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Becoming a Leader of Character: 6 Habits That Make or Break a Leader at Work and at Home
While many books focus on developing managerial competencies, most leadership failures are the result of a failure in character, not a failure in competence. But, just like how you don’t get in shape by reading a fitness magazine, you don’t become a Leader of Character by reading a book on Character. You have to DO what you want to BE! Leaders of Character is a “workout plan” designed to develop six Habits of Character by providing small, daily exercises that strengthen your character muscles for the bigger character tests all leaders face.
- GenresLeadershipNonfiction
218 pages, Paperback
Published October 11, 2016
63 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
About the author
Dave Anderson
139 books4 followersDave Anderson is a West Point graduate and a decorated combat veteran. (Bronze Star)
Dave spent 20 years in a multi-national Fortune 50 company. He spent 15 years in various leadership positions earning that company’s highest sales leadership award 4 times in an 8 year period.
Since starting Anderson Leadership Solutions, Dave has authored more than 400 articles on leadership and personal growth on his personal website: www.alslead.com. Dave also has a syndicated talk radio show, IMPACT Talk Radio (iTunes), focused on providing leadership solutions and resources for all leaders at all levels.
Dave has served his church as Chairman of the Elder Board, High School Sunday School Teacher, and Men’s Ministry Leader. He is also a hunter, a golfer and a fan of everything his kids are involved in
Dave spent 20 years in a multi-national Fortune 50 company. He spent 15 years in various leadership positions earning that company’s highest sales leadership award 4 times in an 8 year period.
Since starting Anderson Leadership Solutions, Dave has authored more than 400 articles on leadership and personal growth on his personal website: www.alslead.com. Dave also has a syndicated talk radio show, IMPACT Talk Radio (iTunes), focused on providing leadership solutions and resources for all leaders at all levels.
Dave has served his church as Chairman of the Elder Board, High School Sunday School Teacher, and Men’s Ministry Leader. He is also a hunter, a golfer and a fan of everything his kids are involved in
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 13, 2017
Author Dave Anderson spoke at a recent conference I attended. I am not usually inspired to run out and buy the book after hearing speakers at this event, but that day was different.
Anderson, and his father (Gen. [ret] Jim Anderson), posit that the big problem in business today is that companies hire managers based on competencies (which can be taught) rather than hiring leaders. When managers fail, it is not because of incompetence; the Andersons maintain that these are failures of character. I would agree with that assessment!
The six habits of character are courage, humility, selflessness, duty, integrity, and positivity. The Andersons maintain that by exercising these six habits, one will become a leader of character. They give examples of ways to do that in the office, in the community, and at home. The anecdotes both men share about how they grew in character are helpful and frank. They do not hold themselves up as paragons of virtue, but instead as two men who are still learning and growing.
I was two chapters into this book when I showed to my own leader (a man who is damned good at all of these traits) and our site president/leader, who likewise sets a good example. Of the many business books I have read, this is the first time that I have felt compelled to share them with others.
Highly recommended.
Anderson, and his father (Gen. [ret] Jim Anderson), posit that the big problem in business today is that companies hire managers based on competencies (which can be taught) rather than hiring leaders. When managers fail, it is not because of incompetence; the Andersons maintain that these are failures of character. I would agree with that assessment!
The six habits of character are courage, humility, selflessness, duty, integrity, and positivity. The Andersons maintain that by exercising these six habits, one will become a leader of character. They give examples of ways to do that in the office, in the community, and at home. The anecdotes both men share about how they grew in character are helpful and frank. They do not hold themselves up as paragons of virtue, but instead as two men who are still learning and growing.
I was two chapters into this book when I showed to my own leader (a man who is damned good at all of these traits) and our site president/leader, who likewise sets a good example. Of the many business books I have read, this is the first time that I have felt compelled to share them with others.
Highly recommended.
August 31, 2020
Becoming a Leader of Character highlights six character traits that if refined can expand one’s leadership potential. This quick read book is written from the perspective of two West Point graduates - father and son. Ret. General James Anderson shares examples of each trait through a lifetime of military service. Son, Dave Anderson gives a business perspective in kind. The traits include: Courage, Humility, Integrity, Selflessness, Duty and Positivity. The book provides an on-line character test which I found very helpful before getting too deep into the book.
