"Leaders can let you fail, but cannot let you be a failure" This is perhaps one of the greatest lines I've ever heard. I first heard this from my DS back in basic training for the Army and has stuck with me ever since. Now as a SGT in the AR Army National Guard I take it has whole new meaning to me as I look out upon my squad and realize that there success as soldiers is dependent upon my leadership. Thank you so much for the talk, it was a great reminder of the type of leader I should always strive to be. God Bless,

Stanley McCrystal was my battalion commander (then, Lt.Col.) in the 2/504th PIR, 82nd. I still remember to this day the speech he gave us before we were going to jump into and invade Haiti. I’m not surprised he rose so far. He definitely led by example - even doing little things like having the heater removed from his HMMV because if we were going to be cold out in the field then he wanted to be cold too...

I served 21 years in the Army- combat veteran and pilot. I never had the opportunity to work with GEN McChrystal but I had many great leaders who operated in the same manner. Not coincidentally, they had special operations backgrounds. I've met many generals, many SEALS, Rangers, Green Berets and 160th pilots. If you'd like to know where America's best and brightest are, check these units. They're not "occupying" anything except enemy territory and that's the place you won't find cowards.

I’m so so glad that the army of today is so much better than the army I went to Vietnam with. In 1968 we did not know how to build a modern army that was schooled in today’s tactics and personal relationships that grace this army of today. We have LEARNED a lot. I would really like belonging to this type of organization. God bless the USA.

i cant help myself , you gave given me all i need and its great being the last to know...

Dr. Deptula provided a very detailed discussion explaining the three different pillars of leadership development, which include: being, knowing and doing. What resonated most for me is that everyone has the potential and ability to become a leader. To become an effective leader, one must center their focus on developing the three pillars of leadership mentioned earlier (Deptula, 2018). As outlined in the discussion, the first pillar of 'being' signifies how we see others and ourselves as leaders. The second pillar - knowing - discusses one’s knowledge base; it encompasses both the 'what' and 'how' when dissecting the individual's intellectual perception and leadership expectations. Lastly, 'doing' involves the practice of a leader worth following. The intellectual traits considered by General McChrystal include intellectual humility, intellectual perseverance, and intellectual empathy. Gen. McChrystal demonstrated having intellectual humility when he acknowledged his need for adjustment in his skill set and knowledge. He exhibited no sign of arrogance or egotism while having high social status within the workforce. Most notably, he was trained by competent, senior individuals and saw no shame with learning from a younger troop. It was apparent he had years of military training and knowledge compared to the younger soldiers. However, he sought the need to adjust his leadership style, notwithstanding past success. Intellectual empathy was another trait exhibited which the author of Critical thinking, defines to be one putting themselves, imaginatively, in the shoes of another and sharing their feelings (Paul, R., Elder, L., 2012). This quality manifested when Gen. McChrystal viewed a live force mission with a father of one of the troops who were thousands of miles away and incapable of doing “anything about it" (McChrystal, 2011). Gen. McChrystal watched as the father glared at the screen helplessly to back his son in the firefight mission. Gen. McCrystal pondered on what it would be like if any of his family members were deployed on such a daunting mission. He accentuated the importance of personal relationships and emphasized the need for taking care of each other. The textbook, Critical thinking, describes intellectual perseverance to be an individual's disposition to remain steadfast despite hardship and complexities faced (Paul, L., Elder L., 2012). Gen. McChrystal exhibited intellectual perseverance when he used nonconventional means to communicate with this team and leadership group. He utilized video conferencing, video chat, phone calls and emails. The medium he used was not only different but so were the people and their respective geographical locations. His use of electronic medium was not successful, but he did not give up. Instead, he persevered to rebuild the forces’ trust and faith. He worked through the challenges of building trust in individuals without having the ability to communicate face-to-face with them. The three pillars of leadership development coincide with General McChrystal’s adaptation to leadership, as he deployed various tactics to become the leader he is today. Throughout his various transitions in his career, he was able to gather intricate nuggets. He gleaned from an early age how leadership development took time, commitment and adaptation to excel. As he grew and advanced in his leadership development, he sought the need to restructure his approach and the way he led. He noted how things changed rapidly. He, therefore, functioned as an effective leader as he saw the need for change and adapted accordingly. He used the following pillars of leadership, being and knowing, to become the leader he became. No doubt his practices and leadership style, which he developed, was worth following. Retrieved: Deptula, B. (2018, April 18). Leaders are born to be made. [Blog post]. Retrieved from kzfaq.info/get/bejne/abhiq5abvK3DiI0.html Paul, R., Elder, L. (2012). Critical Thinking: Tools for Taking Charge of Your Learning and Your Life (3rd). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

Leaders lead by example. They make sure their soldiers are taken care of first. Even to this day, I always eat last.

