There are various ways to define both leader and leadership. However, there is no clear definition of how to become one. There is no set list of obligatory traits, innate or acquired, that a person must embody to be considered a success or a failure. What is needed, in my opinion, is the right combination of strengths and weaknesses in a given situation to demonstrate effectiveness. No one has abilities without deficiencies. It all depends on how balanced they are. The balance in how one uses their abilities will ultimately determine the type of leadership one will have over time. To support these claims, I will examine a well-known leader in the military, General James “Mad Dog” Mattis. This essay will provide insight into his strengths and weaknesses while discussing some personality traits he possesses. Retired General James Mattis was born in Pullman, Washington, on September 8, 1950. He attended Richland High School and received a commission as a second lieutenant. after graduating from Central Washington University in 1972. General Mattis quickly became popular with the Marines with whom he served and became known as one of the most esteemed Marine Corps officers of his generation. Because of his forthright demeanor and unapologetic attitude, General Mattis was well educated to adapt to the conditions of the day, with the primary goal of completing the mission in the most intelligent manner. With a career of combat accomplishments in less than 42 years of service, General Mattis has served in numerous command roles at all levels of the Marine Corps. He served as a rifle and weapons platoon commander until commanding U.S. Central Command at the time he was a four-star general. Whether Commander 1...... middle of paper...... unique commander and talented tactician who reshaped the way America goes to war in an era of protracted combat. (Don't do it.) Not only do these characteristics prove effective on a daily basis, but as Morgan and Lynch (2006) state, there is also a set of key leadership principles that Mattis tries to adhere to as such. GOOD. They must “meet and exceed the standards you demand of others: leading from the front, making timely decisions, seeking responsibility before you start blaming, caring for those you lead, and always leading as you are.” ” with my favorite, “courage + initiative + perseverance + integrity = success” (p. 6). Ultimately, whether you choose to define them as traits or principles, they can be summed up by the age-old saying: “do unto others as you would have done unto yourself.” The way you would follow is the way you should lead.