POTUS 43 & 44 and first ladies cared deeply, worked tirelessly for the serving, the fallen, and their families. Not politics. Sacred Trust.
Follow
GEN(R) Martin E. Dempsey
@Martin_Dempsey
18th Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff | One of TIME's 100 Most Influential Leaders | Bestselling Author | Chairman USA Basketball | Executive in Residence Duke
GEN(R) Martin E. Dempsey’s Tweets
Our men and women in uniform are better trained, better equipped, and better led so they meet any threat with confidence. A wasteful deployment of over-stretched Soldiers and Marines would be made much worse if they use force disproportional to the threat they face. They won’t.
Absent evidence of innocence or injustice the wholesale pardon of US servicemembers accused of war crimes signals our troops and allies that we don’t take the Law of Armed Conflict seriously. Bad message. Bad precedent. Abdication of moral responsibility. Risk to us. #Leadership
Our military reflects, represents, serves, and defends their fellow citizens. They are compassionate or lethal depending on what we ask of them. They are tough in protecting America from external threats. They serve a democratic system never an individual. #Leadership
America’s military, our sons and daughters, will place themselves at risk to protect their fellow citizens. Their job is unimaginably hard overseas; harder at home. Respect them, for they respect you. America is not a battleground. Our fellow citizens are not the enemy. #BeBetter
Saw several tweets calling Simone Biles weak. Compared to who? That would be laughable except that it’s intended to be hurtful. It’s hard to get to the top, and even harder to stay there. We should expect no more of our heroes than we do of ourselves. Our best. #NT4S
Intelligence is hard, thankless work. Fortunately, we have dedicated, patriotic, and courageous men and women on the job. Thanks.
Wasn’t polled. But I found the mainstream media both tough and professional. No matter who was in power. Roughed me up on occasion, but helped me explain things too. Institutions and senior leaders should be accountable, and the media has an important role in that process.
The service of men and women who volunteer and who meet our standards of service is a blessing not a burden #InclusionMakesUsStronger
N Korea: Not just our problem. Security priority 3 or 4. We control the clock. Need steady, calculated, creative, inclusive leadership.
The pillars of democracy are Justice, Free Press, and Fair Elections. These must be honored and protected. The pillars are fortified by education, equality, and trust. These must prioritized and encouraged. #Leadership
This day, of all days of the year, should not be about any one of us. No matter how prestigious or powerful, no matter how successful we perceive ourselves to be. Rather, this day should be about those who gave their lives so that we could live ours in freedom. #MemorialDay
At this time of year, think about “grace” as a leadership attribute. Many meanings, among them decency, dignity, compassion, balance. From 1528 Italian as “sprezzatura,” grace under pressure. Then and now, best leaders exhibit grace, bring calm, inspire confidence. #Leadership
71 years ago today, the Department of Defense was established after extensive study with a clear mission codified in legislation. Yesterday, the Space Force was raffled off. However, the Congress is responsible for “raising and sustaining” the military. They must sort this out.
Each Christmas, I recall my grandmother, with her modest widow’s income, giving gifts to those who touched her life: grocer, postman, priest, everyone. My earliest example of humility, kindness, and giving. As our military and first responders do all year around. We’re blessed.
RIP Senator John McCain. Few have sacrificed their own well being on behalf of their country as you have. #Leadership
What are we if we’re not honest, thoughtful, and trustworthy? Who are we if we’re not considerate, sincere, and humble. We may be in charge, but we’re not leaders. Leaders inspire those around them to be better than they think they can be. #MakeItMatter
A career in government work is hard work. They commit themselves to the service of their fellow citizens. We need quality people in civil service to produce quality services. If we want to recruit them and keep them maybe we should stop holding their pay hostage every few years.
