Jeff Lerner Review by Yhosua Gomez - Pennsylvania

Gripping read that will inspire you to be a Leader of Character and move away from complacency!

Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2016

This is a very powerful book--one that evokes strong emotions and pulls at the heartstrings as you reflect on the great leaders in the book and in your life--leaders set apart by their character. The authors are able to articulate the six habits--Courage, Humility, Integrity, Selflessness, Duty & Positivity--and relate gripping, real-life examples, while asking critical questions that make you dig deep and want to do away with complacency. We must leave our comfort zones and get to work (on ourselves)! The Andersons' compelling examples and questions are so insightful as you carefully study each habit. The nuggets of wisdom apply to all areas of leadership in our homes, schools, businesses, etc. Leading with character is in short supply these days, and the effects are devastating, so we must strive to be Leaders of Character in our daily walk, and this book equips and inspires you to do just that.

My heart was full of gratitude as I thought back over the Leaders of Character who have poured into my life, and I can't wait to say thank you with this book.

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Michael J. Kerrigan

Become a Leader of Character Without Graduating from West Point

Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2016

In about 180 pages General Jim Anderson and his West Point graduate son have crafted a practical leadership manual based the Aristotelean model but supported in clear drills on how to build one's own character(see pages 28&29.) Just like Aristotle’s model, the Andersons book is designed with the idea the more we speak about making wise choices, the more likely we are to act in that way.In brief our habits form our character. The forward to Becoming a Leader of Character, written by no less than Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski (the number one in all time coaching victories in NCAA Men's basketball) shares the Anderson treatise and foretells the "practice drills that form our Habits of Character."and those that the Andersons' lay out; namely; "Our character is in our own control. We build it, sustain it or destroy it based on our choices. The choices we make daily prepare us for the bigger choices that will come when challenges arise." I believe readers will agree with Coach K, we should listen to these guys. The Anderson's have laid out ways to develop our character and have identified the habits (Integrity, Selflessness, Duty and Positivity) we need to practice. If we follow their advice so that we can DO what we want to Be, our culture will be greatly strengthened.

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C. L. Heaton, M.D.

Powerful, concise, encouraging and timeless!!!

Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2016

In an age when "Winning is not everything, it is the only thing," victory without virtue leaves the souls of the victors hollow and is destructive to the civility of its community. This extremely powerful and astonishingly compact manual highlights the importance of character development in leadership and hinges on two ageless concepts:

-The theoretical principle that failure of leadership is first and foremost "a failure of character."

-The practical principle that you need to "do what you want to become."

Many of the ubiquitous resources for leadership development focus on equipping driven executives with the tools and techniques to accomplish the vision and goals of their organizations. While necessary, this is frequently insufficient to bring about lasting positive change and accomplishment in the life of the organization, team members and perhaps most importantly and unappreciated, the life and character of the leader. The "unexamined" life of the leader may lead to goals and methods that while successful in the short run may be revealed as harmful or destructive to all with the passing of time.

The theoretical premise that failure of leadership is first a failure of character is authenticated by history and the fact that virtue is the value that is most frequently and forcefully tested in the public square as well as the private life of the leader. The acknowledgement and understanding of this premise make this book self-selecting for those willing to take this "road less traveled" in leadership but I believe will reap untold rewards personally as professionally.

The practical principle that you "do what you want to be" is fleshed out well with exercises that lead to habits that are proven and foundational to becoming a great leader. Sometime in our early twenties we are all leading (influencing) somebody (kids/family, friends, employees etc.) and someone is watching......all the time. Congruency and coherence in our behavior is the "coin of the realm" for authentic leadership and can't be faked or hidden. It is frequently on display as we are called upon to manage the moment or crisis de jour. The development and consistent display of worthy behavior is only possible by training beginning with the small things-our habits. Humble confidence of the leader and by the led is exclusively acquired by sustained performance-particularly under pressure. The Andersons' excel here in supporting their message through encouraging, relevant and practical stories of experiences garnered in different but connected arenas over many years.

