RP 0103 - Principles of Marine Corps Leadership
TERMINAL LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. In a military environment, identify the leadership traits and principles of the Marine
Corps, per the reference. (RP0103)
ENABLING LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Without the aid of references, given a description or title, identify the leadership
trait, per the student handout. (RP0103a)
2. Without the aid of references, given a description or title, identify the leadership
principle, per the student handout. (RP0103)
1. INTRODUCTION
“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 Marine Corps
Lt. Gen. Lewis “Chesty” Puller
Lt. Gen. Puller steadily worked his way up the ranks proving his outstanding
leadership qualities. He received a direct commission and began collecting
awards for valor. By the time he retired from the Marine Corps in 1951 he had
earned more awards than any Marine in history; five Navy Crosses, the
Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, two Legions of Merit with “V” device,
the Bronze star with “V” device, the Bronze Star, the Air Medal and the Purple
Heart.
The traits and principles of leadership are the basic fundamentals that Marines
use to develop their own leadership abilities and that of their subordinates.
There are 14 leadership traits and 11 leadership principles listed in this lesson.
2. 14 Leadership Traits
The fourteen leadership traits can be remembered with the acronym JJ-
DIDTIEBUCKLE:
- Justice
- Judgment
- Dependability
- Initiative
- Decisiveness
- Tact
- Integrity
- Enthusiasm
- Bearing
- Unselfishness
- Courage
- Knowledge
- Loyalty
- Endurance
Justice
Definition - Giving reward and punishment according to the merits of the case in
question. The ability to administer a system of rewards and punishments
impartially and consistently.
Significance - The quality of displaying fairness and impartiality is critical in order
to gain the trust and respect of subordinates and maintains discipline and unit
cohesion, particularly in the exercise of responsibility.
Example - Fair apportionment of tasks by a squad leader during field day.
Judgment
Definition - The ability to weigh facts and possible courses of action in order to
make sound decisions.
Significance - Sound judgment allows a leader to make appropriate decisions in
the guidance and training of his/her Marines and the employment of his/her unit.
A Marine who exercises good judgment weighs pros and cons accordingly when
making appropriate decisions.
Example - A Marine properly apportions his/her liberty time in order to relax as
well as to study.
Dependability
Definition - The certainty of proper performance of duty.
Significance - The quality that permits a senior to assign a task to a junior with
the understanding that it will be accomplished with minimum supervision.
Example - The squad leader ensures that his/her squad falls out in the proper
uniform without having been told to by the platoon sergeant.
Initiative
Definition - Taking action in the absence of orders.
Significance - Since an NCO often works without close supervision; emphasis is
placed on being a self-starter. Initiative is a founding principle of Marine Corps
Warfighting philosophy.
Example - In the unexplained absence of the platoon sergeant, an NCO takes
charge of the platoon and carries out the training schedule.
Decisiveness
Definition - Ability to make decisions promptly and to announce them in a clear,
forceful manner.
Significance - The quality of character which guides a person to accumulate all
available facts in a circumstance, weigh the facts, and choose and announce an
alternative which seems best. It is often better that a decision be made promptly
than a potentially better one be made at the expense of more time.
Example - A leader, who sees a potentially dangerous situation developing,
immediately takes action to prevent injury from occurring.
Tact
Definition - The ability to deal with others in a manner that will maintain good
relations and avoid offense. More simply stated, tact is the ability to say and do
the right thing at the right time.
Significance - The quality of consistently treating peers, seniors, and
subordinates with respect and courtesy is a sign of maturity. Tact allows
commands, guidance, and opinions to be expressed in a constructive and
beneficial manner. This deference must be extended under all conditions
regardless of true feelings.
Example - A Marine discreetly points out a mistake in drill to an NCO by waiting
until after the unit has been dismissed and privately asking which of the two
methods are correct.
Integrity
Definition - Uprightness of character and soundness of moral principles. The
quality of truthfulness and honesty.
Significance - A Marine’s word is his/her bond. Nothing less than complete
honesty in all of your dealings with subordinates, peers, and superiors is
acceptable.
Example - A Marine who uses the correct technique on the obstacle course, even
when he/she cannot be seen by the evaluator.
Enthusiasm
Definition - The display of sincere interest and exuberance in the performance of
duty.
Significance - Displaying interest in a task and optimism that can be successfully
completed greatly enhances the likelihood that the task will be successfully
completed.
Example - A Marine who leads a chant or offers to help carry a load that is giving
someone great difficulty while on a hike despite being physically tired, he
encourages his fellow Marines to persevere.
Bearing
Definition - Creating a favorable impression in carriage, appearance, and
personal conduct at all times.
Significance - The ability to look, talk, and act like a leader whether or not these
manifestations indicate one’s true feelings.
Example - Wearing clean uniforms, boots, and collar devices. Avoiding profane
and vulgar language. Keeping a trim, fit appearance.
