The Character Edge: Leading and Winning with Integrity

by Robert L. Caslen Jr., Michael D. Matthews

The former superintendent at West Point and a psychologist explain why all successful leaders rely on a foundation of strong character.

Among the most successful leaders throughout history―from Abe Lincoln to Rosa Parks, Mahatma Gandhi to Susan B. Anthony, Martin Luther King, Jr. to Nelson Mandela―some were brilliant mathematicians and economists, others were creative visionaries, still others were masterful at strategic planning. Their mastery of their field wasn’t the secret to their highly effective leadership. All of their skill, grit, resilience, charisma, and courage emanated from one their strength of character.

Character―the moral values and habits of an individual―is in the spotlight now more than perhaps at any other point in modern history. Politicians distort facts. Corporations cheat customers and investors. Athletes are caught using illegal supplements. In addition to harming our culture at large, these failures of character have a profound and undermining impact on leadership.

The authors of this book are experts on the value of character, its correlation with successful leadership, and how to build it in individuals and prospective leaders. General Robert L. Caslen, Jr. served the US Army for over 43 years and served as Superintendent at the US Military Academy at West Point. Psychologist Dr. Michael D. Matthews is a Professor of Engineering Psychology at West Point who has focused on the psychology of character for years. Together they witnessed firsthand that raw talent is not enough to stand on its own; successful leadership relies on the critical foundation of a strong character.

In The Character Edge they leverage their perspectives to offer an empowering, story-driven argument―backed by the latest scientific research―that character is vital to success. They give readers the tools to build and sustain character in themselves and their organizations by testing readers' strengths of the gut, head and heart and teaching how to build trust and nurture the seeds of character.

Genres: Leadership, Nonfiction, Business, Psychology, Military Fiction, Management, Philosophy

352 pages, Hardcover

First published October 13, 2020

Reviews

[Lorilin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughtful, insightful book on becoming a better leader and person.

I liked the personality strengths test (from Authentic Happiness.com)--it gave me insight into my own core strengths (and weaknesses). There are 24 moral virtues grouped into 6 main groups:

1) wisdom and knowledge (creativity, curiosity, open-mindedness, love of learning, perspective)
2) courage (bravery, persistence, integrity, zest)
3) justice (teamwork, fairness, leadership)
4) humanity (capacity to love, kindness, social intelligence)
5) temperance (forgiveness, humility, prudence, self-regulation)
6) transcendence (appreciation of beauty, gratitude, hope/optimism, humor, spirituality)

Author Caslen talks more about each group in detail, using examples from his extensive military experience to illustrate leadership lessons.

The second half of the book is very business organization-heavy. Lots of advice on how to manage people and avoid lapses in judgment. It's interesting info but not really applicable to my life. I think business leaders could get a lot from it, though. And the rest of the book was still informative and helpful to me overall.

[Mairy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very happy to receive a copy of The Character Edge as I have been researching for a good while now the following question: what makes a leader successful? What I have been often hearing from individuals was that basically leaders have to be heartless since they often times have to make rough decision that can have negative consequences in people's lives. I have been trying to find supporting research negating those thought. And in this book I have.

What makes you happy? Be happy with yourself, love yourself, be accepted and trusted by others. You can only reach this by implementing a sense of trust, make people comfortable in confiding in you, be open to two-way communication, be a good listener, keep working on your character all your life, surround yourself with people with good character,.. The book also includes real-life stories of leaders/CEOs experiencing different situations to be a better feel of the theories presented. The book finally includes examples on how to calculate your level of mentioned character traits and how you can work on improving them.

I really appreciated it and took many notes to be applied in my life.

Thank you Net Galley and St. Martings Press for this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A proactive approach to character management prior to failure is far more effective than a reactive approach focused on repairing damage after the fact." Page 265

The book came at a time when I needed it; I was pleasantly surprised by how much more I enjoyed the book than I anticipated. The book first begins with a 9 point scale of 24 character traits where one can access what they personally feel about themselves. Then the book highlights the importance of the 24 character traits and how these character traits such as empathy, trust, kindness and more facilitate social relationships. By delving into a litany of psychological studies and real-world examples, the book is effective at emphasizing arguments presented. The book also discusses the antithesis of good character traits with concepts such as a the dark triad: narcissism, machiavellianism, and psychopathy, to highlight how one should NOT behave.

