James L. Anderson - Becoming a Leader of Character: 6 Habits That Make or Break a Leader at Work and at Home

My father, who retired as an Admiral in the US Navy, taught me that great leaders are great because their people trust and respect themnot because they have power. Father and son Gen. James L. Anderson, USA (Ret.) and Dave Anderson drill that message home in Becoming a Leader of Character . Leaders of character know true leadership is not about them; its about the people they serve. The world is in desperate need of a different leadership role modeland this book is a powerful guide for leaders who strive toward that goal.

Ken Blanchard , coauthor of The New One Minute Manager and Leading at a Higher Level

This magnificent book is a superb mix of behavioral science, philosophy and common sense. The multi-generational counterpoint writing style is laden with real-life stories that are relatable to todays fast-paced workplace environment. Because of the authors thoughtful analysis, this book contains many leadership ideas worthy of introspection. As a former CEO of several companies and Chairman of a Fortune 200 company, I highly recommend it to all who are interested in leading others in the 21st century.

Lieutenant General USA Retired John Moellering , Chairman Emeritus, USAA

In business and in the military, Courage, Humility, Integrity, Selflessness, Duty and Positivity are the key character habits a leader must display. Becoming a Leader of Character is an uncomplicated approach to developing a leaders most important leadership toolcharacter.

Joe DePinto , President and CEO, 7-Eleven Inc.

As Jim and Dave Anderson say, Dont just read this book. Use it! A father/son team of West Point graduates talking about leadership and character is what first got my interest. But then, it was their approach to developing character that hooked me. This is not the first book I have read that says a leaders character is important. But it is the first book Ive read that provides specific steps that anyone can take to develop that character. There is something to learn in every chapter without sounding academic. The stories are engaging and honest, the definitions are simple and the solutions are accessible. This is truly a unique leadership book and a must read for a CEO or a brand new leader.

Bob Funk , CEO, Express Employment Professionals

When fresh voices put new perspective on something and still make it accessible to all of us, I stop and pay attention. General Jim Anderson and Dave Anderson have done just that. Not only do they have the credentials to speak to us about leadership, but the way they approach the issue of character is both inspiring and challenging all at the same time. Building character is an exercise that takes determination and consistent effort. But the returns for the leader and the led are immeasurable. Dont just read Becoming a Leader of Character , use it daily and prepare to grow as a leader!

Karen Dillon , former Editor of the Harvard Business Review and author of New York Times best-seller How Will You Measure Your Life

Brigadier General (Retired) Jim Anderson and his son, Dave, have written the definitive book on leadership. This is a must read for every leader or aspiring leader regardless of age. It goes well beyond everyday theories and concepts and provides concrete examples of why and how to become a leader of character. As they say, you have to DO what you want to BE. If you want to continue to grow and develop into a great leader of character, this book is the perfect blueprint for you.

Lieutenant General Buster Hagenback , USA Retired, Former Superintendent, United States Military Academy at West Point

From ancient Greek philosophers to modern savants, history is replete with attempts to define character. Breaking away from the numbing array of authors dealing with character and leadership, the Andersonsfather and sonnot only define what character is and show why it is essential in leaders, they also describe how it is developed. Combining those three factors makes this volume a most significant contribution to the literature on leadership. Furthermore, and importantly, its down-to-earth prose and real-world context move it into the category of must-have books for anyone aspiring to lead.

Lieutenant General David Palmer , USA Retired, former Superintendent, United States Military Academy at West Point

The Andersons have hit it out of the park with this book! Leadership is character in action which is simply doing the right thing - even when it costs you something - especially when it costs you something as Im not sure it can be an act of character unless it costs you something. The key that most authors miss is that character is habit, repeated behavior over time. You dont develop humility or selflessness reading books or going to a seminar. These skills must be practiced! This great book gives you practical applications and exercises to get the principles into your game!

Jim Hunter bestselling author, The Servant - A Simple Story About The True Essence of Leadership

People often confuse leading with a self-claimed title that boasts of being aggressive, direct and intelligent. In this book we are reminded that noble character emerges softly as confidence, humility and integrity, thereby opening doors for true leadership. Whatever your position, you can learn these habits and develop a team, a family and a community of character and influence.

Dan Miller , New York Times bestselling author, 48 Days to the Work You Love

From corporate boardrooms, to ball fields, to our nations government and even in our homes we are in the midst of a leadership crisis. At the core of this crisis is the foundational element that leadership is built on, which is character. I can think of no father-and-son team better suited to address this and offer up pragmatic solutions than my friend Dave Anderson and his father General Jim Anderson. This is a must read for every business leader, coach, parent or leader of any kind. This influential book contains the power to change organizations and peoples lives in a very profound way, and I know that my copy will be dog eared, highlighted and quoted often.

Scott MacGregor , Founder and President of Something New

Wow! What a book in fact, THE book that should be on every modern leaders desk. The formula for becoming and being a great leader is in these pages. If you are new to leadership Becoming a Leader of Character will give you the tools you need to get people to follow you. If youve been leading people for a while I promise youll be writing in the margins and highlighting pages as you reflect on the habits you need to change.

Jeb Blount , author of People Follow You: The Real Secret to What Matters Most in Leadership

My experience at West Point was a transformational one that prepared me to lead wherever I was servingbe it on the battlefield in the military, or in the boardroom in corporate America. Becoming a Leader of Character captures the true essence of what it takes to be a successful leader at any level ... character. Equally important, it illustrates a road map to building the character and leadership traits essential to becoming a leader worth following. Do these exercises and you will be following a plan that will impact your work teams and your family because they will see you as a Leader of Character and want to follow you. People follow character!

Daren Rebelez , CEO of IHOP, International House of Pancakes

When you are ready to Lead Positivethink like a leader, relate like a leader, engage like a leader, act like a leader, and serve like a leaderread this book. It will transform your life and work!

Dr. Joey Faucette , #1 bestselling author of Work Positive in a Negative World

Do you have a plannot just a desireto build your character? Leaders work hard to improve their intellect and acquire technical skills. How many have a systematic plan to build that cornerstone of leadershipcharacter? Jim and Dave Anderson have created a unique tool that is perfectly suited to help you do just that.