“The Character Edge artfully combines scholarly research and practical experience in an interesting, persuasive way. I think character matters more today than at any time in my memory. Bob Caslen and Michael Matthews get it right.”
—General Martin E. Dempsey, US Army (Retired), 18th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, author of Radical Inclusion: What the Post-9/11 World Should Have Taught Us About Leadership
“The world needs leaders with strong character more than ever, and The Character Edge will show you how that is done in two institutions that carry the trust and respect of all Americans: the United States Military Academy at West Point, and the United States Army. This book is a must-read for anyone who aspires to live a life of character.”
—General (Retired) Raymond T. Odierno, 38th Chief of Staff of the United States Army
“As school administrators, be it at the state, local, and campus levels, we have much in common with the sacred responsibility of military leaders, especially in light of what LTG (Ret.) Caslen terms the ‘Bank of Public Trust.’ Caslen and Matthews give compelling illustrations of how trust accounts must be cherished and nurtured over time and modeled consistently with ‘deposits of competence, character, and caring.’ As educators and public servants, there is much we can draw from the stories, the exquisite scholarship, and the ‘right way’ lessons found throughout The Character Edge.”
—Mary M. Keller, Ed.D., former President & CEO of the Military Child Education Coalition
“In The Character Edge, Caslen and Matthews offer the definitive guide to how individuals and organizations may build and utilize positive character to flourish and win. Corporations who ‘get’ this message excel; those who do not will fail in the long run.”
—Indra Nooyi, former Chairman & CEO of PepsiCo
“Blending behavioral science with lessons learned in the crucible of military service, Bob Caslen and Mike Matthews have written a leadership book that is both timely and timeless. They examine the complex nature of character in both individuals and organizations with vivid examples from the military, sports, education, and business. In a time of polarization and incivility, the authors have created a how-to manual for counteracting these destructive forces in ourselves and our institutions.”
—Stefanie Sanford, Chief of Global Policy & External Relations of the College Board
“We believe it is the quality and character of the leader that determines the results. In The Character Edge we discover a blueprint for instilling values-based leadership to achieve significance and success.”
—Frances Hesselbein, Chairman of the Frances Hesselbein Leadership Forum, former CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA, and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient