Integrity: The Courage to Meet the Demands of Reality

What a great read! I initially downloaded the sample of this book to see his take on integrity. I was wondering if it would be the run-of-the-mill description of integrity, but it was insightful instead and brought to light a whole new perspective on what integrity is.I enjoyed the examples taken from business and the personal realm. I could relate to everything he said about the importance of having an integrated character and how, even though you may be a wonderful and nice person, there may be aspects of your character that hold you back in life. These character issues, as he calls them, really do hinder us as humans on so many levels and yet they can be so subtle! It takes a trained eye to see that it's an issue.I thought the book was great also because it set the standard for what good character looks like. It's easy to brush things off and say they're not important, but he shows how every aspect of our character is important to work on because it can have huge consequences in our lives and, ultimately, we lose.I will actually really enjoy reading another book on the same topic with examples only from the personal realm to see how our inability to face reality, our lack of trust, our ability to deal with negativity, and our orientation towards froth, transcendence and results would impact our relationships.I couldn't put the book down. Highly recommend anyone read it who is interested in figuring out what good character really looks like and why we put up with less around us and, more importantly, in ourselves. The message I took away from it was: never stop trying to be the best version of yourself and don't leave any some unturned.

Just finished "Integrity: The Courage to Meet the Demands of Reality" by Dr. Henry Cloud.There are many different ways to define integrity. Clinical psychologist Henry Cloud offers a thorough examination of how to examine and improve one's character. His business and personal examples stress becoming a fully integrated person in all aspects of life.Filled with many practical but challenging principles toward self-improvement. I loved the perspective and approach to examining six dimensions of character outlined by Dr Cloud.Encouraging and inspirational.Highly recommend. Check it out.

Insightful, helpful, encouraging, and inspirational this book is. In dealing with some difficult work situations, I began to seek out information and books that could explain what makes the good leaders good and what separates the good from the bad. I found the author's discussion on the good versus bad issue challenging but helpful. I know my own yes/no good/bad thinking has often made circumstances appear more ominous or threatening than they actually were. As one of those black-and-white thinkers, I was tempted to be immediately dismissive and defensive when it came to this part in Cloud's book. But I read through it, reflected on it, and truly believe it will come to help me work through my work situations. I took extensive notes in this book and will read through them time and again. If you think Integrity only deals with morals, you might want to take a look at this book. Integrity is so much broader in scope than I ever would have known. One of my dad's favorite quotes is, "Life is a long journey with a heavy burden." Well, learning truths about yourself and coming to appreciate your authentic strengths (and weaknesses, too!) can do much to lighten the load! It's never too late to learn!

Cloud brought a true understanding of what an “integrated” character (person/organization of integrity) truly is. I appreciated the path he drew so that I may leave a wake that can help others as they follow the same path.

Imagine a world where everyone you encounter has integrity or aspires to build character, what a world that world be. Dr. Cloud writes it out and breaks it down so plainly, anyone at any stage of their adult life could pick this up and benefit from it.

Book arrived as described, I haven't read it yet Will return to update.

Integrity is a term I hear used only infrequently. When it is used, it is often used in so many different ways that determining what it really means becomes difficult, if not impossible. Whether or not you agree with Cloud's take on integrity, the points he makes and the illustrations he uses will give you plenty to think about.Focusing on integrity as a kind of courage is brilliant. It explains both the need for integrity, and gives a basic principles for practicing integrity that apply to everyone, no matter what kind of work or life a person may lead. His basic premise could be summed up by saying that if you don't face the real world, the real world will kick your rear.This book had a profound impact on how I understood myself, the business world, politics, and several other aspects of my life. Importantly, it identified why otherwise intelligent, reasonable, and successful people can make incredibly bad decisions in certain circumstances. If you want to avoid making the same mistakes over and over again, Integrity is a great place to start.

Very awesome book it makes you think about where you are in life as to where you wanted to be.

This book was instrumental in my leadership journey. I have shared it widely and used it in courses I've taught.

Otimo

Dr Henry Clouds books are phenomenal! Buy it if you are ready to change. You won’t regret it.

Must read!

Anything by Cloud and Townsend is worth purchasing and this is no exception!