I went through a spiritual awakening with a burst of joy bigger than the universe that felt like it blew the veil off of the planet. As I was spiritually awakening I had some military inspirations... inspirations of being surrounded by guardians with their bayonets focused on me and when charges were made I spun around and around spinning out solutions without being aggressive due to the weapons pointed at one. I prayed and it felt like a military spirit strengthened my back and reinforced a beam of joy going up in prayer. I discovered that we seem to be in a spiritual battle and the terms of battle are agreed upon IN GOD WE TRUST. The first challenge seemed to be to choose love over confusion and the second challenge seems to be to choose humble love over vain love. When spiritual charges were made and I chose love it felt like there were crunches in the spirit. I prayed that one's guardians take revenge against every confusion with 1000 acts of love. I have grown in love and feel reinforced in the spirit by a miracle in love at another level although I have never made a deal for next level focuses.

I saw how humbled he was by the standing ovation. That's an experience in itself.

"I became a soldier, so that my son could be a farmer, so that his son could become a poet" ~~Thomas Jefferson I am a poet.

Very inspirational! I experienced a lot of different organizations working for the university. It was much needed leadership position, it seems I was always lacking. I heard this, I felt the excitement. Leadership is needed to communicate. He says that they must build trust and confidence in order to communicate with the people. Just, I think that a true leader is trying to fit the characteristics of those who try to fit era how to communicate. I want to be a good leader. This is quite remarkable for me.

One of the most engaging talks I have ever watched. It makes me realize that so many industries in civilian life could and should learn from our military leadership. The generational divide (having to be mentored by people who work for you), building trust by any and all means necessary, listening.....corporations rarely do any of these things, but the military has to in real time to succeed. Incredibly valuable lessons for a world changing at an exponential rate.

great motivational speech from the heart of the General.

Using this in my undergrad Strategic Management class ~ students love it.

TED talks are generally thought provoking, fascinating, inspiring and entertaining, they are followed by rapturous cheers. Then along came Stan. He did try, the poor guy. He even made a couple attempts at humour. But if the crowd laughed it was mostly on the inside. I'm glad the audience was polite enough to give him a respectful applause when the end eventually arrived.

I was fortunate to serve under this man when he was merely a Captain in A co. 3rd Ranger BN. One hell of a leader! One that I would still follow into hell and back because I know he could get us back!

"A leader can let you fail without being a failure"

Thank you Sir. It's men like you that do what you do, that allow me to do what I do. For that I'm in your debt, and forever grateful. I will have my sons what this today, you are an example of a true leader.

No one needs to be told that he is a true leader. He shows it and you just know.

He doesn't deserve his depiction on "war machine", he is much better than what that movie portrays

@Nardypants the whole video is a punch... i recommend you watch it again... listen and learn... this man is a great leader, he has great insight into how to lead... are you a leader? do you see these in yourself? or are you one of the people that leaders work to keep safe? i will sacrifice everything to keep my country safe, will you?

McChrystal is a fearless warrior and a boss leader! Gosh this man has balls! I'm proud to call myself his compatriot in America and would love to meet this man one day! :)

I'm not an american. I'm not a soldier. I was opposed to the american invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan in 2003 and 2001. Yet i loved this talk. This man didn't choose where he'd be deployed. He was given a job to do by electeed politicians. This man KNOWS what leadership is all about. He doesn't theorize, suspect or assume, he KNOWS! Whether or not you agree with all, some or any of his decisions in Iraq or Afghanistan, if the sh*t hits the fan, you want a Stanley Mcchrystal on your side.

Excellent lecture on leadership in the military today. I'm a teacher and will share this video with my students

I've served under his command, and the man is great & compassionate. He has made calls none of you people can ever fathom, he leads from the front

It is people like this that make our military #1. What an awesome individual.

It never changes...was like that in 87 as well.

That's perfect. I'm a commander for the second time now, everyday I think in those words.

I really needed this speech. My guys and I got hit hard during training. I made the mission fail. I was unprepared, and I expected too much from my guys without verifying enough. Now, it seems hard to delegate, because I know I can make us succeed. However, it's not success if I'm the only one in the team that's developing. It will be abysmally hard to see my guys fail another STX lane, but it's not a failure if we're improving in a training environment.

I'm not much for militarism, but this talk is amazing. How could anybody give this a thumbs-down? :(

Leadership vs Management.. Most organizations have too many of the 1st and not enough of the 2nd...

