Leadership Lessons from Gen. James Mattis (Ret.)

General James Mattis (Ret.) served in the United States Marine Corps from 1969 to 2013. During this time he was the 11th Commander of United States Central Command. We sat down with him and asked him your questions.

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)

[thawndoo]

"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.

[sirjoshuafaw]

"When times get tough, the Marines get tougher" - General James Mattis.

[brettmcpherson-smith]

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.

[CJW]

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."

[soundsofwar]

"...It's about the spirit of the Marine Corps that nothing, nothing really can stop us..." amazing. Rah.

[williamgageglass]

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!

[nationalist]

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.

[Okey-McDokey]

Thank you sir. It was an honor to serve under your command.

[MrLakin]

That last statement nut tingling:
"The kill/casualty radius of MY knifehand is as far as YOU can throw it."

[recondocb]

So damned proud to have shaken this man's hand on the battlefield in '03. What an amazing leader of men.

[tomoconnor]

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

[Rude_Boi]

He looks like he stayed awake his whole life.

[garyhughes]

The day that General Mattis resigned as Defence Secretary was the day that America lost a national treasure.

[flipplas]

I am a United States Marine. I am proud of my Corps, and get seriously motivated listening to this great man. Thank God we will now have him as Secretary of Defense...Semper Fi

[hectortellez]

Being a Marine is the greatest honor! Thank you sir!🇺🇸

[mayheamk]

I am an Iranian american emigrated at age of 15, 2005. I can't say how much I admire and have high respect for general James mattes and treasure his speeches! I don't think I've missed any major speech or his presentation at large institutes ever! God bless you sir.

[alexanderleahy]

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.

[richardw]

I had the honor of serving under Lt Col Mattis 1/7 Task force Ripper during the first sand box. Semper Fi, Sir

[rorymcvey]

Can't believe they actually asked him my question... hahah!!!

[cortbengtson]

"how do you stay teachable as a leader" thanks it's nice to hear ongoing intelligence in the world