In traveling around the world on behalf of our country over the past fifteen years, I’ve seen that in the absence of facts and truth there is no accountability; that without accountability there is only power; and that power corrupts. Truth is always worth the search. #Leadership
“Rather fail with honor than succeed by fraud” (Sophocles, 400 BC). Character matters. It always has and always will. #Leadership
“There’s only one thing worse than fighting with allies, that is fighting without them” (Churchill). We adjust the number and location of military forces overseas all the time. But we must never cause our allies to doubt our commitments to them. That would be extremely dangerous.
Lived in Saudi Arabia for two years. 2001-2003. A real education. Respect FM Abdel al Jubeir. But absolutely no way that MbS was unaware of Khashoggi murder. For us, clear case of weighing long-term values against near-term economic interests. Values must prevail. #Leadership
Hemingway: “There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.” To effectively lead, we must persistently learn. Including about ourselves. #RadicalInclusion
The reasons dictators try to undermine democracy: to deceive their own populations, to discredit alliances, to create the illusion that they are protectors. The world should not be a competition in which only the strong matter. #RadicalInclusion
Quote Tweet
Democracy forms alliances to influence competitors. Dictatorship picks off competitors one at a time. Democracy is based on common interest; dictatorship on self interest. Democracy is based on rule of law; dictatorship on coercion. Real differences that cannot be ignored.
Responsible leaders don’t fabricate fear to motivate their followers. There’s usually enough to be concerned about. Rather they are realistic and concentrate on building trust so that the team is confident, inclusive, and resilient when it’s really needed. #Leadership
2012 Arlington National Cemetery. Kobe Bryant understood what it meant to represent his country with USA Basketball. He actively supported our military, their families, and especially the families of the fallen. God bless all who lost their lives in the crash and their families.
We walked away from allies and withdrew from the Iran Nuclear Agreement. Yet strategically we should share complex problems. Fewer partners means fewer options. We are now alone on a more dangerous path with fewer options. We’ll see. #RadicalInclusion
Great leaders do not need to convince others of their greatness; the quality of their #leadership is self-evident. #GiveThemMemories #RadicalInclusion
My most profound moments in uniform were when I was able to thank and comfort the families of the fallen. Each, in the words of Claudia Pemberton, a time to remember that “America without her soldiers would be like God without His Angels.” Thanks for never forgetting.
Consider “composure” as a leadership attribute. The best leaders are calm under pressure, a steadying influence on those around them, and avoid overreacting to incomplete information. No leader ever helped solve a problem by hyperventilating. #Leadership
Democracy forms alliances to influence competitors. Dictatorship picks off competitors one at a time. Democracy is based on common interest; dictatorship on self interest. Democracy is based on rule of law; dictatorship on coercion. Real differences that cannot be ignored.
“When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time” (Maya Angelou). The essence of leadership is trust. It must be earned, it is tested frequently, and it is hard to recover once lost. #Leadership
Congratulations to Megan Rapinoe and our Women’s National Soccer Team on winning the 2019 World Championship. Thanks not only for what you accomplished but also for how you represented our country. Your team mates at USA Basketball are proud of you!
Saw commentary about the shutdown that disparaged the contributions of Federal workers. That’s just wrong. They do the hard but unseen work of government.90% of them live outside of Washington. They deserve our appreciation. And an apology from both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue.
Consider “empathy” as a leadership attribute. The best leaders genuinely feel their responsibilities. They know their decisions affect real people. They consider implications beyond self and listen to the voice of compassion in their ear. Empathy makes a leader human. #Leadership
Our next generation of young Americans are calling for inclusion in finding solutions to keep our children safe. I’m proud of them. They are right, they should be heard, we should listen, and we should act. #ListenAmplifyInclude
No one logged more miles, spent more time, and took more risk in support of deployed troops at Christmas than Bob Hope. 57 USO tours between 1941 and 1991. His wisdom resonates today: “If you haven’t got any charity in your heart you have the worst kind of heart trouble.”
