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 organization 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:
Be guided by the Leadership Principles.
Exhibit the good traits of a commander.
Be consistent with the situation.
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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- END -
| Disclaimer: This is Paul Allen's personal business library. Articles and papers contained therein are for his use and reference. While this information is being made public by being published on the internet, any use of any material or guidance contained herein is at one's own risk. Neither the author Paul Allen nor Project Executive Group have any responsibility if anything is taken from this website and utilized. While we believe these articles and papers make a significant contribution to learning, beware that anyone who uses this information does so at their own risk. We make no representations to accuracy or completeness. |
| Return |
| Project Management |
AllenWeb Site - since 1995
Leadership (the USMC way!*) - March 1998
