Publisher Description

Overlooking the Hudson River on the campus of the United States Military Academy at West Point are 12 granite benches, each inscribed with a word representing a key leadership virtue: compassion, courage, dedication, determination, dignity, discipline, integrity, loyalty, perseverance, responsibility, service, and trust. These benches remind cadets of the qualities that lead to victory and success, not just on the battlefield, but in all of life.With his signature enthusiasm and insight, Pat Williams shares the incredible stories of West Point graduates who exemplified these traits, from the Civil War to the War on Terror. He shows readers of all backgrounds how to develop these 12 essential virtues in their lives, whether they are in the corporate world, the academic world, the military, the church, or in some other sphere.

Back Cover

"These virtues will produce victory on the battlefield and in every other field of endeavor." --from the foreword by Mike Krzyzewski , head men's basketball coach, Duke University " Character Carved in Stone vividly captures many of the life lessons I learned as a student and athlete at West Point. This book is a difference maker!"-- Brig. Gen. Pete Dawkins , US Army (Ret); distinguished graduate, US Military Academy at West Point, 2002"The world needs leaders with strong character more than ever. This book is a must-read if we want people who can solve the big challenges we all face."-- Gen. Richard B. Myers , US Air Force (Ret); 15th chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff; president, Kansas State University"Pat has written a splendid book about the virtues that define a West Point education and differentiate it from all other universities. I enjoyed his book and heartily recommend it."-- Col. Frank Borman , US Air Force (Ret); commander, Apollo 8"Pat Williams has done a masterful job of reminding us that leaders are made--not born."-- Gen. Tommy R. Franks , US Army (Ret); former commander in chief, United States Central Command

Flap

"The world is in desperate need of a new leadership role model. Readers who apply these time-tested principles to their lives and work will be well on their way to fulfilling that need."-- Ken Blanchard , coauthor, The New One Minute Manager and Servant Leadership in Action Overlooking the Hudson River on the campus of the United States Military Academy at West Point are twelve granite benches. Each one is inscribed with a word representing a key leadership virtue:

Author Biography

Pat Williams retired as senior vice president of the NBA's Orlando Magic in May 2019 to head up an effort to bring major league baseball to Orlando. He has more than 50 years of professional sports experience, has written more than 100 books, including the popular Coach Wooden, Coach Wooden's Greatest Secret, and Character Carved in Stone.

Jim Denney is the author of Walt's Disneyland, Answers to Satisfy the Soul, Writing in Overdrive, and the Timebenders series for young readers. He has written many books with Pat Williams, including Coach Wooden, The Difference You Make, and The Sweet Spot for Success. Learn more at

Long Description

Overlooking the Hudson River on the campus of the United States Military Academy at West Point are 12 granite benches, each inscribed with a word representing a key leadership virtue: compassion, courage, dedication, determination, dignity, discipline, integrity, loyalty, perseverance, responsibility, service, and trust. These benches remind cadets of the qualities that lead to victory and success, not just on the battlefield, but in all of life.With his signature enthusiasm and insight, Pat Williams shares the incredible stories of West Point graduates who exemplified these traits, from the Civil War to the War on Terror. He shows readers of all backgrounds how to develop these 12 essential virtues in their lives, whether they are in the corporate world, the academic world, the military, the church, or in some other sphere.

Details