We’ve probably all heard of the 5 C’s of credit. Ok, maybe not all of us, but folks in finance/banking for sure. Well, this is kind of similar. It’s the 5C’s that should make up the successful modern man. But, it turns out there are more C’s – we’ll do the next set in another post. So for now, let’s look at what we have.
Most men want to be respected, admired, and remembered for their achievements. Most high value men – some men really just want to coast along and melt into oblivion. That shouldn’t be the desire of any ambitious man. But then, what makes a man truly remarkable? We believe it boils down to several C’s, the first 5 of which are: Character, Career, Clothes, Car, and Charisma. The other C’s include Consort (significant other – wife or otherwise), Community, Culture, Communication, and Critical thinking. Some may want to include concubine, but the jury is still out on that one.
Character: The Foundation
Remember the 5 C’s of credit earlier mentioned, well character is one of them. Others are Capacity, Capital, Collateral and Conditions. And as every young banker is taught early in their career, the most important of these is character. Well, its the very same when analyzing the modern man. His character is his backbone. It is literally what makes him stand straight and stand tall in the face of temptation and adversity. A man of poor character will not only let himself down, but he will let down all those around him as well. If you detect defective character in a man, flee. Make no compromises or excuses. Note, A man’s character is the sum total of all his values, his principles, and his beliefs.
Career: The Pursuit
No, there’s no such thing as a successful fraudster. If we lead on from character, then it only stands to reason that a career in fraud does not the modern man make! A career has to be wholesome. And it must be fruitful, and fulfilling. In truth, a man’s career, or generally speaking, his legitimate source of income, is a vital aspect of his life. It reflects his passions, skills, and dedication. Frankly, it defines him. Afterall, what is the first question after pleasantries, a man is asked on meeting a new person? What do you do? Or as we say in Nigerian parlance, “what are you into”? The wrong answer, and expectations diminish quickly. You’re suddenly not worth engaging in conversation, and woe betide you if you try on a joke. It will invariably fall flat, while the evidently less humorous but apparently more successful alpha has people in stitches with the most mundane jokes.
Clothes: Express yourself
The clothes maketh the man. A saying ascribed to Shakespeare, simply suggests that a modern man must dress appropriately at all times. Your appearance is invariably people’s first impression about you. And you typically do not get a second chance to make a good first impression. So make it count. And while we’re on the subject, clothes in this case is a catchall for grooming. Your appearance. Dress to convey confidence, style, and a strong personality. Interestingly, the way you look not only gives a good impression to others, it actually helps lift your mood and your own confidence as well. So invest in looking good. It pays.
Car: Be even more expressive
At the risk of sounding shallow, a car embodies a man’s status…, to a large extent. Combine this with fine grooming, i.e., clothes and accessories, and people will draw conclusions about your success as a modern man. A nice expensive car is a symbol of achievement. Now, not everyone needs to turn up in Rolls Royce Cullinan, but a 15 year old Subaru might not augur well if you’re looking to discuss a multi million Dollar oil deal. There’s a certain disconnect, which will be really hard to explain away. In fact, there are many situations where first time business acquaintances insist on seeing their new prospects out to the car park, just to confirm what sort of car he came in. And yes, people will decide if to proceed with you or not based exclusively on the car you rode in. Shallow? maybe, but yours is not to question why. Yours is to simply do the needful and arrive like a worthy partner-in-waiting. Your car speaks volumes. So borrow if you have to!
Children: The Legacy
This is the big one. This, at the end of the day, is what it’s all about for most men. Your children, as well as your career, are the make up of your legacy. Having children is the defining moment in most of our lives. What else do you really leave behind? Your name, carried on through your children. But being a good father in the modern world is a huge challenge for most hard working men. Finding the right balance between work, play and family time is challenging. Yet, it must be done. And no, treats and unearned gifts do not make up for your absenteeism. A good father is a present father. Done properly, this is actually the most rewarding task a modern man has to grapple with.
So. That’s it for the 1st 5 C’s of the modern man. As we may have noticed, all 5 are really interconnected aspects of a man’s life, and they collectively complement and even enhance each other. By focusing on these areas, we can become better versions of ourselves and leave a lasting impact on those around us.