[Brian Thorson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Character over competence. The most stellar, highest performing leaders come crashing down during a breach of character. Just as importantly, facets of your character manifest as integral comments of leadership: trust, care for others, dependability, compassion, etc.

This book reviews not only the important of character but also how to develop it.

While not the most engaging of books, the content is useful.

[Suz Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Character is defined as a person’s moral values and habits. THE CHARACTER EDGE delves deep into all aspects of character, using plenty of case studies and examples from the corporate world, the military, and beyond to illustrate each point. Several quizzes are included or links provided (e.g. Values-in-Action Inventory of Strengths) to aid in the reader’s evaluation of their own character as well as that of their organization or workplace.

One’s actions display their values and character. Dr. Christopher Peterson and Dr. Martin Seligman, founders of the discipline of positive psychology divide character strengths into six moral virtues: wisdom/knowledge (creativity, curiosity, open-mindedness, love of learning, perspective) courage (bravery, persistence, integrity, zest) justice (teamwork, fairness, leadership) humanity (capacity to love, kindness, social intelligence) temperance (forgiveness, humility, prudence, self-regulation) transcendence (appreciation of beauty, gratitude, hope/optimism, humor, and spirituality). They encourage a focus on the top “signature” character strengths as well as those at the bottom. Insight may also be gained in examining the distribution of one’s strengths across the six moral virtues.

The author advises that character can be nurtured and grown. He clusters character strengths around the gut, head, and heart. He discusses the outcomes of adversity (resilience, disorder, invulnerability, and growth) and examines how habits and personality traits affect character. I found the discussion of the dark triad—narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy and the dark triad’s links to the seven deadly sins particularly interesting. Also of note are effects of drug/alcohol abuse, social media, a lack of social support, sleep deprivation, and more on character.

There is plenty of great information on strengthening organizations. from being a better boss, employee, and leader.

The final chapter entitled “Winning the Right Way” provides a great summary of the key concepts of the book and is thus useful for a refresher on the concepts. I especially enjoyed the references to positive psychology. THE CHARACTER EDGE is resource for leaders, those in Human Resources, and anyone with a desire to further develop their character.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press, an imprint of St. Martin’s Publishing Group, for providing an Advance Reader Copy.

[Tim Chavel · Rating 5 out of 5]

If this is not the best leadership book I have ever read than it is very near the top. Both authors are from West Point and apply many principles from that school. Lt. General Robert L. Caslen, Jr. (Ret) was the 59th Superintendent of West Point and Dr. Michael D. Matthews the professor of Psychology at West Point. It was very hard to get quotes from the book, because the authors explained things in detail and even suggested ways to make improvement in one's company and in one's on life. I HIGHLY recommend this book for everyone. I hope the quotes below will strengthen your leadership. The very last "quote" which is an example of a creed somewhat sums up the book. For better formatting, please visit my blog.

I am aware that a man of real merit is never seen in so favorable a light as seen through the medium of adversity. The clouds that surround him are shades that set off his good qualities. ~Alexander Hamilton

A study of more than 12,000 adults in the United States and Germany revealed that the character strengths of love, hope, curiosity, zest, and (particularly) gratitude were linked to high life satisfaction. ~Caslen, Matthews

Seligman and Peterson classify 24 character strengths into six overarching categories called moral virtues. These six moral virtues, with their associated character strengths, are:
• wisdom and knowledge (creativity, curiosity, open mindedness, love of learning, perspective)
• courage (bravery, persistence, integrity, zest)
• justice (teamwork, fairness, leadership)
• humanity (capacity to the love, kindness, social intelligence)
• temperance (forgiveness, humility, prudence, self- regulation)
• transcendence (appreciation of beauty, gratitude, hope/optimism, humor, spirituality).
We each have a unique profile of character strengths. This helps define who we are as individuals.

