Chris Takacs

“Strive to do small things well. Be a doer and a self-starter—aggressiveness and initiative are two most admired qualities in a leader—but you must also put your feet up and think. Strive for self-improvement through constant self-evaluation. Never be satisfied. Ask of any project, How can it be done better? Don’t overinspect or oversupervise. Allow your leaders to make mistakes in training, so they can profit from the errors and not make them in combat. Keep the troops informed; telling them “what, how, and why” builds their confidence. The harder the training, the more troops will brag. Enthusiasm, fairness, and moral and physical courage—four of the most important aspects of leadership. Showmanship—a vital technique of leadership. The ability to speak and write well—two essential tools of leadership. There is a salient difference between profanity and obscenity; while a leader employs profanity (tempered with discretion), he never uses obscenities. Have consideration for others. Yelling detracts from your dignity; take men aside to counsel them. Understand and use judgment; know when to stop fighting for something you believe is right. Discuss and argue your point of view until a decision is made, and then support the decision wholeheartedly. Stay ahead of your boss.”
― David H. Hackworth, About Face: The Odyssey of an American Warrior

“Respecting your opponent is the key to winning any bout. Hold your enemy in contempt and you may miss the strategy behind his moves”
― David H. Hackworth

“Care for your men. Maintain discipline. Always set an example. You take fewer casualties attacking than retreating: “Your job is not to die for your country but to make the other son of a bitch die for his country.” Once engaged, give no quarter. Drill, drill, drill. Stay alert, stay alive.”
― David H. Hackworth, About Face: The Odyssey of an American Warrior

“If you find yourself in a fair fight, you didn't plan your mission properly.”
― David Hackworth