I particularly enjoyed and appreciated the historical perspective and references as well as the practical approach taken for development. This is a great book that I commend highly and without reservation to aspiring leaders of all ages. Bravo Andersons! Well written and most importantly......well lived!

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Linda Todd

The way The General and The Business Guy weave personal stories into this inspiring road map to becoming a leader of character i

Reviewed in the United States on February 27, 2017

This book should be required reading for everyone in the country. The way The General and The Business Guy weave personal stories into this inspiring road map to becoming a leader of character is terrific. The book is a guidebook to improving every aspect of your life at work, at home and at play. Each section starts with questions for self assessment and then proceeds to give you the tools to help you build yourself into a better person. It amazing how much they packed into such a small book. Sent a copy to each of my children to read and work on with their kids. Easiest and best self-help book I've ever seen.

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if I had to pick only one book for those aspiring to become great leaders in business

Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2016

Having grown up an "Army Bratt", surrounded and positively influenced by West Point graduates, I could never put my finger on the one thing that set these courageous men and women apart from the rest of the pack until reading the Anderson's book, "Becoming a Leader of Character". This book lays out a clear path to constructing a solid foundation of Character upon which all other skills MUST be built if they are to withstand the many tests a leader faces; especially those challenges where the "playbook" has not been written. Both inspirational and practical, if I had to pick only one book for those aspiring to become great leaders in business, family life and beyond this would be it. Becoming a Leader of Character is now mandatory reading for my staff. - Eric Rennagel, Founder and CEO MyMediabox, a business unit of Jonas Software.

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John Galvin

Missing piece of the puzzle is found

Reviewed in the United States on August 27, 2016

When something has an impact on us it usually makes one stop, reflect and realize that change is needed. This is my reaction after reading "Becoming a Leader of Character". We often do things in our lives to make us better. Sometimes we take all of our education, life experiences and work experiences and try to put the puzzle together. At times the puzzle may not be complete whether at work or at home and we keep searching for that missing piece. "Becoming a Leader of Character" is that missing piece. I look forward to Becoming a leader of character and continuing to practice the 6 habits of character. My hats off to the authors who have brought the missing piece of the puzzle to myself and I strongly recommend "Becoming a Leader of Charcter" to others to find out if they can complete the puzzle too.

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Joel Warren McCann

Much Needed for Work, Family, and Society

Reviewed in the United States on November 17, 2018

This book provides an excellent framework to think about and develop your character and in turn the character of others. Character is #1 for success in anything in life and this book helps to map out the path. A book to keep and reference.

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DeanO402

Solid philosophy, superb practicality

Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2016

I've been reading Dave's blog posts for quite a while. I couldn't wait to get this new book from him and his father. It did not disappoint. Where most leadership resources lean heavily on either theory or praxis, this one is a powerful blend. I'll be rereading it, using it and recommending it. I rarely do so with contemporary books!

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Merritt Alberti

Should be required reading for any leadership program

Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2016

When you think of truly great leaders in your communities and at work, what sets them apart? If you spend some timing thinking about this….chances are good you will come to same conclusion as the Andersons. It’s not the leaders’ communication style, or their business acumen, or their ability to get a job done that defines them. It’s something else. It’s something much more innate and core to who they are – it’s their character.

In Character, the Andersons have done all the hard work for their readers. They’ve taken a relatively complex and often misunderstood concept, and made it easy to understand. And more importantly, they’ve provided their readers with a variety of simple to use, effective character development tools. If you are curious about understanding the key elements of character and its impact on leadership or seriously considering creating a leadership development program for your company, read this book.

Great book, easy read. The Andersons address a critical gap I routinely see in corporate leadership programs across the US and in contemporary thinking in this field.

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Matthew

Best Book on Character

Reviewed in the United States on February 27, 2018

This book is awesome. I learned a lot of about each character trait. For example, I thought integrity was doing the right thing. I had no idea that integrity also involves pure intentions and telling people why you're choosing that action. The examples the authors provide as practice really opened my eyes to things that I wasn't doing that I should be.

David C. Gneiser

Be prepared to be challenged. Spend time contemplating what ...

Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2018

Be prepared to be challenged. Spend time contemplating what Dave & his Dad challenge you about. I did & thought 2 things: "This is stuff you don't learn in school" and "Wow! To be able to write a book with your Dad - how incredible!"

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Anonymous

... blueprint of what solid leadership is supposed to look like. Many say "I can't define good leadership

Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2016

A Quintessential blueprint of what solid leadership is supposed to look like. Many say "I can't define good leadership, but I know it when I see it". Well, this book defines it. The General and his son outline character development and leadership principles that are (sadly) in stark contrast to what the overwhelming majority of Americans experience in today's workplace. It's the difference between a manager and a LEADER. A refreshing counter cultural look at leadership development. Excellent!

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This book is a great read for leaders at all levels of an organization

Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2016

This book is a great read for leaders at all levels of an organization. The ability to take the principles straight from the book and apply them to your everyday life at work and at home is extremely valuable. I am already using specific parts with junior leaders to help "top-grade" the cultural norms of my company. Transforming positive thoughts into action in the workplace can be challenging. My classmate Dave and COL Anderson have broken down the idealistic values of a strong character and made an inspirational guide for us to be better leaders.

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Reviewed in the United States on September 28, 2019

Self training

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Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2019

Worth the money!

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Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2017

This book is great. I learned a lot and it was pretty easy to read and clear- great exercises and very relevant to leadership today.

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Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2018

Excellent seller. As described

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Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2018

It's a good book to check out and read on leadership. I like the core focus on courage, humility, integrity, selflessness, duty, and positivity. People especially leaders lack these traits and it would behoove them to learn them.

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Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2017

Great book for an individual or leadership team that desires to build a culture where character counts!

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Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2017

GREAT BOOK!!!

Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2016

West Point is widely considered the finest leadership laboratory in the world. These two men, father and son, are products of that institution, where young men and women are developed into Leaders of Character for service to our great nation. As a cadet at West Point, I was keenly interested in the study of leadership and devoted as much of my coursework as I could to understand this seemingly lofty concept. In the many definitive books assigned to my study, I thought that each contained some (or many) aspects of leadership; but none were able to fully define or describe "leadership." It seems to me the Andersons have cracked the enigmatic code of leadership. I wish this book was available when I was a cadet; perhaps West Point will add this study to its curriculum. More than a practical guide, I found it stirred within me those truly noble values of duty, honor, and selfless service. To the Andersons I say, Well done.

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Giovanni preziuso

This is a mistake and has lead to many bad situations. This book has brought to light for ...

Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2016

Wow, I wish I had read this years ago when starting my own business. I would have avoided a lot of the pitfalls of being a manager and would have focused on being a leader instead. Additionally, I started out hiring folks based on their credentials and not necessarily character. This is a mistake and has lead to many bad situations. This book has brought to light for me that, while we can teach skills, we can not necessarily teach character. Moving forward, we are hiring based on character first, credentials second.

This book is a quick read that helps you focus on yourself within not only your profession, but within your family and personal life. I would recommend "Becoming a Leader of Character" not only to those who have just started out in the business world, but also to those who are more tenured.

Sherry Arndt

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Thomas W. Leo

Review of: Becoming a LEADER of Character

Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2017

Review of: Becoming a LEADER of Character – 6 habits that Make or Break a Leader at Work and at Home.

By James L. Anderson West Point ‘56

and

Dave Anderson West Point ‘88

The authors recognize that there have already been a plethora of books on Leadership, so why write another one?

They have read many of the works that they refer to and acknowledge that what they have determined to be a crisis of leadership – we treat the symptoms of the problems in our culture while the disease continues to grow.

West Point has long been recognized as the crucible of leadership throughout the world and as such numerous works have been authored by graduates, each having different perspectives.

The authors postulate that what is missing is an emphasis on CHARACTER, an addition by a prior Superintendent at West Point – Lt. Gen(R) Dave Palmer - and immediately adopted into the lexicon.

Character is difficult to define – everyone has a different definition. The authors are of the opinion that our character starts with our thoughts, which influence our words, which leads us to our actions, which over time become our habits, which form our character.

They also venture into the subject of Management vs. Leadership, subjects that continue to confound the uninitiated. Leaders grow, lead people; Managers maintain processes and manage resources.

