A clear-eyed account of learning how to lead in a chaotic world, by General Jim Mattis, the former Secretary of Defense and one of the most formidable strategic thinkers of our time, and Bing West, a former assistant secretary of defense and combat Marine. It is the account of Jim Mattis's storied career, from wide-ranging leadership roles in three wars to ultimately commanding a quarter of a million troops across the Middle East. Along the way, Mattis recounts his foundational experiences as a leader, extracting the lessons he has learned about the nature of warfighting and peacemaking, the importance of allies, and the strategic dilemmas, and short-sighted thinking, now facing our nation. He makes it clear why America must return to a strategic footing so as not to continue winning battles but fighting inconclusive wars. Mattis divides his book into three parts: Direct Leadership, Executive Leadership, and Strategic Leadership.