International organizations (UN, NATO) can seem a burden. So can life insurance. They’re often inconvenient, but they are a bulwark against uncertainty, risk, and crisis. They build relationships and trust before you need them. Bridges or barriers? Our choice. #RadicalInclusion
On this day in 1954, Ellis Island ceased operations. From 1892 to 1954, twelve million brave and determined immigrants entered America there seeking a brighter future. Today, 40% of Americans trace their roots to an Ellis Island Immigrant. The Isle of Hope. #RadicalInclusion
Just learned of the passing of my friend and mentor, Colin Powell. A superb soldier, statesman, and lifelong public servant. God bless him and his family.
Tom Kennedy would have been 44 today, but he gave his life for his country 9 years ago in Afghanistan. A terrific soldier, husband, and father. A good man, a man of character. Bless his memory. #MakeItMatter
“The supreme quality for leadership is integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether on a football field, in an army, or in an office” (Eisenhower). It works like this: integrity before trust and trust before commitment. There are no shortcuts. #Leadership
Five years ago this month with POTUS #44 watching SECDEF Panetta troop the line at his retirement ceremony. POTUS leaned over and said, “isn’t it remarkable the three of us are here.” An African-American, Italian-American, and Irish-American. Only in America. #RadicalInclusion
Shutdown: a failure to listen, learn, and lead. An accumulation of mistakes, misunderstanding, and mistrust. A lack of collaboration, compromise, and inclusion. An avoidable burden on a lot of honest, hard-working, civil servants. #RadicalInclusion
Yesterday CG Cutter Bertholf and crew of 170 deployed for months leaving their families without pay. A harsh and avoidable burden on them. Someone may eventually declare victory in the shutdown. It will be a pyrrhic victory. Responsible leaders acknowledge limits. #Leadership
“I look forward to a future in which our country will match its military strength with our moral restraint, its wealth with our wisdom, its power with our purpose” (JFK). Strategy is about choice, about balance, about shaping events thoughtfully toward a clear goal. #Leadership
“Half the world is composed of people who have something to say and can't, and the other half who have nothing to say and keep on saying it” (Robert Frost). Effective leaders give voice to the former and moderate the impact of the latter. #Leadership
Leaders have to understand both how to give orders and how to take advice. There’s an old saying that when the leader begins a meeting on a particular problem with “I think” everyone else stops thinking. #Leadership
It’s not too much to ask leaders to inspire us. Not all the time, but when it really matters. Starts with sincerity. Also consistency and credibility. The best leaders, the really inspirational ones, are inclusive and trustworthy. #Leadership
“Whatever is begun in anger ends in shame” (Ben Franklin). Responsible leaders temper emotions not stoke them. They resolve problems not create them. They can be combative for affect but avoid creating lingering animosities. Ultimately a leader has to be persuasive not petulant.
“Because power corrupts, society's demand for moral authority and character increases as the importance of the position increases”
(John Adams). We assume most leaders want to do the right things. But we know some do and some don’t. Good leaders are good role models. #Leadership
In the words of poet Walt Whitman to the fallen on this Memorial Day: “The moon gives you light, and the bugles and the drums give you music, and my heart, my heart gives you love.” So should we all who enjoy the benefits of their sacrifice. #MemorialDayWeekend
Congratulations Meghan and Harry. In December 2014, Meghan Markle was one six celebrities who gave up their holidays to join us on a USO tour. She is genuinely and uncommonly kind, humble, and compassionate. May she and Harry continue to “make it matter” together.
Almost without exception, successful leaders don’t demonize their opponents. To do so would suggest they add no value in helping solve today’s complex problems. Inconceivable. And they don’t use fear to motivate. They illuminate similarities and they make connections. #Leadership
Remember. The “dash” is the source of our strength as a nation. Of our grit, determination, innovation, knowledge, faith, hope, tolerance, and compassion. “______—American.” Fill it in because that’s who we are; unique among other nations. #Leadership
The X17 particle discovered recently predicts a fifth force of nature (to gravity, electromagnetism, weak nuclear, strong nuclear). Fascinating. But what we’ll need to get us through the next decade is a force-of-nature-level effort of inspiring, honest, inclusive leadership.