The authors are of the opinion that there are six habits of character that must be developed in order for a person to become a ‘Leader of Character’. They are: Courage Humility, Integrity, Selfness, Duty and Positivity.

The two graduates devote a section of their work to each of the ‘habits’, asking readers some difficult questions in order to get them thinking, and then let us have their own thoughts on the subject matter.

At the end of each character-chapter is a list of exercises – one need not go to the gym, these can be performed anywhere – designed to solidify the lesson, the information contained in that chapter.

There is also a link to the authors’ website where the reader can participate in a self-evaluation – the reviewer took it - to determine where improvement is needed.

This is an excellent, unique book, very highly recommended, almost a textbook but more of a guide, a very readable one which could almost be described as ‘homespun’ but that would be doing the authors a major disservice.

It is a ‘Must Read’ for anyone in a leadership position, or contemplating entering the arena.

The reviewer, Thomas W. Leo, CPP, is a Graduate of the US Military Academy at West Point.

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Jeff Fuchs

A Book That Deserves to Stand Out

Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2016

The Andersons have written a remarkably powerful book that deserves to stand out in a crowded field of "also ran" tomes on leadership. Readers will find this book full of keen insights. It is straightforward to understand, grounded in universal and timeless principles, and is practical and designed in a way that ushers the reader toward applications in business, personal and family life. In my practice of operational excellence consulting, I have looked for ways to bring lessons from my West Point, Army, and business experience together in a cohesive way to offer to leaders striving to build high performance cultures. This book is the resource I have been wanting. General Anderson and his son have expertly distilled an elegant framework that anyone can use. By explaining the key habits that develop leaders of character, the authors help all of us who are seeking to be better parents, partners, citizens, and business leaders. I will offer this book often to business friends and clients. Personally, I am adding this to my list of six "desert island books". I enjoyed reading it immensely, and look forward to referring back to it to help anchor my behaviors in the habits that develop character.

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Garrett Miller - Author Hire On a WHIM

A must read for you and your organization's leadership.

Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2016

A must read for you and your organization's leadership. Readers will learn that to become a great leader you must be a man or woman of Character. If you have wondered what that might look like and how to attain it then this book is for you. The principles in the Anderson's book help everyone see clearly what good leadership looks like. Real life examples help the reader apply these principles to their own life.I found myself reflecting on my role as a coach, father, deacon and CEO and seeing how important character is in each of these scenarios. If I want to lead others into a life of character, I must first possess these qualities. A book I will turn back to again and again.

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Thomas Deierlein

Never too late to improve your character, your leadership style, and your life.

Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2016

Values matter. Character matters. In today's day and age we often talk about the failure and shortcomings of our leaders. Or lament by asking 'where have all the great leaders gone?'. In order to stop asking that question and start rebuilding confidence in our leaders, we need focus on building leaders with values and character. Our businesses, our military, our government, our non-profits, our society needs leaders of character.

Here two combat Veterans Dave and Jim Anderson not only discuss the importance of values and character for today's leaders, they lay out a blueprint and set of 6 important habits: Courgage, Integrity, Humility, Seflessness, Duty, and Positivity. But, just like any skill or profession - to be good at it - you need to work at it and put in the time to improve and excel. The authors call this 'You have to DO what you want to BE.'

The authors take you on a journey that includes everything from Aristotle, Plato, and Cherokee parables, to the jungles of Vietnam, deserts of Iraq, through the halls of West Point and boardrooms across the US. They talk in useful and plain language. They start each chapter with thought provoking open ended questions and end each chapter with specific practical tips you can use in life, in business, and at home.

The Andersons help you realize it is never too late to improve your character, your leadership style, and your life. I conduct leadership workshops so I read ALOT of leadership books. This book is very different than the other leadership books out there. It truly stands out. I highly recommend this MUST read for new, emerging, and established leaders alike.