I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, that he who conquers that fear. ~Nelson Mandela

Authority without wisdom is like a heavy axe without an edge, fitter to bruise than polish. ~Anne Bradstreet

Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking promotes profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love. ~Lao-Tzu

One of the most powerful strengths of the heart is the capacity to give and receive thanks in life. The greatest thing about gratitude is that practicing it may bring greater positive benefits for you than it does for the recipient of thanks. ~Caslen, Matthews

I came to believe that a leader isn't good because they are right; they're good because they're willing to learn and to trust. ~ Stanley McChrystal

Culture does not change because we desire to change it. Culture changes when the organization is transformed; the culture reflects the realities of people working together every day. ~ Francis Hesselbein, former CEO of the Girl Scouts of the USA

Patrick Sweeney, retired from the army and now the director of Wake Forest universities allegiances Center for leadership and character, created a conceptual model that captures how high- performing organizations maintain excellence in the face of purple personal turbulence and curator failures. The individual- relationship- organization- contacts (I Roc) model describes the complex relationships are nine organizations, individuals, and the context in which they operate, and how these relationships influence trust and sustain high performance. The following chart summarizes the IR OC model.
INDIVIDUAL CREDIBILITY
• Competence
• Character
• Caring
RELATIONSHIPS MATTER
• Respect and concern
• Open communications
• Cooperative interdependence
• Trust and empower others
ORGANIZATION SETS THE CLIMATE
• Shared values, beliefs, norms, and goals (culture)
• Structure, practices, policies, and procedures
CONTACTS INFLUENCES ALL
• Dependencies and needs
• Organizational systems

In determining “the right people,” the good-to-great companies place greater weight on character attributes then on specific educational background, practical skills, specialized knowledge, or work experience. ~ Jim Collins

Good character is not formed in a week or a month. It is created little by little, day by day. Protracted and patient effort is needed to develop good character. ~Heracleitus

That which does not kill us only makes us stronger. ~ Frederick Nitschke

Outcomes of adversity:
• Resilience-this occurs when, following a period of adversity, a person's adjustment returns to baseline.
• Disorder-this occurs when adversity results in a negative change in adjustment, and the individual does not recover over time.
• Invulnerability-this occurs when the person endures the adverse event with no apparent change.
• Growth-this occurs when a person becomes stronger emotionally, builds better social relationships, or develops stronger character strengths as a result of a challenging experience. ~Caslen, Matthews

And ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. ~ Benjamin Franklin

Organizational hazards to character:
1. Consumer need and suitability are not guiding product lifestyle practices. In simple terms this means that organizations that place sales over actual customer needs are prone to misconduct. The university that is more concerned with new buildings or winning sports championships than with the education of the students is an example.
2. Failing to have a balanced scorecard for your human resource decisions. This means that important personnel decisions that are driven by short-term or narrow performance indicators result in misconduct.
3. Individuals and leadership are not responsible or held to account for misconduct.
4. Failing to identify and manage conflicts of interest. There must be outside checks and balances to guard against misconduct.
5. Complex, disconnected, or growth-at-all-cost business models. Complexity breeds confusion, which can be followed by a focus on the wrong goals and objectives. A bigger is better philosophy enables focusing on short term gains, achieved at any cost including compromise of character, over long term success.
6. Manual and complicated processes and procedures. Making the job too hard leads to shortcuts. Excessive bureaucracy causes people to take shortcuts that may compromise their ethics.
7. Weak systems for monitoring and surveillance. Leaders must ensure that fair and objective systems are in place to track adherence to ethical guidelines. Failure to do so allows the perception that unethical actions will go undetected and unpunished.
8. Disparate subcultures or a problematic prevailing culture. Organizations may foster positive character, such as Johnson and Johnson, or allow unprincipled behavior to be the norm, such as the Army rugby team. Leaders must take positive and constant action to establish and maintain a positive organizational climate. This may be the most important thing a leader does. Such a strong and positive culture may migrate against other risk factors in the Character Risk Model. ~ An article by the Deloitte Center for Regulatory Strategy

Competing at the highest level is not about winning. It's about preparation, courage, understanding and nurturing people, and heart. Winning is the result. ~Joe Torre

