“My father, who retired as an Admiral in the US Navy, taught me that great leaders are great because their people trust and respect them—not 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; it’s about the people they serve. The world is in desperate need of a different leadership role model—and this book is a powerful guide for leaders who strive toward that goal.”
“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 today’s 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.”
“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 leader’s most important leadership tool—character.”
“As Jim and Dave Anderson say, “Don’t 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 leader’s character is important. But it is the first book I’ve 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.”
“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. Don’t just read Becoming a Leader of Character, use it daily and prepare to grow as a leader!”
“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.”
“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 Andersons—father and son—not 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.”
“The Anderson’s 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 I’m 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 don’t 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!”
“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.”
“From corporate boardrooms, to ball fields, to our nation’s 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 people’s lives in a very profound way, and I know that my copy will be dog eared, highlighted and quoted often.”
“Wow! What a book – in fact, THE book that should be on every modern leader’s 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 you’ve been leading people for a while I promise you’ll be writing in the margins and highlighting pages as you reflect on the habits you need to change.”
“My experience at West Point was a transformational one that prepared me to lead wherever I was serving—be 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!”
“When you are ready to Lead Positive—think like a leader, relate like a leader, engage like a leader, act like a leader, and serve like a leader—read this book. It will transform your life and work!”
“Do you have a plan—not just a desire—to 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 leadership—character? Jim and Dave Anderson have created a unique tool that is perfectly suited to help you do just that.”
“Justice Scalia once said, ‘Bear in mind that brains and learning, like muscle and physical skill, are articles of commerce. They are bought and sold. You can hire them by the year or by the hour. The only thing in the world not for sale is character.’ Though you can’t buy character, West Point has proven you can develop it. Buy this book and let two of West Point’s distinguished graduates lead you through the process.”
“If you are leading a multi-million dollar company, a local business, or a family, Becoming a Leader of Character tells us how to develop the Courage, Humility, Integrity, Selflessness, Duty and Positivity that we all need to practice and pass on to those we lead. This book is easy to read and applies to all of us. It should be a textbook in businesses, in schools and in our homes that we all implement and learn from.”
“General Jim’s observations on leading with character – and his personal stories of being such a leader – are so powerful and impactful. What draws me to General Jim’s talks is that he is able to use very simple concepts to make a profound emotional impact on his listeners that change their lives. I could not be more pleased that readers across the world will now have that same opportunity. This is a book every leader and aspiring leader should read!”
“This father-son book by Dave and General Anderson speaks from their hearts about their passion—Leadership and Character. It will resonate with those that are willing to commit themselves to become leaders based on developing Habits of Character in order to become a Leader of Character. It applies to emerging leaders and those willing to dedicate themselves on building a true foundation to lead. Join their passion!”
“Dave and ‘The General’ hit the nail on the head when it comes to identifying today’s leadership challenges. What we do is a direct reflection of who we are, and in today’s fast-paced world, personal values often times get lost in the chaos of the day. Becoming A Leader Of Character offers practical exercises for strengthening our values and becoming the leader we all want to be. This is a must read for not just every ‘leader,’ but every person.”
“The time has finally come for the General and his son, David to put pen to paper and create a marvelous and intriguing look at the journey of Becoming a Leader of Character. Over the past two decades, while at two separate Fortune 500 companies, I have seen the life changing impact the Andersons’ principles of leadership character have had on countless leaders at all levels of an organization. The impact is real and lasting.”
“Years ago a friend pointed out to me that the root word for inheritance not only means a gift but the deeper meaning is literally an assignment and a task. It is that deeper meaning that is so evident in this book. What has been passed from father to son is not just lessons and examples but an assignment - the assignment of leadership. If you want to leave the best kind of inheritance to your own children please leave them the task and the expectation of leadership. But give them the preparation for that inheritance this book provides.”
“People don’t quit companies. They quit their managers. Becoming a Leader of Character is chock-full of ideas that managers, of any level, can use to up their game.”