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Mark K

You might just forget you are reading a book on leadership

Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2016

There is definitely not a shortage of books written on the topic of leadership. To be honest, when I first received a copy I had the previous thought. However, I am so thankful I picked up this book and began reading. General Anderson and his son Dave have pinned a phenomenal book addressing the issue of CHARACTER in LEADERSHIP. What you will appreciate most about this book are the real-life examples from the corporate experience of Dave Anderson and the military experience of General Anderson. At times you will be so caught up in the examples that you will forget this is a book on leadership. Whether you are a CEO of a large company, a platoon leader in the military, a pastor or church leader, or simply trying to lead your family this book will be a valuable resource.

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E Tate

Perfect for the CEOs of corporations... and the CEOs of households

Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2016

You don't have to be a leader of a major corporation to find this book to be an invaluable resource on what it means to be a leader of character. It is a practical, well-written guideline for anyone - which is everyone - who finds themselves in a position of leadership - in the community, at work, and at home. I especially related to the chapters that focused on the necessity for courage as you grow to be a leader of character. How often do I find myself sitting back, not wanting to rock the boat instead of taking a stand on what I know to be right... and not just in front of 500 of my peers, but in front of my children at the dinner table? The concepts are simple, yet make such an impact on the way you will view leadership moving forward.

I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting a fresh approach to tackling the epidemic of character-less leadership in our world today.

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Carol Ann retired Army officer and high school JROTC instructor

The book that gives you the workout to get back into leadership shape

Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2016

As a high school JROTC instructor my mission is to train cadets to be good citizens. I read Becoming a Leader of Character over my summer off and I am adding it to the reading list for all of my cadets. It is easy to read, easy to reference and it is the perfect user guide for leader development. It can be hard to help high school students truly understand what makes a person a great leader. Dave and his dad lay it out and even give you a "workout" plan to practice what you have learned from the book. I have added quotes and all six habits from the book to my bulletin boards at school. I have quoted this book to my friend who is going through a divorce because it applies to being a leader in your family. I have recommended the book to my fellow JROTC instructors throughout Eastern North Carolina and our high school Honors Leadership and Erhics teacher. The final bonus of reading this book over the summer was that it energized me and renewed my excitement about teaching my cadets again this school year. I feel like I have the perfect tool kit to help them to become future leaders of character. As a retired Army officer, Ironman athlete, West Point graduate and mother of two I thought I knew all I needed to know about leadership....thanks to the Anderson Leadership team I am getting back into superb leadership shape.

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Ronald Steptoe

"Duty" is the "True North"

Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2016

This book is a must read for entrepreneurs that create and lead business ventures with a focus on maximizing the Triple Bottom Line (Economic Growth, Social Progress, and Environmental Stewardship). The juxtaposition of these 3 masters often place extraordinary stressors on the ways and means required to accomplish the enterprise’s mandates. In order to be successful as a social entrepreneur responsible for achieving the Triple Bottom Line, I believe you must be a Leader of Character. The competing interest of the enterprise’s mandates are so profound that a leader must have a “True North” that guides his/her daily decisions. This book has confirmed for me that “Duty” is the “True North” for leaders of Social Enterprises. Since Social Entrepreneurs desire to bring equity where inequity exist, their sense of “Duty” towards the greater good is central to the heart and mission of their organizations. The success of these enterprises must be led by Leaders of Character who fully accept the required charge to be “Duty Bound” and mission focused on achieving a balance and impactful Triple Bottom Line for the People, the Profit, and the Planet. Becoming a Leader of Character is a must read book if your organization’s sustainable mission is to change the world.

Ronald J. Steptoe

CEO

Warrior Centric Health, LLC

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Rick K

A true leader speaks.

Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2016

Having spent many hours with Dave Anderson, it is obvious he not only writes about leadership from the right perspective, this is also the way he lives his life. What Dave has done is, put in print, how he and his dad have lived as examples of how to lead and live for all who will care to look and read. Finally, a book that nails the most vital part of leadership. Character is supreme in serving others as you help them achieve their life's calling and purpose. If you haven't read a book on leadership this one must be first. If you have read several, then when you read this one, you'll realize it is about time. Thank you David Anderson for being a man of deep character and writing so well about its importance for all of us, especially those who lead others.

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Best resource I have read in teaching any leader on what you have to DO to become the leader you want to BE.

Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2016

There are two main reasons I would encourage any leader to read this book – first, the story telling from two different generations of leaders and two totally different environments just brings it home that time proven leadership habits apply to any situation; second, not only do they explain what those habits are, they bring a user friendly tool box that shows anyone HOW they can become that leader of Character. Excellent resource for any leader at any level. Transparently, I have the unique perspective that Dave and I went to the same schools growing up together including West Point. The General was always calm, respectful and serious. Truly, Dave’s character has developed over the years. For me, that is what makes the book so powerful. The General had honed his talents, skills and knowledge in leadership and the habits he taught Dave absolutely transformed Dave from what we both were in our younger days. Dave has lived what he is bringing to the table in Becoming A Leader of Character. Best resource I have read in teaching any leader on what you have to DO to become the leader you want to BE. Mark Hannon, VP Operations

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Troy Busby

Five Star Resource with Timely and Needed Emphasis on Character Development

Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2016

This book is super-timely and provides a much needed re-emphasis on character development in leaders. The Andersons provide a model for successful leadership that encompasses both competence and character. So often in organisations, military or civilian, leaders are valued solely for their ability to get a task accomplished or management to make a profit. Meanwhile, their organisations and productivity are suffering from caustic cultures created by leaders who lack character. These companies are ones that eventually self-destruct or must undergo huge cultural restructuring to maintain longevity and profitability. This book is entertaining and inspiring with a great blend of the Anderson's military service and business experience that provides practical steps to build the habits of courage, humility, integrity, duty, selflessness, and positivity essential for leaders of character. I highly recommend this book as a five star resource for all leaders. A copy for each member congress wouldn't hurt either.

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John A. Vigna

Leader, or Leader of Character, that is the difference.

Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2016

In "Becoming a Leader of Character," father and son co-authors James L. Anderson and Dave Anderson provide a unique focus on what they view as a critical component of leadership - character, which should be a foundational guide for any leader. It is also the component they believe is critically lacking in many of today's leaders at every level. Character becomes the critical engine behind effective leadership and guides leaders to successfully accomplish things for the right reasons rather than for self-interest. Character to the Andersons centers on the fundamental elements of courage, humility, integrity, selflessness, duty, and positivity, and they devote a chapter to each element and why each one is critical to both how it helps define character, and ultimately how that character manifests itself, or should, through leaders. An engaging book for both its content and its interactive nature, the Andersons provide mini exercises requiring readers to introspectively look at themselves - something that most of us do far too infrequently - while also suggesting ways in which to put their ideas into practice. Essentially, Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski quotes one of the books major themes in the forward, "You have to DO what you want to BE." One simply isn't born a leader of character or doesn't just become one without effort. As leaders, one must sincerely and continually nurture, develop, and put into practice these elements of character. The Andersons personalize leadership and the practicality of their philosophy through their individual experiences in the military, business world, and athletic world recounting a variety of relatable examples, anecdotes, and catchy definitions. The fact that these character traits and behaviors are at the foundational level of their philosophy, however, makes it easy to apply that philosophy beyond their own spectrum of experience. "Becoming a Leader of Character" is well worth the read, and certainly valuable as a reference, reminder, and motivator of what it takes to be a leader. At the end of the day, it's not enough to simply be a leader, strive to be a leader of character. That is the difference.

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Concise - to the Point - Practical Applications in each Chapter

Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2016

Dave and The General have done a phenomenal job with the writing of this book. A lot of leadership books espouse to teach you or to show you the way and fail to live up to that promise as all they talk about are ideals and theories. They never take that next step and crystallize those thoughts down into concrete topics and actions. Becoming a Leader of Character dies just that. It takes 50,000 foot level beliefs and turns them in to 6 easy to understand habits and follows that up with action steps and exercises designed for you to break a sweat and to put into action those activities that make up the habit. If there is one book a beginning leader needs to grab to learn it correctly the first time, this is it. Also a great fit for mature readers to check in and see how you are doing.

DO to BE.

