15 Things Mattis Taught Me About Real Leadership
By Joe Plenzler
on December 20, 2016
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Mad Dog is the wrong nickname for a man who never yells and supports his people first, last, and always.
I first met Marine Gen. James Mattis in the summer of 2000 when he took command of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade. After his change of command ceremony, I introduced myself as his new public affairs officer. “PAO, huh?” Mattis said. “What, are you going to follow me around all day and make sure I don’t say ‘bleep?’”
I had served as an infantry officer in a battalion in his former regiment, 7th Marines, so I said, “General, I was a platoon commander with 2/7. Treat me like just another gun-hand around the ranch.” Mattis then smiled, laughed, patted me on the shoulder and said, “I think you and me are going to get along just fine.”
http://taskandpurpose.com/gen-mattis-no-mad-dog-told-1st-marine-division-proves/