As Greg paces the floor at night, waiting for his 17-year-old daughter Sandy to return from a school event from which she’s two hours late, he feels conflicting emotions: fear and anger. Fear that something may have happened to her. Anger because she’s probably not hurt, simply irresponsible.

Finally, Sandy calls. She’s all right. She just lost track of time. Greg’s fear disappears, but his anger grows.

The love that motivated his worry is overwhelmed by a growing sense of outrage. He begins to rehearse what he’ll say and what punishment he’ll inflict. Unless he intercepts his anger, it can easily turn to rage, an emotion likely to produce foolishly impulsive conduct that’s likely to alienate Sandy and widen the rift between them.

Here’s the character challenge: Can Greg stop his runaway train of anger long enough to think about his objectives? His immediate goals are to vent his fury and frustration and teach Sandy a lesson. His long-term goals are to strengthen – not weaken – his relationship with his daughter and help her become more responsible and respectful.

If Greg stops and thinks about his broader goals, he’ll want to turn this event into a positive teaching moment. To do that, he’ll have to choose his words and tone carefully.

Good managers don’t yell at or demean employees because it would be ineffective and unethical. Parents have no less of a duty to be tactful and respectful when dealing with their children.

This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts.