Reviewed in the United States on September 18, 2023
In an era dominated by miscommunication, disinformation, and a dearth of moral fiber, it is heartening to discover beacons of hope who strive to elevate personal wellbeing, inspire purposeful living, and foster sustained improvements in our energy levels. Jim Loehr, the renowned performance psychologist, and co-founder of the Human Performance Institute has consistently stood at the forefront of this mission. With 17 books to his name, including bestsellers such as "The Power of Engagement" and "The Power of Story," Jim Loehr's most recent offering, "Leading with Character," is a timely and noteworthy addition to his body of work.
In "Leading with Character," Jim Loehr delves deep into the essence of character and its profound importance in our lives. He notes that our self-esteem is intricately tied to our character, and when our character is under attack, we defend it vigorously. Loehr presents character as a fortress built upon the hot coals of honesty, caring, humility, and love. In a world rife with challenges and moral dilemmas, character serves as our psychological survival kit.
Loehr distinguishes between performance character and moral character. While performance character helps us achieve professional success, moral character is our moral compass in the face of difficult choices. Jim Loehr's exploration of this differentiation is especially poignant given the current state of the world.
In an age where trust in media, institutions, and leadership is more critical than ever, moral character stands as the bedrock upon which this trust is built. Without it, short-term gains may be possible, but the lack of integrity will eventually be exposed, as we are seeing, eroding leadership and influence at all levels of society.
Character, as Loehr passionately argues, is not a static quality; it evolves and becomes increasingly important as demands, scrutiny, and expectations rise. It is during high-stakes situations that character truly shines, determining the course of our actions and the quality of our leadership. In essence, character becomes the hidden scorecard, the measure of how we treat others, which, Loehr emphasizes, is the most critical element in self-esteem.
What sets "Leading with Character" apart is its profound examination of the vulnerabilities that may corrupt our moral reasoning and judgment. Loehr masterfully dissects the forces and factors that render individuals susceptible to external influence. He highlights how uncertainty and lack of information can lead to malleability in our beliefs and attitudes, emphasizing the importance of personal experience in shaping one's convictions. Knowledge, he underscores, should be based on verifiable facts, not mere belief, as belief can easily be manipulated. Additionally, Loehr delves into the dangers of indoctrination and the role of conformity and obedience in destructive processes.
However, "Leading with Character" is not solely a treatise on the perils of moral decline; it also offers a beacon of hope. Jim Loehr firmly believes that character is who we truly are, a fusion of performance skills and moral and ethical character. He challenges readers to become more aware, to confront their vulnerabilities, and to acknowledge the importance of self-awareness in the quest for a stronger character. Loehr's emphasis on starting with the truth, rather than belief, is a refreshing perspective in a world often mired in subjective truths.
The book navigates through various dimensions of character, offering actionable insights in each chapter. It introduces character callouts, from moral integrity and courage to self-control, motivation, and focus. It explores the flawed morality system that often leads good leaders astray, touching on virtues like justice, honor, fortitude, and authenticity. "Leading with Character" is a comprehensive guide that engages readers in critical thinking, prudence, discernment, and decisiveness.
Throughout the journey of self-improvement, Loehr underscores the importance of kindness, love, and care for others. He highlights the virtues of affection, gratitude, compassion, empathy, humility, forgiveness, and generosity as essential building blocks of character. These are not just abstract ideals but practical virtues that shape how we treat others and ultimately define our impact on the world.
Jim Loehr takes readers on a transformative journey, teaching them how to embed their personal credo and support it with habits. Resiliency, adaptability, open-mindedness, love of learning, creativity, positivity, and humor are all explored as traits that contribute to a well-rounded character. The book culminates in a discussion of when leaders become heroes, emphasizing determination, persistence, grit, seeking challenges, optimism, and curiosity as the qualities that elevate leaders to this esteemed status.
But what truly distinguishes "Leading with Character" is its companion workbook, a tested and actionable guide to improving one's character muscles. In just ten minutes a day, readers can embark on a journey to build a brilliant legacy. This workbook provides practical exercises and prompts to help individuals implement the book's teachings into their daily lives. It serves as a tangible tool to reinforce the principles of character development outlined in the main text.
In a world where miscommunication and deception often overshadow truth and integrity, "Leading with Character" is a shining beacon of hope. Jim Loehr's book, coupled with its companion workbook, offers not only a robust understanding of the significance of character but also a practical roadmap for individuals to develop and strengthen their character muscles. It challenges us to ask ourselves where we stand and where we want to be, urging us to peel back the layers of our own character to reveal our true selves.
"Leading with Character" reminds us that character is not just a personal endeavor but a collective one. It is a muscle that requires constant exercise, and it holds the key to a brighter, more trustworthy future in a world desperately in need of leaders who lead with character.
Jim Loehr's "Leading with Character" and its companion workbook are a timely and profound work that offers a glimmer of hope in a world marred by miscommunication and deception. With actionable insights and practical exercises, they guide readers on a transformative journey to strengthen their character, emphasizing the importance of moral integrity, compassion, humility, and self-awareness. In a world yearning for trust and authenticity, these resources serve as beacons, illuminating the path towards becoming leaders who inspire positive change through the power of character.