Thank you for such powerful speech ~

I was on the drop zone when he jumped Sep 11, 2001 as part of the Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate - he jumped with the XVIII Airborne Corps commmander - we took pictures and he jumpied with our unit. We called the the plane prior to the jump to inform them what had just happened and the CG decided to jump. We got pictures of most eveyone as they jumping, and my boss later had one picture of the CG blown up and he signed it with gold pen so he would know where he was on 9-11.

I didn't think that was that bad of a TED talk? I actually enjoyed it, its true hard earned experience he was talking about, experience that most people take for granted, and never earn themselves.

General McChrystal - Thank You for your Service to the USA - and for all you have done to train, lead, protect, and to share your insights with ordinary folks like us. Once Again - Many Thanks. Scott M. Allen

Great TED Talk! His discussion on leadership was enlightening regardless of your chosen profession. Too many corporate leaders don't understand the importance of leadership and self-sacrifice for the greater good of the ENTIRE organization. It is clear that McChrystal gets it. I felt as though this was one of the better TED Talks I have seen.

This man exudes raw leadership--down to his gait and posture!

This was an inspirational speech. There was a time we all as true Americans stood in honor - helping our neighbors - never ever considering hurting another citizen. We need that honor back. I stand for our soldiers. They give so much for our country. They are wilingl to leave family and live in danger for the future of our great country. For the future of the children that are home entrusted by hopefully honest mother's. We need captains and leaders in military to be tough. Making men tough will most likely safe their life. No worrying or crying. The soldiers need nerves of steel and on the spot fight for your country. Your fellow soldier and to stand strong for what we all believe in. Strong family and country. These values do not exist today. You have to have an honorable leader to build strong life long values. But I have ant to say to the soldiers ... I pray for you everyday. Will do what I can to let them know... We here love them and stand for their willingness to give all. God Bless our United States Soldiers.

Someone to be admired.

Whether fair or not, we are often remembered by the last bad thing we do.

Sounds like very sound advice, the change in leadership must be a challenge when the people you're leading and the environment change so dramatically over time.

A true leader. Listen. Learn. Lead.

Inspirational! I heard this via the TED Radio Hour podcast. I was listening to it whilst cycling home from work one day and almost had to stop the bike on hearing the last line, as it struck so powerfully. I manage people in my job (admittedly not on a battle field), but I felt so inspired by this talk. The "reverse mentoring" idea is brilliant too. Don't be afraid to learn from those who report to you! On the back of this, I've just got a copy of General McChrystal's autobiography.

I am a paratrooper right now at fort bragg, and he can't be anymore right about how the gear youre wearing makes you just want to jump out of that plane its so painful.

@kulls13 The answer is not to attack or destroy the military, is to let it become useless. People can solve his problems with dialogue and understanding the others, and with proper education we can make people respect eachother.

God Bless you Sir "Airborne All The Way"

After reading some of the comments below, I realize the truth in the old quote” For those that have fought for it. freedom has taste the protected will never understand “

Great TED talk, I love these types of videos.

@LoklarYsera Actually, you're absolutely right and I hope more people take this point honestly.

Yes Sir General McCrystal started Jascop and is the Best of the last 30 Yrs

13:12 to 13:41 ....I can't make it through that without getting choked up.

A man that did a tough job well. Thank you for your service to our country.

@Kelertasable Yes, and don't forget about deficit spending. In fact deficit spending is what made the whole nation so great.

Leadership is a powerful trait. I love the fact that everyone has the capacity to do it, regardless of your career. I am glad that the UMBC leadership team gave us this assignment.

Many people are now gonna search about him, now that he has a movie based on him, 'War Machine'. We salute you, General McChrystal.

However if there was no threat from outside forces.. if humans would finally learn to love every other human being, to be able to give without wanting or expecting something in return... What a wonderful world would that be :) It's just too bad that human kind needs strife to feel alive...

Even if you disagree with the actions he, or the government he represented did, this man still deserves respect.

I found about this TED talk from my son. He's taking a leadership course over the summer. This and other videos are valuable learning tools. General McChrystal not only is a true leader, but knows how to listen, and asks for advice, feedback, etc. Too bad his career had to end on a bad note -- it takes a true man to admit, regret what he said and apologize about it. This line ringed well in my head: "Leaders can let you fail, and yet not let you be a failure"

OK, thanks. I'll keep that in mind.

Fantastic.

Respect.

BIG RESPECT TO THIS BRAVE MAN

We should all be more concerned with the outside forces that have already worked their way into the inside.

Love this. And this is all very true.

Very well said! Thank you sir for your service.

Inspiring

Awesome! Thank you Arizona Best for starting our year with such a wonderful message!!!

this man is amazing! I really wanna learn from him!

@functionalist972 it doesn't matter what you think of him. People follow by example, and it really takes balls and will to become a general.

@AcidRain64 i agree completely with ur whole comment. i dont support censorship, just certain platforms. cheers.

What a MAN !!!

@dwinnell The military is an example of leadership under the most impossible of situations. If CEOs can learn from this guy then maybe massive companies won't go bankrupt.

HOOAH! You are an inspiring leader Sir. (Salute)

Well worth listening to.

@pyro5050 Well, the thing is, this is really just basic leadership skills. You don't need to go to the military for that, you can get that kind of experience from NOLS or things like that. There was nothing innovative or groundbreaking about what he said. That's why I consider it pretty boring.

@itchybo510 Hey thanks! Jefferson was a third cousin in the family; George was a nephew.

@595o Certainly NOT my subjective feelings, nor yours. I believe that all feelings are subjective. It would be his, the leader's, subjective feelings. Feelings allow the possibility of empathy, compassion, mercy, thought, judgement, and consideration: not ENSURE these things, but not entirely PRECLUDE them. Yes, the leader's values as well, allowing decisions to be considered, rather than arbitrary and heartless. But we should be able to select leaders whose values align with our own.

Excellent

Dear Everyone-Leaving-Nasty-Comments, the only reason you have the ability to express your opinion is because of the soldiers who fought, and are still fighting, for our freedom. Sincerely, A proud supporter of our troops

Damn good speech.

Powerful

Выступление называется : listen, learn, than lead! Поэтому слушать, учить (а не понимать), потом лидировать.

Whats happening to TED ? i cant watch the end but i wonder if there will be another standing ovation

respect

Great motivational

The problem with America’s military generals is that they ride around in chauffeured limousines, live in gated communities, and are members at the most private of clubs. Their economic fortunes are fully embedded in big government’s rear end.

i was a leader in army. i must cry when i listen this.

In the summer of 2010, Stanley McChrystal, U.S. army general and Afghan war commander, reportedly trashed the U.S. civilian military leadership, in effect forcing President Barack Obama to ask him to resign. The display of disrespect was striking, but more telling were the details about McChrystal’s handling of smaller matters. According to one story, McChrystal was once apprised by his chief of staff that he was obliged to attend a dinner in Paris with NATO allies-­if not to shore up flagging support for the war, then simply because, as the chief of staff put it, “the dinner comes with the position, sir.” McChrystal held up his middle finger, retorting, “Does this come with the position?”

"When we landed in the drop zone on 9/11 things had changed." How about using some of that leadership and military training to make sure that there is full & honest disclosure of what happened that day. The security of America is in your hands as a military leader. How did you allow us to go to an illegal war in Iraq? Get off the stage and get busy cleaning up our government. We as a people have lost our confidence that our military and government works for our benefit.

@AcidRain64 to be clear, i think everyone should be heard, regardless. i just have a problem with certain suspect political voices being presented out of context of their suspect politics. politics is personal.

you're so inspiring sir , thank you

Why so many dislikes? This is obviously not a bad talk!

RosenKrantz666 - Someday when you have the privilege of meeting this great man, you can personally thank him for his service to all of us so you could have the freedom to publicly display your ignorance without fear of reprisals that in too many countries around the world would cost you your life. The reason you're not reading this in Japanese, German, Korean or Vietnamese is because of the many military men and women gave up their lives so you wouldn't have to.

@Kelertasable No it's all the hard working people the create the economy to support the military as well as the technology which acts like a force multiplier.

@JeanKM1 What feelings? Your subjective ones? What values? Yours, mine, his?

great stuff!

I don't support America's foreign policy, or at least Bush's. I support the people in the war zones. I mean I can't really do much for you guys, but I would at least think bringing home what seems like an overabundance of American troops overseas is a good idea and supportive in some sense. But, if you are overseas right now, what can a Canadian college student do for you guys? Any suggestions or requests?

My 3G and 2G grandfathers sold whiskey to the indians. I found that George was in the whiskey business in his latter life. Two plus two, and all that. Anyway farms were very important to these men-- worth fighting for. I've got so many generals in my family history, it's hard to keep track. Myself, I am a pacifist, thanks to their sacrifices for an ideal. Thank God the people of America followed their wise advice-- otherwise we would be losing our freedoms and land to int'l bankers and corps

@595o yes, they should be heard. but you know what i mean.

J.N.Mattis quote too IT IS