Member Reviews
This was an incredible read that was well written with mini-chapters, easy to follow, and memorable in every sense of the word. The flashback stories connected back beautifully to the lessons McChrystal outlines throughout the book--namely importance of family, leadership and work/life prioritization, and need for accountability and discipline.
An excellent read with takeaways we can all use to improve the way we hold ourselves, taken from a man with standout character.
Stanley McChrystal's On Character explores the essence of character through the lens of his personal experiences as a four-star general and beyond. The book dives into questions like, "Who am I, really?" and "How will I be measured?" It’s a thoughtful reflection on the decisions—both big and small—that define who we become. McChrystal doesn’t shy away from discussing failures alongside successes, making this book feel grounded and relatable even though it's coming from someone with such an extraordinary career.
I loved how McChrystal simplifies the often abstract concept of "character" into actionable ideas about aligning actions with beliefs, facing challenges with integrity, and making deliberate choices daily. It feels less like a leadership manual and more like a conversation with someone who's been in the trenches of both life and work. Whether you're into self-improvement, leadership, or just stories of thoughtful introspection, this book offers a lot to chew on, especially in today's chaotic world.
It’s rare to find a well-written book by an author with military background that feels so personal and honest. Through thoughtful chapters, McChrystal shares how his life shaped his beliefs and values. His perspective may be different from ours, but that’s what makes it so interesting for me in this book: a chance to see the world in a new way.
One chapter on politics really stood out, with bold ideas for change. For anyone curious about seeing life from someone else’s viewpoint, this reflective and engaging book makes a great read.