On this day just 75 years ago, diarist Anne Frank was put on a train to the Nazi concentration camp in Austerlitz. Unimaginable cruelty. A reminder why a commitment to humanity, empathy, and compassion matters. Why we should set an example. For all. #Leadership
We might forgive a lot in a leader when things are going well for us individually. But leadership is never just about success. Failures of character and a lack of concern about values eventually tear the fabric that holds organizations together. #Leadership #RadicalInclusion
Trust. Years to build, seconds to break, forever to repair. The one, non-negotiable, indispensable, ingredient of leadership. An everyday, all-the-time factor in any productive relationship. #Leadership
Character is what we do when no one is watching. It’s what others learn about us—and what we learn about ourselves—when what we say confronts what we do. Character is the most accurate reflection of our true motivations. Character matters. #Leadership
“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes it’s the quiet voice at the end of the day saying—I will try again tomorrow.” God Bless the survivors of our fallen servicemen and women this Memorial Day and every day. #MakeItMatter
One measure of leaders is the thickness of their skin. Another is the thickness of the walls of their heart. #RadicalInclusion
Passing through Raleigh-Durham Airport. TSA agents on watch, professional, courteous. Told me “we have a job to do.” Proud of them. Solid, dedicated citizens who deserve our support. #Leadership
“Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care” (Teddy Roosevelt). It is unforgivable to leave those who count on you for direction and support wondering if you care. #Leadership
Time for steady. Puerto Rico, Wild Fires, Budget, Anthem, Iran, North Korea, Cyber Security. Solvable with leadership and #RadicalInclusion
Three concentric crises: the pandemic, a depressed economy, racial injustice. In each an opportunity, more than that an obligation, to improve. We can’t settle for back to normal. We must be “better than normal.” If not now, when?
“I speak to everyone in the same way, whether he is the garbage man or the president of the university.” Albert Einstein on the importance of respect in building trust. Like loyalty, respect is a two-way street. You have to give it to get it. #Leadership
Today in 1829 Chester A. Arthur, our 21st President, was born. In a very corrupt, mostly forgettable time in our history, he was known as a man of “probity.” A now seldom used word meaning strong moral principles, honesty, and decency. Important qualities. #Leadership
We can’t be reliable only when it’s convenient. Our reputation as individuals, organizations, or as a country matters. Good leaders honor their commitments without hesitation and with no excuses. #Leadership
NYC. Polar vortex. Mass of pedestrians walking rapidly, leaning into the wind. No evidence there is anyone hidden beneath the layers of clothing. Except from each quilted form a single naked hand, manipulating the keyboard of their iPhone. Think we may be too connected to think.
“When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on." Franklin D. Roosevelt. The approaching end of 2020 may feel like that, but remain encouraged! #NT4S
Words matter. They can clarify or confuse, hurt or help. The difference between the right word and almost the right word is “like the difference between lightning and lightning bug” (Mark Twain). Good leaders choose their words carefully. #Leadership
Respect isn’t offered in deference to power or wealth or influence. In fact, the stronger party in a relationship bears more responsibility for demonstrating respect than the weaker. Leaders who seek respect, must give respect.
#RadicalInclusion
Great leaders are motivated by results not reviews, accomplishments not accolades, humility not hubris. #MakeItMatter #RadicalInclusion
Humility is what happens when we accept that our accomplishments are never just our own and that we must continue to grow as our responsibilities grow. #Leadership
“In the ocean of baseless, the deeper we get, the easier the sinking” (James Russell Lowell). We’re swimming in dangerous, uncharted political waters, and we’re sinking. Unimaginable and unacceptable given all the benefits this nation enjoys....
We train our young men and women in uniform to be responsible representatives of their fellow citizens. We train them to use force when necessary to protect our interests around the world consistent with our values and The Law of Armed Conflict. Who they are; what they do.
“The highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them” (JFK). Happy 245th B’day to those who have served and who are serving in our Army. To the men and women who strive to live the Army Values of integrity, respect, honor, courage, selfless service, duty, loyalty.
