Author Robert L. Dilenschneider chatted about his new book “Character: Life Lessons in Courage, Integrity, and Leadership” and the digital age.
How did the book “Character: Life Lessons in Courage, Integrity, and Leadership” come about?
I was inspired to write this book by my late sister, Mary Lou Shay, and many good friends who were passionate about upholding the values that have made American the most enterprising, caring and forward-looking people on Earth.
Each believed that now more than ever our nation and the world need to be reminded of what those values are.
Was it a cathartic process for you to write?
It was certainly an interesting and eye-opening journey to research each of the individuals selected for this book.
There were so many influential and inspiring people to choose. But once we decided on the final set of individuals, it was just amazing to see the lessons that each has taught us and can easily be applied to every day life.
For example, from the late Bill Russell we learn: Grace, integrity and hard work can over come any barrier. And there are countless examples in the book.
What did this book teach you about yourself?
I learned that no matter how hard you work, no matter what your success, you have to keep your goals and objectives at the forefront of what you want to achieve.
Never rest on your laurels. Keep moving along, innovating, staying true to yourself, and overcoming adversity.
How does it feel to be a part of the digital age? (Now with streaming, technology, and social media being so prevalent)
The digital age is a new world and moving through it needs to be done carefully. Many do not understand the perils that await them, whether it be replying to a phishing email, posting pictures on social media, and so much more.
The positives and negatives of AI need to be very carefully weighed before anyone ventures into this area.
Everyone is now on their phone, swiping from one story to another… Is it real? Is it fake? The amount of disinformation circulating is astounding. So knowing who you are communicating with and sharing the proper information is more complicated than ever before.
There used to be a time when you could pick up the phone, talk to the person, make your point, and know something would happen as a result.
Now, most people do not even publish a phone number so you are already starting down a path that may lead nowhere.
What is your advice for young and aspiring authors?
Write, write, write—it’s as simple as that. The number of books published every day is staggering. But that should not dissuade an author to give up on their dream.
With self-publishing and so many other avenues now available, anyone who has a view that wishes to be heard has a path forward.
The key is reaching the audiences that are important to hear the message. So it’s just not as easy as putting a book on Amazon.
The individual needs to do extensive research on all who should know the book is there and find a way to reach out and try and connect with them.
What do your plans for the future include?
I am actually working on my next book, Respect, to be published in the Fall. It’s important that we focus on the important values that are the core of how to be successful in all we do.
The lessons in Character are important. But let’s not forget the basic value of respect which has certainly been on the decline. My goal is to bring this value back to the forefront.
Were there any moments in your career that have helped define you?
It has always been my ken to learn something new every day… Whether it was the first day on the job, or when I pick up the papers today.
There is always a teaching moment, a time to reflect on how to use that lesson in your every day life and continue to work on refining it and adapting it for the situation.
One of the moments that defined me occurred on October 9, 1991. That was the day The Dilenschneider Group was established. It was time to move on my career and take all I had learned and establish a firm that would provide strategic advice and public relations at the top of organizations around the world.
And with a first-rate group of employees and consultants our Firm has been quite successful and remains one of the top firms in the industry today.
What does the word success mean to you? (My favorite question)
I define success as moving as many people as possible into a good and positive direction so they can help others.
That is why I have turned to writing…to share as many positive stories as possible so they can learn from the examples and apply them to their own lives.
What would you like to say to our readers about your new book? (What’s the one thing you want them to get out of it)
The readers of this book should understand that the lessons from each of the individuals in the book can be applied to anyone’s day-to-day life.
From Margaret Thatcher, to Fr. Ted Hesburgh, to Paul Volcker, to Lou Gehrig and so many more – these are individuals who taught us all by example.
Use their wisdom to achieve your goals and objectives.
His book “Character: Life Lessons in Courage, Integrity, and Leadership” is available on Amazon by clicking here.
To learn more about author Robert L. Dilenschneider, check out his official website.
