Leadership Lessons from Gen. James Mattis (Ret.)
1,760,157
Published 2016-10-13
0:08 - What is the toughest decision you had to make while in the Marine Corps and did you ever regret your decision?
2:25 — How did you stay motivated throughout your Marine Corps career?
3:27 — How do you keep improving as a leader to meet the demand of each role in your career?
5:53 — There was a cold night in Afghanistan when you were walking the perimeter by yourself, greeting a bunch of young Marines. What were you thinking about?
7:16 — What is the one leadership lesson that you learned as a General grade officer that you wish you had known your whole career?
10:18 — What leadership books do you recommend?
11:55 — What did you look for in your NCO's and how should the relationship between an NCO and an officer compliment each other?
13:58 — What in your opinion is the most important leadership trait and why?
15:33 — What is the kill-casualty radius of the knife-hand?
(U.S. Marine Corps video by Sgt. Tony Nardiello and Lance Cpl. Dana Beesley)
All Comments (21)
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"When times get tough, the Marines get tougher" - General James Mattis.
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He looks like he stayed awake his whole life.
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That last statement nut tingling: "The kill/casualty radius of MY knifehand is as far as YOU can throw it."
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If you saw this guy in Walmart you’d think he’s some old fart with 50 years behind a desk. You’d never think he’s got such courage, spirit and conviction to keep going and motivate millions of soldiers. That’s a real man.
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11:31 "In the marine corps, you're not paid to have a midlife crisis, or to ask anyone to help you through your midlife crisis. You're there to give the enemy a midlife crisis."
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From a for Army Gulf War 1 veteran, I will say with all my heart this man is one of the greatest military Generals in history.
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Ever since I joined the Marine Corps back in 2012 it has taken all of the following out of my mind, vocabulary and will: quitting, giving up, any thoughts of backing down! This man is one of the greatest Marines to ever exist!
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I remember my first Company Commander and the way he was as a leader. I also, remember the day he left, how sad it was. He was such a good leader, I literally felt like I could follow him into the depths of hell and have no qualms about it. He was so proficient in literally everything, his mind was sharp, his body was strong, but his spirit was intoxicating. Genuinely miss him as both a fellow Marine, and as a subordinate who felt like he learned so much from this singular man. Wish he was still around.
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"In the Marine Corps, you're not paid to have a mid-life crisis" You're paid to give the enemy an end of life crisis.
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Can't believe they actually asked him my question... hahah!!!
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"how do you stay teachable as a leader" thanks it's nice to hear ongoing intelligence in the world
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Legend has it that his knife-hand is still killing the enemy to this day. Praise Chesty, in Mattis's name we slay, kill.
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So damned proud to have shaken this man's hand on the battlefield in '03. What an amazing leader of men.
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Thank you sir. It was an honor to serve under your command.
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You know you’re a good general when your nickname is mad dog and your call sign is “chaos”
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Being a Marine is the greatest honor! Thank you sir!🇺🇸
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1. Make your bed every morning 2. Find someone to help you paddle 3. Measure a person by the size of their heart, not the size of their flippers 4. Sometimes no matter how well you prepare/perform you will fail - keep moving forward 5. Life is full of multiple failures, don’t be afraid of failure - it will make you stronger 6. If you want to change the world, sometimes you have to go head first 7. There are a lot of sharks in the world, if you hope to complete the swim you will have to deal with them - don’t back down from the sharks 8. You must be your very best in the darkest moments - stay calm 9. The power of hope - one person can change the world by giving people hope (start singing when you’re up to your neck in mud) 10. If you want to change the world don’t ever ring the bell (quit) SEALs 10 guidelines
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"...It's about the spirit of the Marine Corps that nothing, nothing really can stop us..." amazing. Rah.
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Retired Army NCO here getting inspired. Thank you, Sir. You would have a lot more troops than just Marines following you to the gates of Hell if you said the word.
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The power of the Individual is immense. One man or woman can motivate and inspire. I did 3 miles in 15 minutes at 15. All carried though was my shorts.
