The Character of a Leader: Lessons on Honor and Integrity in Command

Discover the True Source of Leadership Power—Character.

The Character of a Leader offers a powerful exploration of what truly sets great leaders apart—from the battlefield to the boardroom. Written by a former senior executive officer of the CIA, this insightful guide draws on decades of intelligence experience to reveal why character—not authority—is the foundation of lasting leadership.

Through compelling historical examples and real-world insights, this book examines how principled leaders have shaped nations, inspired loyalty, and earned enduring trust. It presents a practical blueprint for cultivating leadership rooted in competence, initiative, and ethical decision-making.

Whether you're leading a team, a community, or an organization, The Character of a Leader equips you with timeless lessons and thought-provoking questions to help you lead with integrity, inspire others, and make a meaningful impact.

Lead with character. Influence with purpose. Succeed with integrity.

Harry Wetherbee retired in 2015 after a 48-year career as a senior executive officer of the United States Intelligence Community. He served multiple tours overseas in operational positions and commanded major elements in both the field and Headquarters. Based on this experience, he has written and lectured extensively on leadership. Harry and his wife live in northern Virginia.

Don Mann is a US Navy SEAL veteran and a New York Times best-selling author of Inside SEAL Team SIX: My Life and Missions with America’s Elite Warriors. Don has over 40 years worth of competitive racing experience, completed 2 Ironman triathlons in a day and was once ranked 38th in the world as a triathlete. He is also a TV host for The Missing and Surviving Mann.