As a Marine, it is essential to grasp the traits and principles of leadership in order to develop their own leadership abilities which of their subordinates.
10 Min read
The following article lists 14 leadership principles marine corps and characteristics.
“Leadership is intangible, hard to measure, and difficult to describe. It’s quality
would seem to stem from many factors. But certainly they must include a measure
of inherent ability to control and direct, self-confidence based on expert knowledge,
initiative, loyalty, pride and sense of responsibility. Inherent ability cannot be
instilled, but that which is latent or dormant can be developed. Other ingredients can
be acquired. They are not easily learned. But leaders can be and are made.”
General C. B. Cates,
19th Commandant of the US Marine Corps
By Lt. Gen. Lewis “Chesty” Puller
As he steadily rose through the ranks, Lt. Gen. Puller displayed outstanding leadership qualities. Additionally, he was awarded several valor awards. He retired from the Marine Corps in 1951 with more decorations than any Marine in history; a Navy Cross, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, two Legions of Merit with “V” devices, the Bronze Star, the Air Medal and the Purple Heart.
The 14 Leadership Traits
You can recall the fourteen leadership traits by remembering the acronym JJ DID TIE BUCKLE:
Justice
Definition – Rewarding or punishing based on the merit of the case. A system of rewards and punishments that is fair, consistent, and impartial.
Significance – Maintaining fairness and impartiality is a crucial element to gaining the trust and respect of subordinates as well as maintaining discipline and unit cohesion, particularly when exercising responsibility.
Example – A squad leader assigns tasks fairly during field day.
Judgment
Definition – Making informed decisions based on the assessment of facts and possible courses of action.
Significance – Leaders who possess sound judgment are able to guide and train their Marines and employ their units effectively. When making appropriate decisions, Marines who use good judgment weigh pros and cons appropriately.
Example – A Marine properly distributes his/her liberty time between relaxation and studying.
Dependability
Definition – Confidence in performing one’s duties correctly.
Significance – The ability for a senior to assign a task to a junior knowing that it will be accomplished with minimal supervision.
Example – A squad leader ensures that the squad arrives at the rendezvous in the proper uniform even though the platoon sergeant has not requested it.
Initiative
Definition – Acting on one’s own initiative without orders.
Significance – Due to the fact that an NCO often works without close supervision, it is important that they be self-motivated. The Marine Corps Warfighting philosophy is based on initiative.
Example – When the platoon sergeant is absent for an unknown reason, an NCO takes over and organizes training for the platoon.
Decisiveness
Definition – Capability of making decisions and announcing them promptly and forcefully.
Significance – This quality of character allows a person to gather all available information about a situation, evaluate the information, and choose and announce the option that the person believes to be most beneficial. A quick decision often outweighs a potentially better one that might take more time.
Example – When a leader sees a potentially dangerous situation developing, he or she immediately steps in to prevent it.
Tact
Definition – Being able to maintain good relationships and avoid offenses with others. To put it simply, tact is the ability to say and do the right thing at the right time.
Significance – Having the ability to respect and be courteous to peers, seniors, and subordinates is a sign of maturity. A tactic facilitates expressing commands, guidance, and opinions in a positive and constructive way. Regardless of true feelings, deference should always be extended.
Example : A Marine has a drill mistake, so a NCO discreetly alerts him by privately asking which method to use after the unit has dispersed.
Integrity
Definition – Having a good moral code and good character. The quality of truthfulness and honesty.
Significance – A Marine’s word is his/her bond. You should always be honest with your subordinates, peers, and superiors.
Example – A Marine demonstrates correct technique on an obstacle course, despite the fact the evaluator cannot see him.
Enthusiasm
Definition – Displaying genuine enthusiasm and interest in the task at hand.
Significance – Having a positive attitude and showing enthusiasm for a project can increase the likelihood of it succeeding..
Example – Despite being physically tired, the Marine leads a chant or offers to carry a load that is giving someone difficulty during a hike to encourage his fellow Marines.
Bearing
Definition – Conducting oneself in a manner that presents a positive image.
Significance – The ability to appear, behave, and speak as a leader, regardless of how one may feel on the inside.
Example – Maintain a clean uniform, boots, and collar devices. Avoid using vulgar or offensive language. Maintain a trim, fit appearance.
Unselfishness
Definition – Not seeking one’s own comfort and advancement at the expense of others.