An example of a personal creed taken from Johnson and Johnson's credo and the creed of the West Point Corps of Cadets:
As a leader of our organization, I am first committed to our clients and customers, to provide them with a high- quality, reasonably priced product that is safe and secure, and that is the best in the market.
My next responsibility is to our employees, who work with us throughout our entire organization. All are valued members, who will work in a safe and secure environment and will find fulfillment in their jobs. I will ensure their work environment is supportive to their imagination, creativity, innovation, and growth. I will empower and develop them to the limits of their potential, ensure that they have great opportunities for advancement and satisfaction, and ensure their compensation is competitive with the best in the nation. I'm committed to their development as lifelong employees and future leaders of our organization.
My organization is emboldened by the values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal moral courage. These are the values that are embraced and that drive everything I do, both with my organization and in my life. I am a man or woman of great integrity, who will live a private life with the same values I will live in my public life. I will live these values not only at work, but also at home and in everything I do.
I am responsible to be a strong partner with my community, supporting my local government and my local organizations, and ensuring that I am a good citizen who supports good works, and charities, and my fair share of taxes. I will be a good steward of the environment I am privileged to use.
I will serve our clients and our customers, maintaining the honor of our organization, living above the common level of life, having the courage to choose the harder right over the easier wrong. I will live both my public life and my private life with honor and integrity.
I am a member of an organization of excellence and will pursue excellence in our product, and our customers, and our employees, and in all we do.

[Theodene · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Character Edge by Lt. General Robert L. Caslen, Jr. (RET.) and Dr. Michael D. Matthews is a book written that brings together real U.S. Army and military psychology experiences with several well-known incidents. I was attracted to this book because I feel having appropriate character is important to be successful in any organization.

It was quite a surprise to find that there’s a lot of stories about the U.S. Army. Although I’ve never been a soldier nor served in any military branch, I have several years of experience working at an Army Base. My experiences with Army soldiers helped me to better relate to the Army stories in this book. I’m unsure if I would have fully grasped it all had I not had my experience working with the Army. You, however, dear reader, may be just fine!

Caslen and Matthew’s break down character strengths and why it’s important for an organization to be successful. Each chapter brings readers one step closer to understanding events of the past and how we can learn from it. It tells us that we can each grow in our character as we approach each day.

This book reviews how Dr. Christopher Peterson and Dr. Martin Seligman studied everything about character and identified twenty-four character strengths common to the human species and categorized them into six moral virtues. With these virtues, Caslen and Matthew’s shares examples of how people overcame challenges or succumbed to it because of their virtues.

The book breaks down strengths of the gut, head, and heart. It reminds readers that it’s not about you, how to nurture your good character, and avoid potholes. They share how to win the right way and become successful as an individual and as an organization.

An Advanced Reader Copy of this ebook, The Character Edge by Lt. General Robert L. Caslen, Jr. (RET.) and Dr. Michael D. Matthews, was provided complimentary by NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review. It is scheduled to publish on October 13, 2020. I give this book five out of five tiaras because it kept me engaged with real stories and character development that I can see in myself throughout my life.

The Character Edge is one of those books all upcoming leaders should read and have in their arsenal for personal growth. It should be on their office library. Every leader in any organization should have access to and given an opportunity to read.

[Bimal Patel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: This book was given to me by the publisher in return for my unbiased opinion of the book.

The Character Edge: Leading and Winning with Integrity. I know what you guys are thinking. Ughh..another self-help book right?? That's what I thought too but after reading first few pages I knew this book was going to teach me a thing or two that I don't know. As the title of this book says this book is about Character. Well...what about character you may ask. I would say everything Character. Character used to be a hard to define term back in the days. Either you had it or not and if you had it it is immutable. This book radically changes our knowledge of Character inside out. Starting from a radical definition to what constitutes a good Character(components of Character) to how to exercise some of our inherent traits to strength our Character so that it is of value in times when it's needed the most. Written by Superintendent and professor of Psychology at West Point most of the insights comes from West Point academic environment but also are included the case studies from civilian institutions. This book dissects the concept of Character and makes it objective for us to concretely understand what it is and takes the subjectivity out of it. Although life's experience has to count for something and if applied correctly and rationally you will find your judgement of someone's character will closely align objectively if you apply the principles discussed in this book. Character is defined at individual and at organizational level in this book giving it a wider scope than previously thought to be a personal quality.

Overall, I think this is a really good book on the subject matter and is a must read for someone in certain professions such as academia, human resources, coaching, higher-ups at a big or small company, etc. Of course everybody can learn something new from this book. I certainly recommend this book.

[Felicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as a part of a Goodreads giveaway, but this review is unbiased.

This book talks about winning and leading while maintaining integrity. Not only that, but it also implores the reader to lead a life of integrity, in all aspects. The authors talk about finding the strength in oneself, in the gut, in the heart, and in the head to not take the easy path out, which more often than not leads to major trouble, but take the path of virtue. To stick to the morals and do the right thing. The authors cite examples of companies and organizations which went astray by buying into the temptation of short term gain for long term loss of not only reputation but also the company itself.