The most impactful chapters for me were Selflessness and Positivity. I have already started to incorporate some of the techniques listed.
The most impactful chapters for me were Selflessness and Positivity. I have already started to incorporate some of the techniques listed.
March 20, 2018
A good read on developing important character traits that are fundamental to becoming a respected leader.
What I liked most:
The book presents two frameworks that I thought were solid: (1) the 6 Habits of Character framework; and the (2) Character Development Model. Both are worth taking some time to consider and reflect upon.
I also enjoyed the lists of "exercises" at the end of each Habit chapter, simple as many of them may be. These lists are consistent with the book's thesis: You have to DO what you want to BE.
What I didn't like as much:
With all due respect to the authors and their service to United States, I thought their personal stories could have been better fleshed out. Each Habit chapter begins with the authors' stories (The General's and The Business Guy's), but they end up being only a couple paragraphs long, somewhat repetitive, and hard to really "get into". Clearly both of these gentlemen have had some incredible life experiences, and I would've liked to have seen their stories reflect more of those experiences.
What I liked most:
The book presents two frameworks that I thought were solid: (1) the 6 Habits of Character framework; and the (2) Character Development Model. Both are worth taking some time to consider and reflect upon.
I also enjoyed the lists of "exercises" at the end of each Habit chapter, simple as many of them may be. These lists are consistent with the book's thesis: You have to DO what you want to BE.
What I didn't like as much:
With all due respect to the authors and their service to United States, I thought their personal stories could have been better fleshed out. Each Habit chapter begins with the authors' stories (The General's and The Business Guy's), but they end up being only a couple paragraphs long, somewhat repetitive, and hard to really "get into". Clearly both of these gentlemen have had some incredible life experiences, and I would've liked to have seen their stories reflect more of those experiences.
April 12, 2018
Excellent resource for anyone interested in true, good self development that benefits others, and makes the world a better place.
January 9, 2025
“[As] I think, therefore I am.”
Like the slightly modified Descartes quote above, this book is at once very simple but also very complex, evidencing the authors’ deep understanding of human behavior. It starts out with a survey of leadership traits and picks the six most essential to success, with two of those (courage and humility) being the most critical and upon which the other four (integrity, selflessness, duty, and positivity) depend.
I bought this book back when it was first published, but just now read it with a nice discovery: “The General” was my West Point PE swimming instructor before he later became head of the department and thus “Master of the Sword.” As appropriate to an author with a PhD in physical education, General Anderson posits that character is like a muscle; it must be developed with careful and continuous exercise. And to successfully build character, as with a muscle, one must also improve confidence in the ability not only to achieve but to progress further.
The book includes helpful definitions of the important concepts discussed, with the authors sprinkling in quotes from famous leaders of character and examples from their own experiences. They also give credit to Lieutenant General Dave R. Palmer for promulgating at West Point the concept of “leaders of character” and West Point’s Purpose Statement: “To Provide the Nation with Leaders of Character Who Serve the Common Defense,” an action which I happened to commemorate in an article for West Point Magazine: “From Washington to Palmer: The Story of ‘Leaders of Character.’”
At times, the authors get into what some might call elaborations “intuitively obvious to the casual observer.” However, for those not needing the details, they are easily skipped, with topic/subject headings serving as signposts as to where to begin again. It should also be pointed out that the authors occasionally reveal their own religious convictions. However, their wide-ranging, earnest scholarship on the subject is undeniable, with a deep reverence for the works of Aristotle and others objectively studying the essence of good character.
The authors end with a nice summary of the most important aspects of their book (again, like my modified Descartes quote above): 1. Our character starts with our thoughts. 2. Our thoughts influence our words. 3. Our words lead us to our actions. 4. Our actions, repeated over time, become our habits. 5. Our habits form our character. 6. Character is our habitual way of operating: HOW we are is WHO we are.
Bottom-line, overall, this is an excellent, must-have book for any leadership library. Highly recommended!