Unselfishness
Definition - Avoidance of providing for one’s own comfort and personal
advancement at the expense of others.
Significance - The quality of looking out for the needs of your subordinates before
your own is the essence of leadership. This quality is not to be confused with
putting these matters ahead of the accomplishment of the mission.
Example - An NCO ensures all members of his unit have eaten before he does,
or if water is scarce, he will share what he has and ensure that others do the
same.
Courage
Definition - Courage is a mental quality that recognizes fear of danger or
criticism, but enables a Marine to proceed in the face of danger with calmness
and firmness.
Significance - Knowing and standing for what is right, even in the face of popular
disfavor. The business of fighting and winning wars is a dangerous one; the
importance of courage on the battlefield is obvious.
Example - Accepting criticism for making subordinates field day for an extra hour
to get the job done correctly.
Knowledge
Definition - Understanding of a science or an art. The range of one’s information,
including professional knowledge and understanding of your Marines.
Significance - The gaining and retention of current developments in military and
naval science and world affairs is important for your growth and development.
Example - The Marine who not only knows how to maintain and operate his
assigned weapon, but also knows how to use the other weapons and equipment
in the unit.
Loyalty
Definition - The quality of faithfulness to country, Corps, unit, seniors,
subordinates and peers.
Significance - The motto of the Marine Corps is Semper Fidelis, Always Faithful.
You owe unswerving loyalty up and down the chain of command.
Example - A Marine displaying enthusiasm in carrying out an order of a senior,
though he may privately disagree with it.
Endurance
Definition - The mental and physical stamina measured by the ability to withstand
pain, fatigue, stress, and hardship.
Significance - The quality of withstanding pain during a conditioning hike in order
to improve stamina is crucial in the development of leadership. Leaders are
responsible for leading their units in physical endeavors and for motivating them
as well.
Example - A Marine keeping up on a 10-mile forced march even though he/she
has blisters on both feet.
3. 11 Leadership Principles
Know Yourself and Seek Self Improvement
- This principle of leadership should be developed by the use of leadership traits.
Evaluate yourself by using the leadership traits and determine your strengths
and weaknesses.
- You can improve yourself in many ways. To develop the techniques of this
principle:
- Make an honest evaluation of yourself to determine your strong and weak
personal qualities
- Seek the honest opinions of your friends or superiors
- Learn by studying the causes for the success and failures of others
- Develop a genuine interest in people
- Master the art of effective writing and speech
- Have a definite plan to achieve your goal
Be Technically And Tactically Proficient
- A person who knows their job thoroughly and possesses a wide field of
knowledge. Before you can lead, you must be able to do the job. Tactical and
technical competence can be learned from books and from on the job training.
To develop this leadership principle of being technically and tactically proficient,
you should:
- Know what is expected of you then expend time and energy on becoming
proficient at those things
- Form an attitude early on of seeking to learn more than is necessary
- Observe and study the actions of capable leaders
- Spend time with those people who are recognized as technically and
tactically proficient at those things
- Prepare yourself for the job of the leader at the next higher rank
- Seek feedback from superiors, peers and subordinates
Know Your People And Look Out For Their Welfare
- This is one of the most important of the leadership principles. A leader must
make a conscientious effort to observe his Marines and how they react to
different situations. A Marine who is nervous and lacks self-confidence should
never be put in a situation where an important decision must be made. This
knowledge will enable you as the leader to determine when close supervision is
required.
- To put this principle in to practice successfully you should:
- Put your Marines welfare before you own
- Be approachable
- Encourage individual development
- Know your unit’s mental attitude; keep in touch with their thoughts
- Ensure fair and equal distribution of rewards
- Provide sufficient recreational time and insist on participation
Keep Your Personnel Informed
- Marines by nature are inquisitive. To promote efficiency and morale, a leader
should inform the Marines in his unit of all happenings and give reasons why
things are to be done. This is accomplished only if time and security permits.
Informing your Marines of the situation makes them feel that they are a part of
the team and not just a cog in a wheel. Informed Marines perform better.
- The key to giving out information is to be sure that the Marines have enough
information to do their job intelligently and to inspire their initiative, enthusiasm,
loyalty, and convictions.
- Techniques to apply this principle are:
- Whenever possible, explain why tasks must be done and the plan to
accomplish a task
- Be alert to detect the spread of rumors. Stop rumors by replacing them with
the truth
- Build morale and espirit de corps by publicizing information concerning
successes of your unit
- Keep your unit informed about current legislation and regulations affecting
their pay, promotion, privileges, and other benefits
Set The Example
- A leader who shows professional competence, courage and integrity sets high
personal standards for himself before he can rightfully demand it from others.
Your appearance, attitude, physical fitness and personal example are all on
display daily for the Marines and Sailors in your unit. Remember, your Marines
and Sailors reflect your image!
- Techniques for setting the example are to:
- Show your subordinates that you are willing to do the same things you ask
them to do
- Maintain an optimistic outlook
- Conduct yourself so that your personal habits are not open to criticism
- Avoid showing favoritism to any subordinate
- Delegate authority and avoid over supervision, in order to develop
leadership among subordinates
- Leadership is taught by example
Ensure That The Task Is Understood, Supervised, and Accomplished
- Leaders must give clear, concise orders that cannot be misunderstood, and
then by close supervision, ensure that these orders are properly executed.
Before you can expect your men to perform, they must know what is expected
of them.
- The most important part of this principle is the accomplishment of the mission.
In order to develop this principle you should:
- Issue every order as if it were your own
- Use the established chain of command
- Encourage subordinates to ask questions concerning any point in your
orders or directives they do not understand
- Question subordinates to determine if there is any doubt or
misunderstanding in regard to the task to be accomplished
- Supervise the execution of your orders
- Exercise care and thought in supervision; over supervision will hurt initiative
and create resentment, while under supervision will not get the job done
Train Your Marines And Sailors As A Team
- Teamwork is the key to successful operations. Teamwork is essential from the
smallest unit to the entire Marine Corps. As a leader, you must insist on
teamwork from your Marines. Train, play and operate as a team. Be sure that
each Marine knows his/her position and responsibilities within the team
framework.
- To develop the techniques of this principle you should:
- Stay sharp by continuously studying and training
- Encourage unit participation in recreational and military events
- Do not publicly blame an individual for the team’s failure or praise just an
individual for the team’s success
- Ensure that training is meaningful, and that the purpose is clear to all
members of the command
- Train your team based on realistic conditions
- Insist that every person understands the functions of the other members of
the team and the function of the team as part of the unit
Make Sound And Timely Decisions
- The leader must be able to rapidly estimate a situation and make a sound
decision based on that estimation. Hesitation or a reluctance to make a
decision leads subordinates to lose confidence in your abilities as a leader.
Loss of confidence in turn creates confusion and hesitation within the unit.
- Techniques to develop this principle include:
- Developing a logical and orderly thought process by practicing objective
estimates of the situation
- When time and situation permit planning for every possible event that can
reasonably be foreseen
- Considering the advice and suggestions of your subordinates before making
decisions
- Considering the effects of your decisions on all members of your unit
Develop A Sense Of Responsibility Among Your Subordinates
- Another way to show your Marines you are interested in their welfare is to give
them the opportunity for professional development. Assigning tasks and
delegating authority promotes mutual confidence and respect between leader
and subordinates. It also encourages subordinates to exercise initiative and to
give wholehearted cooperation in accomplishment of unit tasks. When you
properly delegate authority, you demonstrate faith in your Marines and increase
authority, and increase their desire for greater responsibilities.
- To develop this principle you should:
- Operate through the chain of command
- Provide clear, well thought out directions
- Give your subordinates frequent opportunities to perform duties normally
performed by senior personnel
- Be quick to recognize your subordinates’ accomplishments when they
demonstrate initiative and resourcefulness
- Correct errors in judgment and initiative in a way, which will encourage the
individual to try harder
- Give advice and assistance freely when your subordinates request it
- Resist the urge to micro manage
- Be prompt and fair in backing subordinates
- Accept responsibility willingly and insist that your subordinates live by the
same standard
Employ Your Command Within its Capabilities
- A leader must have a thorough knowledge of the tactical and technical
capabilities of the command. Successful completion of a task depends upon
how well you know your unit’s capabilities. If the task assigned is one that your
unit has not been trained to do, failure is very likely to occur. Failures lower
your unit’s morale and self esteem. Seek out challenging tasks for your unit,
but be sure that your unit is prepared for and has the ability to successfully
complete the mission.
- Techniques for development of this principle are to:
- Avoid volunteering your unit for tasks that are beyond their capabilities
- Be sure that tasks assigned to subordinates are reasonable
- Assign tasks equally among your subordinates
- Use the full capabilities of your unit before requesting assistance
Seek Responsibilities And Take Responsibility
- For professional development, you must actively seek out challenging
assignments. You must use initiative and sound judgment when trying to
accomplish jobs that are required by your grade. Seeking responsibilities also
means that you take responsibility for your actions. Regardless of the actions
of your subordinates, the responsibility for decisions and their application falls
on you.
- Techniques in developing this principle are to:
- Learn the duties of your immediate senior, and be prepared to accept the
responsibilities of these duties
- Seek a variety of leadership positions that will give you experience in
accepting responsibility in different fields
- Take every opportunity that offers increased responsibility
- Perform every task, no matter whether it is top secret or seemingly trivial, to
the best of your ability
- Stand up for what you think is right. Have courage in your convictions
- Carefully evaluate a subordinate’s failure before taking action against that
subordinate
- In the absence of orders, take the initiative to perform the actions you
believe your senior would direct you to perform if present
REFERENCE
MCRP 6-11B, Marine Corps Values: Appendix A, B
REV: July 2008