Significance – Putting your subordinates’ needs before your own is the essence of leadership. Putting these matters ahead of the achievement of the mission should not be confused with prioritizing these qualities.
Example – Before he eats, a NCO will make sure all members of his unit have eaten. If water is scarce, he will share what he has with others.
Courage
Definition – Courage is the ability to recognize the fear of danger and criticism, but to handle it firmly and calmly when faced with it.
Significance – The ability to know and stand up for what is right, despite the disapproval of others. It is obvious that the business of fighting and winning wars is a dangerous one; courage on the battlefield is essential.
Example – Being willing to take criticism for making subordinates work long hours to accomplish a task.
Knowledge
Definition – The ability to understand a science or art. Your professional knowledge and understanding of Marines, along with the range of your information.
Significance – Gaining and maintaining knowledge of current developments in military, naval and world affairs is crucial to your growth and development.
Example – One who is not only proficient in maintaining and operating their assigned weapons, but also with the other equipment and weapons available.
Loyalty
Definition – Loyalty to one’s country, Corps, unit, superiors, subordinates, and peers.
Significance – Marines live by the motto Semper Fidelis, Always Faithful. No matter where you are in the chain of command, you owe unwavering loyalty.
Example – Following an order of a senior Marine enthusiastically, despite privately disagreeing with it.
Endurance
Definition – The capacity to tolerate stress, fatigue, and pain at the mental and physical level.
Significance – In order to improve stamina, the ability to endure pain during a conditioning hike is crucial. It is the role of leaders to lead their units in physical endeavors as well as to motivate them.
Example – Maintaining a steady pace despite blisters on both feet during a 10-mile march.
LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES
Know yourself and strive to improve.
- Use the leadership traits to evaluate yourself and identify your strengths and weaknesses.
- Work on improving your weaknesses and utilizing your strengths.
- You can improve your leadership skills by getting the honest opinions of your friends or superiors.
- Learn from other leaders’ successes and failures.
- Become an expert at effective writing and speaking.
Possess technical and tactical proficiency.
- You must demonstrate competence in your field in order to accomplish the mission
- Participate in a well-rounded military education by attending service schools, reading and researching independently every day, enrolling in correspondence courses from MCI, colleges, and correspondence schools; and taking advantage of off-duty education opportunities.
- Identify and associate with leaders who are capable. Watch and study their actions.
- Connect with members of other U.S. armed forces branches to broaden your knowledge base.
- Engage in the exercise of command in order to apply knowledge.
Ensure the well-being of your Marines.
- Put the welfare of your Marines above your own, correct grievances, and resolve concerns.
- Meet the members of your unit and let them know you are there to help each Marine feel that you are there for him or her. Make yourself approachable.
- Help your Marines access the personal services they need.
- Make sure you know how your unit’s mentality is; keep in touch with them.
- Promote the development of each individual.
- Insist on participation and provide adequate recreational time.
Ensure that your Marines are informed.
- Make your Marines aware of all events that are taking place and explain why things must be done as they are.
- You should always explain to your team members why a task needs to be completed and how it will be done.
- Inspect your immediate subordinates frequently to ensure that they are providing necessary information.
- Keep an eye out for the spread of rumors. You can stop them by pointing out their errors.
- Publicize information about your unit’s achievements to build morale and esprit de corps.
- Be aware of laws and regulations affecting your unit’s pay, promotions, privileges, and other benefits.
Show leadership by example.
- You have a duty to set an example for your Marines by your own actions as a leader.
- It is essential that you show your Marines that you will do the same things you ask them to do.
- Make sure you’re in good physical condition, properly attired, and groomed.
- Keeping a positive outlook is crucial. Focus on your unit’s strengths and use them to achieve victory. You have a better chance to display calmness and confidence in a difficult situation the more difficult the situation is.
- Be sure not to be open to criticism about your personal habits.
- Demonstrate initiative and encourage the spirit of initiative in your Marines.
- Be careful not to show favoritism to your subordinate.
- To demonstrate your willingness to share hardships and danger with your Marines, you should share danger and hardships with them.
- You can develop leadership among your subordinates by delegating authority and avoiding over supervision.
Assure understanding, supervision, and completion of the task
- Ensure that your instructions are clear, concise, and easy to understand.
