Miriam-Webster's online dictionary defines character as "one of the attributes or features that make up and distinguish an individual." Another dictionary defines character as "the stable and distinctive qualities built into an individual's life which determine his or her response regardless of circumstances." Some have said that character is what you do when no one else is watching.

If character is indeed what you do when no one else is watching, then you have to admire the golfer J.P. Hayes. Hayes is a 43-year-old journeyman golfer from Appleton, Wisconsin. In 1998 Hayes won the Buick Classic and in 2002 he won the John Deere Classic.

In November 2008, while playing in a PGA qualifying golf tournament in Texas, he realized that he had made a mistake. For two strokes, he had used a non-regulation golf ball - a ball that was not approved for competition. Realizing his mistake, Hayes turned himself in and was subsequently, disqualified by PGA officials. When asked by reporters why he turned himself in, Hayes simply said, "I violated a rule, and I had to take my medicine." He did not blame anyone but himself. He could have easily blamed his caddy, who actually handed him the golf balls to play on that fateful hole, but he refused to do so. Many people questioned whether it was necessary for Hayes to turn himself in. After all, there were no television cameras around when he played the hole. His golf shots were not witnessed by anyone else, and it was highly unlikely that anyone would know that the golf balls did not meet regulations. To make matters worse, Hayes missed out on his primary professional goal: to earn a spot on the PGA tour. Maintaining his integrity meant he had to sacrifice something important to him.

I am sure that Hayes' decision will be a topic of discussion in leadership workshops for years to come. Especially since we now live in a world where poor character or even the appearance of such behavior seems to be the norm, whether it is Major League Baseball's steroid investigations or the quiet, unassuming and supposed Wall Street tycoon Bernard Madoff.

In conclusion, please do not think that I am being holier than thou. On the contrary, God only knows the mistakes that I have made in my life. I am, however, talking about the importance of consistent acts of good behavior because it is good character that is central to an individual's success in life. Our character is the big screen on which others see us, and it is the gateway to our soul. Good character means doing the right thing because it is the right thing to do. If doing the right thing comes with a cost, do the right thing anyway.