Further, the authors also discuss politics and the way nations such as the USA, Russia and a few others have behaved in the recent past and how it is not merely a product of faulty foreign policy but a cumulation of the erosion of trust that citizens have had in their governments.

I liked this book. I was raised in a family where my father always said that it is not my success, but the kind of person that I am that he will be proud of. Morals and integrity were the foundation on which both my parents built their family and business. Hence, for me, this book hit right at home. The authors do a commendable job of presenting their arguments with supporting cases and data. This book is a must-read for those who, especially in the current climate, might be questioning the very existence of integrity and good character. I think this book might just help restore their faith.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Character: The Key to Success


Character enables the individual to live a life of integrity. Sticking to one’s principles and not opting for the easy way out is about leading and winning. The authors, a general and a psychologist, with backgrounds in West Point make these points clearly. They effectively use case studies from industry and academia, as well as observations from their work with the Army to illustrate their points.

The authors also discuss politics. People are losing faith in government because too many of our political leaders lack moral courage. An emphasis on character in our leaders could go a long way in increasing trust in government.

I thought this book was very well done. Although many of the examples are drawn from the military, they are clearly written and easy to relate to. The authors build on the research of other authors like Dr. Martin Seligman to discuss a conception of character strengths and how they can be categorized into moral virtues.

This book has good information for both organizations and individuals for improving their organizations as well as strengthening their own character. It’s a must read for leaders and those dealing with people in human resources and psychology.

I received this book from St. Martin’s Press for this review.

[Edi McNinch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource for those currently in leadership and those seeking a leadership role. Very simply stated, it could be easily used in training for any employer to foster a work culture in which people 'feel good to go to work' and they feel valued. It includes resources for self assessment that would be beneficial in personal growth in dealing with people in any capacity. I particularly like the concepts of leading with head or heart and steering leaders to remember that their employees,( peers,associates or whatever their organization calls worker bees) are real people and respecting the individual. To truly listen to others, and that it is never ''my way or the highway'' and respect other ideas than your own,have understanding and compassion of the person's life issues outside of the workplace. Many examples and ethical situations are provided from both the military and private sectors viewpoints. If these concepts are followed,and if the person has these characteristics, or has the capacity to develop them,many could find more satisfaction in their chosen field of employment and in their personal lives.
I was provided an advanced reader copy of this book and was under no obligation to provide a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Many thanks to the authors, publishers, and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book.

[Carla Raisler · Rating 4 out of 5]

While reading this book, the West Point scandal about cheating erupted. It was perfect timing to allow me to see the scandal as way to teach the students how to build better moral character and that it isn't always a fatal flaw but a broken bone that can be healed and become stronger when given the right corrective actions and mentorship. We give a lot of lip service to the idea that we aren't a zero defect Army anymore, but we see a lot of cases that show us that deep down we don't always exercise that mantra.

In addition, I learned a lot about the importance of grit and how it is the foundation to what can really make or break a person when it comes to developing and exercising the six moral virtues: wisdom/knowledge (creativity, curiosity, open-mindedness, love of learning, perspective) courage (bravery, persistence, integrity, zest) justice (teamwork, fairness, leadership) humanity (capacity to love, kindness, social intelligence) temperance (forgiveness, humility, prudence, self-regulation) transcendence (appreciation of beauty, gratitude, hope/optimism, humor, and spirituality).

Give allowed me the ability for self reflection and hopefully the ability to strengthen my own moral virtues to become a better boss, employee, and leader.

[Tõnu Vahtra · Rating 3 out of 5]

"A proactive approach to character management prior to failure is far more effective than a reactive approach focused on repairing damage after the fact."
This is mainly a book about character development in militarty domain and trying to extend the ideas beyond. It mainly focuses around West Point military academy and since this institution is unfamiliar for me then I found it difficult to relate with their specific challenges. Definitely cannot argue with the importance of the character principles that were brought out but it remained a bit too high level for me, ending up with concerns about the fall of US democracy and world order due to general erosion in character standards.