- Don’t speak at a level that insults the Marines’ intelligence, but at a level that they will understand.
- Marines should be able to ask questions or seek advice.
- Provide subordinates with the freedom to select their own techniques, and monitor their progress on a regular basis.
- Before issuing an order, ensure the order is necessary.
- Identify any doubts or misunderstandings your Marines have regarding the task to be completed by asking them questions.
- Make sure orders are carried out according to your instructions.
- Supervise carefully and thoughtfully. Under supervision will not get the job done; over supervision discourages initiative and promotes resentment.
Build a team among your Marines.
- You should train with a goal in mind and emphasize the important role that teamwork plays.
- It builds confidence and esprit, develops teamwork, boosts morale, and creates an unbounded feeling of loyalty as hardships, dangers, and hard work are shared.
- Make sure your Marines work as a team. Make sure they train together, play together, and operate together.
- You should ensure that each Marine understands his/her role and responsibilities within the team.
- Be careful not to publicly blame a team member for the failure of the team or to publicly congratulate one individual for its success.
- A good training program will be meaningful and clear to all members of the command on its purpose.
- In order to build mutual trust and understanding among Marines within your unit, you need to make each Marine aware of each other’s capabilities and limitations.
- In order for training teams to be effective, they should be based on realistic, current, and probable circumstances.
- It is the Marine’s responsibility to understand how the team functions and how each member contributes to the team.
Taking timely and well-informed decisions.
- It is important for a leader to be able to quickly assess a situation and then decide based on that assessment.
- Don’t hesitate to revise any decision you have made if it proves to be the wrong one.
- Utilize an objective assessment of the situation to develop a logical and orderly thought process.
- Whenever possible, plan for every event that can be reasonably anticipated.
- Take your subordinates’ advice and suggestions into consideration whenever possible before making any major decisions.
- Make sure decisions are made in sufficient time to allow subordinates to plan accordingly.
- You should make sure Marines are aware of your plans and policies.
Encourage your subordinates to take responsibility.
- Directions should be clear and well thought out. You shouldn’t tell your subordinates how to do things: Tell them what to do. Assign them the responsibility for results, even if overall responsibility remains with you. Provide them with sufficient authority to carry out the tasks.
- You should provide regular opportunities for your Marines to perform duties normally performed by someone in a higher rank.
- When your subordinates demonstrate initiative or resourcefulness, be sure to recognize their accomplishments.
- The Marine should be corrected for errors of judgement and initiative in a manner that motivates him to strive harder. Do not publicly criticize or condemn him.
- If your subordinates ask you for advice or assistance, give it freely.
- You should let your Marines know that you will accept honest mistakes in the future without retribution. Teach them through constructive criticism and guidance.
- Avoid micro-management; do not give restrictive guidelines, because this destroys initiative, drive, innovation, enthusiasm; creates boredom; and adds to seniors’ workload.
Utilize the capabilities of your command.
- Take on challenging tasks, but ensure that your unit is prepared, can handle the mission, and is capable of completing it successfully.
- Make sure your unit does not take on a task that it isn’t capable of accomplishing.
- Make sure you are aware of your command’s operational effectiveness.
- Assign subordinates tasks that are reasonable. In an emergency, never hesitate to demand the best from them.
- All the tasks assigned to you should be analyzed. Tell your immediate supervisor if the means you have are inadequate and ask for the needed assistance.
- Your Marines should be assigned tasks equally.
- Before requesting assistance, make sure you are using your unit to its full potential.
Taking responsibility for your actions is essential.
- Become familiar with the responsibilities of your immediate supervisor, and accept the responsibilities that go with them.
- Get involved in different leadership positions to gain experience accepting responsibilities in a wide range of fields.
- Don’t miss out on any opportunity to take on more responsibility.
- Put your best effort into everything you do, no matter how large or small. Eventually, you’ll be able to take on bigger and more important jobs.
- Stand up for what’s right and be brave enough to hold fast to your beliefs.
- Prior to taking action, carefully evaluate the failure of a subordinate. Check whether the shortcomings are caused by your own mistakes. Take advantage of the Marines who are available, salvage a Marine when possible, and replace a Marine if necessary.
- Taking initiative when there are no orders is the best course of action. Do whatever your superior would direct you to do if he/she were present.
MCRP 6-11B, Marine Corps Values: Appendix A, B
REV: July 2008