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6 Maxims for Excellent Leadership
An Army War Veteran named David Brown was walking among the crisp white rows of tombstones in Arlington National Cemetery. He was in Section 60, the part of the cemetery where many who were killed in action in the last 20 years have been laid to rest.
David noticed a sharply dressed older gentleman walking alone among the headstones nearby. A quick glance at the man’s face revealed to David immediately who it was.
It was the Secretary of Defense and living military legend General James “Mad Dog” Mattis. He was standing there…alone. There were no cameras or reporters or assistants following him around.
He was simply there paying his respects whether anyone was there to see it or not.
A few others in section 60 also noticed the famous General and wanted to say hello.
According to Brown:
“An old man visiting his Marine son’s grave told Mattis that he was his boy’s hero; Mattis smiled sadly and said that the old man’s son was one of his.”
Over the years I’ve learned stories of excellent leaders like General Mattis and I’ve learned a few truths on my own. I’ve studied and practiced leadership for 25 years in military…