Quoting the list of 24 moral virtues (in 6 groups) covered from another review:
1) wisdom and knowledge (creativity, curiosity, open-mindedness, love of learning, perspective)
2) courage (bravery, persistence, integrity, zest)
3) justice (teamwork, fairness, leadership)
4) humanity (capacity to love, kindness, social intelligence)
5) temperance (forgiveness, humility, prudence, self-regulation)
6) transcendence (appreciation of beauty, gratitude, hope/optimism, humor, spirituality)

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blending contemporary cases, selected military history, and plenty of science, THE CHARACTER EDGE makes for a fascinating and insightful read championing and framing ethics and values as the backbone of leadership and a functional society beyond mere laws and order. From grit and trust to love of learning and spirituality, the authors deftly contextualize and build the case on how character, individually and collectively, manifests both in extraordinary, history-making situations and in everyday circumstances - to the benefit or the detriment of the actors and the world around them, depending on the virtues and flaws of said character. Thankfully, along with plenty of warning calls about the consequences of character lapses, the authors also provide tools and recommendations to assess one's own character strengths and to discern a bit better those of our communities and groups. Ultimately, their message is clear: a job well done and a life well lived of analytics and performance metrics, but of discernment, self-knowledge, and good character.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Strength of character is something that is important to me. I'm always curious to read books about character to read stories about people of character, opinions of what creates good character and tips for working with other people. I suppose it was less "disliking" as much as not being able to relate. The authors of this book both have military backgrounds and connections with West Point so many of the points in this book and examples have do to with the military. I have very little experience with the military and, although I appreciate the people who serve and enjoyed reading some stories that I had not previously heard, I just couldn't really relate 100%. I agreed with how they broke down character into many different traits- strengths of the head, heart and gut. There were other examples that weren't based in the military that were more relatable to me. I also like that they have suggestions for how to work on your character and evaluate your strengths and weaknesses.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d say 4.5 stars. I haven’t read many books on the topic of character. But, I have read a lot of leadership and positive psychology books. This is definitely a very high quality book when it comes to developing the long lasting qualities of leadership. I think much of the positive psychology is implied, rather than explored. But, what I love most about this book is it takes the perspective of doing the harder right, than the easy wrong even when it comes to character development. So many self help books are life hacks to make for easy leadership/self-help/psychology development. This book expects you want to truly change and not just improve an area of your life until things change again. This is about the long-term permanent change, which I love. I wish it had more ideas on the development of the qualities of character, that’s probably where it lacks the most, but it definitely explains a lot in the qualities and why it’s so important and beneficial.

[Jeff Bobin · Rating 5 out of 5]

We should all read this book.

Written by two people that have developed leaders over the years at West Point it takes you to the heart of leadership. Character and integrity lead to winning in so many ways.

The illustrations are not only from West Point and the military but from several other areas of life like family, business and non-profits.

The most interesting section for me was on mentoring that is really done in three ways, informally, regular connected mentors and then special mentors for those that have compromised their character and are willing to work to restore it.

This will challenge those that have allowed the desire for a goal to allow their integrity to be compromised. The encouraging word is that even then you can restore that and once again be trusted by others. The work can be difficult but is always worthwhile.

[Sam]

Cutting edge revelations. Interaction with revelations from the Superintendant of West Point Military Academy and a former President of the American Psychological Association and editor of several books on military psycholgy.
Throughout the narrative there are often stark examples of both bravery borne from character and character flaws. One message is that those who fail can be made to reform and become strong leaders. For example, at West Point being made to leave and complete service in the ranks before returning to the graduate course. On the basis that all work experience offers insight and growth possibilities in character this is shown to have worked for West Point Academy. Having personal experience of both service disciplined living and latterly a civilian work life, I think that, recognition is perhaps needed, for how civilian life does not necessarily embody the tenets that make for a successful West Point Cadet graduation. Without a military culture in civilian life there is always going to be a divergence between civilian and military. A very challenging book to read, in that, the reader inevitably will view his or her character defficiencies or lapses. It is stressed that good character will require the harder journey road. The human condition is such that perfection is unlikely to be achievable, but you cannot but be amazed by the courage of individuals as portrayed in the positive narration. There is a text book nature to the book, where tests are given early on. It can be said that with regard to good character that let him who has not lapsed throw the first stone. A good read and perhaps more identifiable with, for those, who have metaphorically speaking "square bashed," during their career life span.

[Suji · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

This book had a strong start. I really enjoyed the stories about non-army companies and institutions. I really like reading about the problem solving behind all these leaders. The way some leaders solved problems I would have never thought about. To me, the way people resolve problems is what makes them a great leader, and this book touches on that subject.
I have to be real, the army stories were boring. Too many titles and too many names with the army stories and it was hard to stay focus. The last chapter should have been cut.

Overall good stories about leadership. Makes me understand that being a leader is difficult and they have to consider so many variables. Talks about how people need to be made responsible for their actions and mistakes. Basically not to let one rotten apple ruin the bunch.

[Luka Stanic · Rating 1 out of 5]

Simply put, this is not worth your time. There are no novel ideas or unique perspectives to take away from this book. It’s a shameless money grab by Caslen late in his career.

If I had to summarize the book, it is a compilation of Caslen’s favorite anecdotes about individuals that seemingly have shown great character or a failure in character. The authors do not provide any additional insight into those anecdotes or how the reader might apply those lessons to their own life/situations. In light of the recent news of Caslen’s plagiarism, it is no shock that this book is essentially the stories of others (which are very public stories you’ve probably already read about) with no unique thought from the author.

Honestly I regret wasting time on this. Stay away!

[Patrick Sweeney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this easy to read and insightful book on the important topic of character. Character is the foundation of both personal and leader effectiveness. The authors use compelling stories to bring character strengths to life and, most importantly, introduce simple tools people can use to enhance their character. Furthermore, the authors clearly layout how leaders can shape the culture in their teams or organization to promote the development of members’ character. This is a must read for leaders. This book will uplift you, boost your confidence, and provide an easy to follow road to enhance your character.

[Cassey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book because I saw it recommended by Angela Duckworth who wrote the book Grit, and she had worked with one of the authors of this book during her research and I am fascinated by her work so thought it would be something I would like. I definitely liked this book mostly for the case studies and real life examples of human character that either make or break a company or a person. I have seen supervisors in my past job exhibit very bad character traits that lead to some of the problems that were expressed in this book. I will be looking for more insights on these kinds of topics in the future!

[Christie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
A timely and very expansive look into the character of a person and the organization to where they belong--head, heart, and gut!

Favorite Passage:
Men and women of character will seek facts, identify what is true, and place their trust accordingly. They make sure that their private lives and thoughts align with their public lives and thoughts. They avoid temptation to side with the majority without a critical analysis. Winning the right way must be based on facts, not the emotionally-charged images and baseless assertions, rampant in social media today.

[Jopensopen]

Great book. Drives at what I and the authors believe is at the heart of failures in modern leadership. While I agreed with almost every word in the book, I found that I'm thinking most often about the three Cs of leadership:
Competence
Character
Caring
(Communication could be the fourth)
This book is worth the read, I came across it in Audible as a recommendation from Angela Duckworth, author of Grit.

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Required for work. This book really picked up at the end and I got a lot more out of the last three chapters. Nothing groundbreaking here but there were a lot of reminders. I especially liked the discussion of how you can respond to adversity with resilience, disorder, invulnerability or growth and that how you view your challenge will result in it either being a negative situation or an opportunity for growth.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great way to learn about character and integrity no matter where you are in life or what you are doing. They use recent and relatable stories to use as examples to help make their points clearer. It also provides an intriguing insight into West Point and their history as well as traditions and expectations.
#GoodreadsGiveaway

[Haley Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book for free through a Goodreads giveaway.

This book is LIFE-CHANGING.

I will gladly read any book these authors decide to write in the future. I think The Character Edge: Leading and Winning with Integrity is going to be a book that people talk about for a long time.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

A timely read in light of recent, unfortunate news- but a great reminder of the pride of serving in a profession that polices its own.
So excited to see this awesome collaboration- two great influencers on my career and countless others. Recommended read for all leaders who will face tough decisions.

[Kristin Brandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is great value to Lt Gn Caslen's emphasis on character and integrity in all facets of life. That said, being a daughter of a vet, a wife of a West Point grad/vet and mother to a daughter strongly considering military service, character and integrity are part of our daily conversation and discernment.

[Angel Dingus]

Huge confidence booster!! Made me feel like I can accomplish any and all goals! Great read for our current depressing times and a must read for anyone wanting to go above and beyond and be noticed for all of your hard work!