At this year’s Summit Growth Partners Summit, we had the privilege of hosting Gen. Jim Mattis as our keynote speaker. A retired U.S. Marine Corps four-star general and former U.S. Secretary of Defense, Mattis brought decades of leadership experience to the discussion. His reflections, drawn from his distinguished career and expanded upon in his book Call Sign Chaos: Learning to Lead, offer powerful lessons for leaders in just about every field.
Here are a few important themes:
Trust and Decentralized Leadership
Mattis describes trust as “the coin of the realm,” the cornerstone of effective leadership. Trust accelerates decision-making, strengthens collaboration and encourages teams to take ownership of their responsibilities. He draws on principles reminiscent of Auftragstaktik, a decentralized decision-making approach rooted in Prussian military doctrine. “In future battles, outcomes will depend on the aligned independence of subordinate units,” Mattis explained. Independence thrives only “when there is a shared understanding of the ‘why’ for the mission.” Leaders must ensure their teams clearly understand both the objective and the purpose behind it, empowering them to act decisively and confidently.
Trust is the foundation of both leadership and advisor-client relationships. Advisors rely on the tools, resources and support their firm provides to navigate complex market environments and build stronger client relationships. Internally, trust enables leaders to delegate authority, knowing teams are equipped to make decisions that align with the shared mission. An environment of empowered independence helps advisors and teams alike adapt to challenges, deliver value and remain focused on long-term goals. As Mattis reminds us, “Harmonious, effective units own the mission together.”
Trust isn’t earned overnight, of course—it necessitates consistency, clear communication and integrity. Leaders who prioritize these elements can develop teams that feel supported and ready to take ownership of their work. For advisors, trust is what helps them guide clients through uncertainty, steering them toward bigger-picture goals and long-term success.
The “Three C’s” of Leadership
“All leaders should be coaches at heart,” Mattis asserts, emphasizing that leadership goes beyond issuing directives. A leader’s role is to inspire, guide and support their team, creating an environment where individuals can thrive. This approach is rooted in what Mattis calls the “Three C’s” of leadership:
- Competence: Leaders must demonstrate expertise and a commitment to excellence, as competence inspires confidence and sets the standard for success. Mattis advises leaders to identify their weaknesses, actively work to improve them and strive for mastery. By modeling this pursuit of excellence, leaders show their teams that growth is always possible.
- Caring: Genuine investment in the motivations, goals and well-being of team members builds trust and loyalty. Quoting Teddy Roosevelt, Mattis reminds us, “Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care.” When leaders indicate they are committed to the development and aspirations of their teams, they create an environment where people are less likely to disengage and more likely to give their best.
- Conviction: Leaders must clearly articulate their values and priorities, standing firm on what they believe in. Leading with integrity and purpose provides teams with stability and a sense of direction, especially in uncertain times. A leader with conviction can unite their team around shared goals and inspire confidence in the mission.
This “player-coach” mentality is central to a partnership culture. Leadership here is a shared responsibility where collaboration drives results. Everyone works together to share knowledge, challenge each other to think differently and hold one another accountable—all while maintaining a growth-oriented mindset
Leadership as a Lifelong Quest for Knowledge
According to Mattis, great leaders are always learning. “If you haven’t read hundreds of books … you will be incompetent because your personal experiences alone aren’t broad enough to sustain you,” he asserts. While undeniably a strident statement, the underlying message is clear: leadership requires intellectual curiosity and a commitment to continuous growth.
Mattis also emphasizes the need for leaders to “adapt at the speed of relevance,” recognizing that staying relevant requires constant learning and agility. Whether through books, formal education or hands-on experience, leaders who seek out new insights stand to broaden their perspectives and become more effective problem solvers.
This belief in lifelong learning resonates as a firm strives to create a culture of growth and adaptability. Substantial resources and support equip advisors to anticipate changes, address challenges and create lasting value for their clients. Advisors who embrace learning position themselves to stay ahead of industry trends, deepen client relationships and drive long-term success.
Mattis’ perspective reminds us that leadership is never static. Leaders who stay curious and open to growth inspire their teams to rise to new challenges and ready themselves for whatever comes next.
Looking Ahead
Leadership is built on trust and driven by purpose. Mattis’ insights remind us that great leaders equip their teams to adapt, innovate and align their efforts toward shared goals. Whether leading clients or teams, the ultimate task is creating the conditions for success—both now and in the future.
Stan Gregor is chairman and CEO at Summit Financial.
