The one thing I was always told is you absolutely have to tell truth to power. Whether you're a second lieutenant working with a captain and a lieutenant colonel, or a four-star general working with the Office Secretary of Defense and the White House, the decision makers have got to have ground truth.
Interpretation
Always provide honest feedback to those in positions of power.
John F. Kelly emphasizes the importance of transparency and honesty in communication, particularly when it comes to leaders and decision-makers. He believes that regardless of rank or position, it is crucial for leaders to have access to factual information to make informed decisions, which ultimately reflects a commitment to integrity and accountability in leadership roles.
In practice
In a meeting with senior management, you can quote this to stress the importance of transparency.
Those with less of a sense of service to the nation never understand it when men and women of character step forward to look danger and adversity straight in the eye, refusing to blink, or give ground, even to their own deaths. The protected can't begin to understand the price paid so they and their families can sleep safe and free at night.
Unless confronted by an immediate, visible, or uncomfortable crisis, our nation's tendency is to take the security of the Western Hemisphere for granted.
We have a saying in the Marine Corps and that is 'no better friend, no worse enemy, than a U.S. Marine.' We always hope for the first, friendship, but are certainly more than ready for the second.
Whether you're a second lieutenant working with a captain and a lieutenant colonel, or a four-star general working with the Office Secretary of Defense and the White House, the decision makers have got to have ground truth. Otherwise, the decisions they make could be flawed - and that can be dangerous.
Since 1945, no one in the U.S. military has liked the end result of the military conflicts we've been in: Vietnam, Korea, certainly Iraq, and probably Afghanistan. But in a democracy, you salute.
One day, you'll get out of the Marine Corps; you'll put your uniform up, but you'll never not be a Marine.
Leadership is a series of behaviors rather than a role for heroes.
Our combat mission is ending, but our commitment to Iraq's future is not.
Morally, the life of the organization must be of exemplary nature. This is one phase where the organization must not have criticism.
Once a president gets to the White House, the only audience that is left that really matters is history.
To continue my efforts as a leader for my people and to follow my family's legacy of providing legitimate opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through my sport of basketball is the true outcome of my personal success and accomplishments.
I’d like them to say that Shirley Chisholm had guts. That’s how I’d like to be remembered.
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