David Leek

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John Giusti

What General Anderson and his son Dave Anderson have created here is a wonderful book that utilizes the many talents

Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2016

There are many books written that address such topics as Leadership, Character, and Integrity that I have had the pleasure to read to continue to strengthen myself as a leader, including Coach Mike Krzyzewski book “Leading with the Heart”. What General Anderson and his son Dave Anderson have created here is a wonderful book that utilizes the many talents, learnings and experiences from two outstanding leaders of character. They both have taken the opportunity to reach back into each one’s knowledge and experiences and designed a guide using 6 Habits that can as they say “Make or Break a Leader”. These habits could easily apply whether one is in the Military, Business or Corporate setting, Professional or Amateur Sports setting, or even in one’s Family setting. This was a fun read for me. Clearly this book is a great work-plan to help develop better habits to becoming a greater leader of “Character”. I had the great pleasure to have worked alongside of Dave as a manger of people and have had the good fortune to be able to attend a Leadership workshop given by his Dad, General Anderson. This book clearly defines and supports that both Anderson’s understand and have truly “Walk the Walk” when it comes to becoming a Leader of Character and provides a guide for helping others to do the same. I plan on recommending this read to others that I am fortunate to continue to lead in helping others grow, develop and reach their career aspirations. John Giusti, Jr. -District Business Manager - Pfizer, Inc.

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Perfect for leaders in formal roles as well as a great resource for parenting!

Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2016

Becoming a Leader of Character provides a workable solution to the Leadership Crisis our world is experiencing. Based on their wise experience, General James L. Anderson and Dave Anderson have exposed the fluff and problems with other popular leadership models. This book will leave anyone challenged to change. With enticing stories, profound ideas, and doable exercises, The General and The Business Guy charge all leaders to think, speak, act, and form habits that will ultimately lead to character development. The Andersons use stories, factual observations, research, and examples of what Leaders of Character look and act like and why Leaders of Character are the ones people willingly and gladly follow. Having recently graduated with an M.A. in Ethical Leadership, leadership theories, principles, and practices are fresh on my mind. Out of all the books I read throughout my course in the program, none were able to so plainly state the root cause of failed leadership and what to do about it. This book, on the one hand, would be perfect to use as a textbook for any leadership course, and on the other hand, is a great reference and manual for personal growth. The 6 Habits (Courage, Humility, Integrity, Selflessness, Duty, and Positivity) presented by the Anderson’s as the building blocks to becoming a Leader of Character are applicable in the many different roles we are all called to as leaders on a daily basis. Aside from the many benefits this book can give leaders in formal roles, I think that the book is just as beneficial in the context of a parenting book.

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Joe Volpe

Finally, a PRACTICAL book on ethics and character!

Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2016

Finally, a PRACTICAL book on ethics and character! This is a must read for leaders at all levels. This book empowers! I teach a few graduate level courses on ethics and served as an ILE instructor in the US Army Reserves. I have longed for a book that provides thought provoking questions for self inspection and practical examples to help explain the real world challenges of being a leader of character. I have often focused my ethics classes on the West Point concept of "choosing the harder right." BG James Anderson and his son, Dave Anderson, have provided key anecdotes that bring homes his concept while captivating the reader. This book is literally a treasure trove of great teaching examples for people of all ages and walks of life. I am anxious to purchase additional copies to give to my sons!

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Chris Caraway

This is where positive leadership begins.

Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2016

In "Becoming A Leader of Character - 6 Habits that Make or Break a Leader at Work and at Home" by Dave Anderson and his father, General James Anderson, we have been given wisdom that cuts to the core of what it means to impact our world as POSITIVE leaders. There has to be a foundation to leadership, and while competence as a leader is important, without Character, competence can be wasted. As a former military officer and "Business Guy" myself, and especially as a father, the insight and exercises given in this book have life-changing potential if we take them to heart. In a world that needs to find its way from "win at all costs" to "choosing the hard right over the easy wrong", the Andersons have given us the leadership blueprint that can impact generations. "Becoming A Leader of Character - 6 Habits that Make or Break a Leader at Work and at Home" is an instant impact reference and instruction guide to those individuals sincerely interested in becoming the absolute best leaders they can be.

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COL (R) Steven A. Baker