“Wise men don't need advice. Fools won't take it” (Ben Franklin). Actually everyone needs advice. The greater your responsibility, the more advice you need. The greater the complexity of the decision to be made, the more the advice needs to come from diverse thinking. #NT4S
To serve not be served. To listen not lecture. To accept responsibility not pass it. To attend to all not just a few favorites. #Leadership
“Honesty and transparency make you vulnerable. Be honest and transparent anyway” (Mother Theresa). Great advice for everyone but especially for leaders. #Leadership
Leading with a moral compass. If it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it. If you can’t convince yourself, you won’t convince others. If it’s going to hurt someone who doesn’t deserve to be hurt, try something else. If you’re not certain, seek the advice of others. #RadicalInclusion
On this day in 1851, the novel Moby Dick was first published. An exploration of man’s limits, the danger of unbridled ego, and the destructive nature of revenge. Good leaders manage their emotions. They see things for what they are not what they would like them to be. #Leadership
Character matters. Always. In everything. Period. #MakeCharacterMatter
“A leader is best when people barely know they exist...when their work is done, their aim fulfilled, they will all say...we did it ourselves” (Lao-Tzu). When everyone feels like they belong, contribute, and matter the team is unbeatable. #Leadership
In my teen years, I was wary— perhaps even afraid—of MLK. After all, in the society of the day, I had all the advantages. Over time, I learned to appreciate his message of strength through inclusiveness. A great man who made his life matter. #MakeItMatter #RadicalInclusion
Just watched again Bobby Kennedy’s 1968 speech in Indianapolis announcing Martin Luther King’ murder. In such times, in these times, measure leaders not by the thickness of their skin but by the thickness of the walls of their heart.
“Honesty is the fastest way to prevent a mistake from turning into a failure”
(Altucher). Mistakes happen. Wasting time denying them or disguising them simply compounds them. Effective leaders admit mistakes and move on to leading the team to solve the next problem. #Leadership
Of Canada, JFK once said “Geography has made us neighbors. History has made us friends. Economics has made us partners, and necessity has made us allies.” Many important reasons to carefully manage our relationships with nations who share our values. #Leadership
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better” (Maya Angelou). The best leaders work hard to “know better.” They know and admit they can always “do better.” #Leadership
Leadership: the art of motivating people to act toward achieving common goals. Brinksmanship: the art of pushing a confrontation to the limit of safety to force a desired outcome. One is persuasive, the other coercive. One feels like success, the other like failure. #Leadership
“We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light” (Plato). We share the grief of the victims’ families in El Paso and Dayton. We share responsibility for preventing the next one. #Leadership
President’s Day. “This country will not be a good place for any of us to live in unless we make it a good place for all of us to live in” (Teddy Roosevelt). The best leaders, in any walk of life, promote fairness, equality, and hope. #Leadership #RadicalInclusion
Standards. It’s a leadership responsibility to enforce them. Early in my career a Sergeant told me “if you walk past an infraction, you set a new standard.” Effective leaders understand their responsibility to uphold standards. #Leadership
Harry Truman: “America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination, and an unbeatable determination.” The best leaders are positive, see possibilities others miss, encourage, and inspire. #GiveThemMemories #RadicalInclusion
Churchill: “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” Leadership is sensing what the organization needs. Words can matter; so can silence. Prominence can matter; so can deference. #Leadership
Leadership is responsibility, and the measure of a leader is how they fulfill it. Dignity, respect, integrity, inclusion, and humility matter. “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power” (Abraham Lincoln). #RadicalInclusion
Memories of military service are mostly of great teammates, wingmen, battle, foxhole, and swim-buddies. Men and women who share one important thing in common: they understand what it means to serve. #Veterans
There is an African proverb: “whether the elephants fight or play, the grass suffers.” Unfortunately, seems appropriate today. #Leadership
Born on this day, perhaps our greatest scientist, Albert Einstein, on the importance of character: “Most people say that it is the intellect which makes a great scientist. They are wrong: it is character.” It’s always about character. At least it should be. #Leadership