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Leadership (the USMC way!*)

"In my view, projects and combat are the same in many ways. They have starts, finishes, limited resources, and objectives. The leadership skills and traits needed to build a cohesive unit and then lead that unit in the face of uncertainty is a key element for success. We can look to the most famous orgainization known for its "leadership quality in field combat" for appropriate guidance." - Paul

* Neither the United States Marine Corps nor any other component of the Department of Defense
has approved, endorsed, or authorized this product/service/activity.

Leadership Definitions:

• Leadership: The sum of those qualities of intellect, human understanding, and moral character that enables a person to control a group of people successfully.
• Leadership traits: (or characteristics) Those qualities of personality which are of greatest assistance in obtaining confidence, respect, obedience, and loyal cooperation.
• Leadership Principles: Guides for the proper exercise of command.
• Leadership Techniques: Actions taken by a leader. A leadership technique should:
  1. Be guided by the Leadership Principles.
  2. Exhibit the good traits of a commander.
  3. Be consistent with the situation.
  4. Contribute toward accomplishing, or accomplish, one or both of the responsibilities of a commander.

Leadership Principles

• Be technically and tactically proficient.
• Know yourself and seek self improvement.
• Know your Marines and look out for their welfare.
• Keep your Marines informed.
• Set the example.
• Insure that the task is understood, supervised, and accomplished.
• Train your Marines as a team.
• Make sound and timely decisions.
• Develop a sense of responsibility among subordinates.
• Employ your command in accordance with its capabilities.
• Seek responsibility and take responsibility for your actions.

Leadership Traits

• Integrity. Uprightness of character and soundness of moral principle. Absolute truthfulness and honesty.
• Knowledge. Acquired information, including professional knowledge and understanding of your Marines.
• Courage. A mental quality that recognizes fear of danger or criticism, but enables a Marine to proceed in the face of it with calmness and firmness.
• Decisiveness. Ability to reach decisions promptly and to announce them in a clear, forceful manner.
• Dependability. The certainty of the proper performance of duty.
• Initiative. Seeing what has to be done and commencing a course of action, even in the absence of orders.
• Tact. The ability to deal with others without creating offense.
• Justice. The quality of being impartial and consistent in exercising command.
• Enthusiasm. The display of sincere interest and exuberance in the performance of duty.
• Bearing. Creating a favorable impression in carriage, appearance, and personal conduct at all times.
• Endurance. The mental and physical stamina measured by the ability to stand pain, fatigue, distress, and hardship.
• Unselfishness. Avoidance of providing for ones comfort and personal advancement at the expense of others.
• Loyalty. The faithfulness to country, Corps, unit, and to your seniors and subordinates.
• Judgment. The quality of weighing facts and possible solutions on which to base a sound decision.

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