." He has developed and incorporated The Character Triangle in his daily life and along with hard work and determination has achieved enviable personal and professional success. Now, with his abundance, he shares his ideas that helped him grow a loving family and become a respected and impactful Chief Executive."

Thomas W. McDade, Jr., PhD, Co-founder, Deltapoint Consulting

"I have worked alongside of Lorne Rubis in a difficult turnaround technology company that tested, demonstrated, and proved that his playbook outlined in The Character Triangle works and can form a basis for personal and business success in any situation. I applaud him for writing this book and sharing his insights."

Kirby McDonald, Chairman and CEO, Pioneer Ventures

"This book is remarkable for a number of reasons, first and perhaps foremost because of its author, who in my experience has been a living embodiment of the three simple principles that make up the character triangle. Second, because of its simplicity, the concept is not hard to understand the challenge lies in the personal commitment required to live the promise you make to yourself as a leader every single day... or should. Third, because it's about you, and me, and about the way in which we choose to lead our lives, and impact the people around us. Management is a title, but leadership is a choice one every single individual has the power to make every single day and this book helps make that choice the only one any true leader, or aspiring leader, can make. As Lorne says, live the triangle."