10 small public gestures that suggest strong character

Heroic acts are not the only ones that reveal character. Real strength of character is how we choose to live the little things most of the time. These personal little acts of service, kindness and love say a lot more about us than any press release.

Psychology research has shown how even simple acts of kindness and decency can build trust, deepen relationships and make us feel good on the inside.

Here are 10 simple ways that a person’s strong character can show up in the day to day life.

Holding space for someone who feels invisible

Happy office employee giving hand for shaking . Arm of business woman offering handshake. Professional welcoming colleague or new partner. HR manager hiring greeting at job interview. Close up shot — *Image Credit: Shutterstock.*

I remember noticing a colleague sitting alone in the break room on the very first day at work. He looked very shy. I simply said hello, and I was so surprised by how his entire face lit up.

Giving overlooked people a moment of your attention communicates that you value them, fosters inclusivity, and demonstrates good character (Syrjämäki & Hietanen, 2018).

Walking with awareness

Professionals in Modern Attire Engage With Technology While Walking Outside a Contemporary Office Building in the Afternoon Sun — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

We rush through crowded spaces in public without considering those who we are in proximity to, we just think about our own walking speed. Slowing down your pace, moving to the side, or quietly matching their speed, are all ways to give people the respect of not bumping into them in day-to-day life (Konya, Özdemir, & Kantarci, 2023).

Deferring credit when a group succeeds

Excited overjoyed diverse business people, team celebrate corporate victory together in office — *Image Credit: Shutterstock.*

Everyone loves to take credit for their contributions in a team accomplishment. Do the opposite, and it’s a powerful move to be generous and humble. When you defer credit, you demonstrate that for you, team achievements are more important than self-congratulation.

Leaving a place cleaner than you found it

environment, volunteering and ecology concept - close up of hand picking crumpled paper waste from grass — *Image Credit: Shutterstock.*

When people visit parks or coffee shops they typically do nothing to alter the surroundings around them. By taking a minute to pick up a paper wrapper, move a chair or put a pillow straight, you show that you care about other people.

Simple acts of stewardship, like taking care of a common area, can reflect social accountability and promote community well‑being (McMillen, Campbell, Svendsen, & Reynolds, 2016).

Asking deeper than “How are you?”

Business, women and crying with comforting at office for overworked, corporate bullying and stress. People, employee and emotional or unhappy at workplace for dismissal, fired and demoted with care — *Image Credit: Shutterstock.*

Pause for a second before the routine “How’s it going?” Take notice of how someone really looks. Ask questions based on what you see: “You look tired today, everything alright?”

Active listening and a considered response shows you care. Research on prosocial behavior finds that these brief daily moments of awareness make you and the other person feel more satisfied and connected.

Choosing patience over impatience in service settings

Man consulting phone while ordering at restaurant — *Image Credit: Shutterstock.*

Lines are slow. People make mistakes. Services can be maddening. Instead of showing annoyance, take a deep breath and speak kindly. It’s a sign of respect to those working for you and also results in a more pleasant experience for everyone. Your calm reaction reflects your thoughtfulness than any complaint ever will.

Sharing someone else’s platform or spotlight

Shy female applicant arriving at job clapping hands with the others while receiving greeting of her new colleagues making good first impression at meeting with new partners, women in business — *Image Credit: Shutterstock.*

When the microphone is finally in your hand, it is human to feel like using it. But the person of character is the one who holds on and thinks if someone else could use it.

Passing the mic, nominating a colleague or letting someone else lead, spotlights their work and shows that you recognize other’s effort. (Zou et al., 2022)

Returning someone else’s shopping cart to the corral

Background and wallpaper of shopping cart in supermarket departmentstore for choosing and buying grocery things at shelf. Time for shopping household goods, snacks, food, fruit, beverages and other. — *Image Credit: Shutterstock.*

If you happen to see someone else’s cart in the lot, take a moment to return it. It’s a small thing, but Bierhoff (2002) says that voluntary behaviors, such as this one, are an indication of prosocial behavior and your respect for others.

Plus, they can speak volumes about your thoughtfulness and social responsibility.

Acknowledging the invisible workers

A stock clerk is arranging products on shelves at the supermarket. — *Image Credit: Shutterstock.*

We’ve all spent time in public areas such as shops, offices, or other places we go for a service. You may have noticed staff quietly cleaning or restocking shelves, reorganizing files, or handling other logistics.

A “thank you” with a nod or smile to the person whose hard work you might otherwise overlook will go a long way.

Admitting a mistake openly in public

Asian middle aged businesswoman bowing in white background — *Image Credit: Shutterstock.*

We all interrupt, or forget, or lose our cool and do or say the wrong thing. Owning it quickly with “Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt” goes a long way. Research shows that brief verbal apologies are important for regaining trust in relationships where there is an expectation of honesty and integrity (Gao & Yan, 2022).

Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.