he Character of a Leader is now a dog-eared, yellow-highlighted "leadership reference book" with notes in the margins that I carry with me to every leadership class or presentation. A motivating must read for young leaders and a great check for the senior/midlevel executive. Former CIA Director George Tenet: Donald Alexander is a legendary American intelligence officer, a man of enormous competence, grace, and courage. His humility will never allow most to ever know what his service has meant to the Central Intelligence Agency or our country. Now he has given all of us a timeless gift-a book on leadership based on decades of experience, research, and reflection. His emphasis on old fashion values and selfless compassionate service should be mandatory reading for anyone entrusted with the care and development of young men and women, whether in government or a Silicon Valley start-up. This is a book that will challenge and inspire you to make a difference every day of your life. Donald Alexander is the pen name of a senior executive officer in the US Intelligence Community. During a career spanning almost five decades, he has served multiple tours overseas in operational positions, commanding major elements both in the field and at Headquarters, experiences that spawned many of the ideas and principles set out in this book. Chief among these is the belief that leaders who conduct themselves with honor and to the highest standards of integrity are vital to America's business success, national security, and social well-being.