William J. Bahr, author of books on strategy and George Washington (our country’s greatest leader of character). Strategic Advantage: How to Win in War, Business, and Life George Washington's Liberty Key: Mount Vernon's Bastille Key – the Mystery and Magic of Its Body, Mind, and Soul
Like the slightly modified Descartes quote above, this book is at once very simple but also very complex, evidencing the authors’ deep understanding of human behavior. It starts out with a survey of leadership traits and picks the six most essential to success, with two of those (courage and humility) being the most critical and upon which the other four (integrity, selflessness, duty, and positivity) depend.
I bought this book back when it was first published, but just now read it with a nice discovery: “The General” was my West Point PE swimming instructor before he later became head of the department and thus “Master of the Sword.” As appropriate to an author with a PhD in physical education, General Anderson posits that character is like a muscle; it must be developed with careful and continuous exercise. And to successfully build character, as with a muscle, one must also improve confidence in the ability not only to achieve but to progress further.
The book includes helpful definitions of the important concepts discussed, with the authors sprinkling in quotes from famous leaders of character and examples from their own experiences. They also give credit to Lieutenant General Dave R. Palmer for promulgating at West Point the concept of “leaders of character” and West Point’s Purpose Statement: “To Provide the Nation with Leaders of Character Who Serve the Common Defense,” an action which I happened to commemorate in an article for West Point Magazine: “From Washington to Palmer: The Story of ‘Leaders of Character.’”
At times, the authors get into what some might call elaborations “intuitively obvious to the casual observer.” However, for those not needing the details, they are easily skipped, with topic/subject headings serving as signposts as to where to begin again. It should also be pointed out that the authors occasionally reveal their own religious convictions. However, their wide-ranging, earnest scholarship on the subject is undeniable, with a deep reverence for the works of Aristotle and others objectively studying the essence of good character.
The authors end with a nice summary of the most important aspects of their book (again, like my modified Descartes quote above): 1. Our character starts with our thoughts. 2. Our thoughts influence our words. 3. Our words lead us to our actions. 4. Our actions, repeated over time, become our habits. 5. Our habits form our character. 6. Character is our habitual way of operating: HOW we are is WHO we are.
Bottom-line, overall, this is an excellent, must-have book for any leadership library. Highly recommended!
William J. Bahr, author of books on strategy and George Washington (our country’s greatest leader of character). Strategic Advantage: How to Win in War, Business, and Life George Washington's Liberty Key: Mount Vernon's Bastille Key – the Mystery and Magic of Its Body, Mind, and Soul
May 25, 2018
I skimmed the book. Since I am neither leading a family to become leaders of character, nor any longer a manager or team leader in industry, the book is not relevant for me.
At earlier times in history I would have found it very relevant.
Peg
At earlier times in history I would have found it very relevant.
Peg
September 3, 2019
Terrific Book
Very well written and thought out. Lots of practical advice given. Some of it is common sense, but it is good to have it put down in front of you in black and white to remind you of what you need to do in order to become what you want to be.
Very well written and thought out. Lots of practical advice given. Some of it is common sense, but it is good to have it put down in front of you in black and white to remind you of what you need to do in order to become what you want to be.
August 8, 2023
Amazing guide for those just starting out in leadership or who have been in leadership positions for many years! It was an easy book to digest, but also acts as a great reference offering action steps to improve each facet of your character.
January 24, 2017
This book deserves more than 5 stars! I have heard Dave speak before so I knew I would like the book. It far exceeded my expectations! Not only are the stories GREAT, but it's written clearly, easily understood, and real life so everyone can relate to something in there. The only other book I have read that had such a powerful impact on me was Crucial Conversations, and I like to say that book changed my life. Becoming a Leader of Character is now tied for that TOP SPOT. I practically underlined the whole book. There is so much good adice, REAL advice in here. I'm breaking a sweat, working on these HABITS. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED READ.
April 1, 2017
I was given this book by Dave Anderson at a conference in January. It is excellent. I wish I was 25 ad could start again! I encourage you to read it and work through it.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews