Robert L. Caslen, Jr. and Dr. Michael D. Matthews

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

ContentsAcknowledgmentsForeword by Martin E. P. SeligmanPreface1 Have Good Character, Don't Be One2 Strengths of the Gut3 Strengths of the Head4 Strengths of the Heart5 Trust: The Straw That Stirs the Drink6 It is Not Just About You7 Good Ingredients Make for a Good Stew8 Nurturing the Seed of Good Character9 The Crucible of Life Experiences10 Avoiding the Potholes11 Winning the Right WayRecommended ReadingNotesIndex

Among history's foremost leadersfrom Abe Lincoln to Rosa Parks, Mahatma Gandhi to Susan B. Anthony, Martin Luther King, Jr. to Nelson Mandelasome were brilliant mathematicians or economists, others creative visionaries, still others masterful at strategic planning. But their expertise wasnt the secret to their highly effective leadership. What they did have in common was their strength of character.Characterthe moral values and habits of an individualis in the spotlight now more ever. 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 profoundly negative impact on leadership.The authors of this book are experts on character, its correlation with successful leadership, and how to build it in individuals and prospective leaders. General Robert Caslen served the US Army for over 43 years and as Superintendent at the US Military Academy at West Point. Psychologist Dr. Michael 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 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.