The Character Edge

"The Character Edge is a unique and valuable book because it combines the battle-tested leadership lessons of General Caslen with the perspective of Professor Matthews, a senior behavioral scientist. It is both substantive and wonderfully readable, packed with stories—many of them quite moving—backed up with serious research."—Forbes

“The Character Edge is inspiring and practical in equal measure, drawing upon both scientific research and personal experience in how, and why, to develop strengths of heart, mind, and gut. Only Mike Matthews and Bob Caslen could have written it."—Angela Duckworth, CEO of the Character Lab and bestselling author of Grit

“If you ever aspire to effective leadership, whether at the tactical or strategic level, you'll soon learn that the most important ingredient in effective leadership is character. Bob Caslen and Mike Matthews have captured this truth in both theory and application with moving and insightful stories and personal experiences. This book will both challenge you and motivate you to lead a life of integrity and honor, and in so doing, inspire the men and women you lead to the highest achievements they never thought possible. Bob and Mike have something very, very important here. I hope it goes viral in a big way.”—Admiral William H. McRaven, US Navy (Retired), former Chancellor of the University of Texas and bestselling author of Sea Stories: My Life in Special Operations

“General Bob Caslen and Dr. Mike Matthews have done a great job illustrating why character and excellence are the most important elements in effective leadership. I have always believed that character and excellence go hand in hand, and this has always been the formula for our teams that win. Bob and Mike are proven leaders of character, and their examples and principles are what I have used my entire career.”—Mike Krzyzewski, head Men's Basketball Coach at Duke University

“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

“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, The Frances Hesselbein Leadership Forum; Former CEO, Girl Scouts of the USA; Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient

“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 overtime 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, 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 that do not will fail in the long run.”—Indra Nooyi, Former Chairman & CEO, 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, The College Board

"What determines the importance and long-lasting impact of leadership? Lieutenant general and former West Point superintendent Caslen and psychologist Matthews examine the qualities of character that make a leader worth following . . . [their] combined experience culminates in a fascinating study of leadership."—Booklist