There is only one 'retirement plan' for terrorists.
Jim MattisRead
Perhaps if you are in support functions waiting on the warfighters to spell out the specifics of what you are to do, you can avoid the consequences of not reading. Those who must adapt to overcoming an independent enemy's will are not allowed that luxury.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Leadership requires proactive action and understanding rather than waiting for specific instructions.
This quote by Jim Mattis emphasizes the importance of taking initiative and being prepared in leadership roles, especially in high-pressure situations like military operations. It suggests that while support roles may have the luxury of waiting for clear guidance, true leaders must be adaptable and responsive in the face of challenges, as they cannot afford to be passive when confronted with adversaries.
Themes
LeadershipInitiativeAdaptabilityActionPreparation
In practice
Example use cases
In a team meeting when discussing project management strategies.
More from Jim Mattis
All quotes βThere are hunters, and there are victims. By your discipline, cunning, obedience, and alertness, you will decide if you are a hunter or a victim.
Jim MattisRead
Now from a distance, I look back on what the Corps taught me: to think like men of action, and to act like men of thought!
Jim MattisRead
I believe that many of my young guys lived because I didn't waste their lives because I didn't have the vision in my mind of how to destroy the enemy at least cost to our guys and to the innocents on the battlefields.
Jim MattisRead
For whatever trauma came with service in tough circumstances, we should take what we learned - take our post-traumatic growth - and, like past generations coming home, bring our sharpened strengths to bear, bring our attitude of gratitude to bear.
Jim MattisRead
Policy makers who have never served in the military continue to use the military to lead social change in this country.
Jim MattisRead
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It is a doctrine of war not to assume the enemy will not come, but rather to rely on one's readiness to meet him; not to presume that he will not attack, but rather to make one's self invincible.
Sun TzuRead