UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
Field Medical Training Battalion
Camp Lejeune
FMST 1104
Traits
and Principles of Marine Corps Leadership
TERMINAL LEARNING
OBJECTIVES
-
In a military environment, identify the leadership traits and
principles of the Marine Corps, per the reference. (FMST-HSS-1104)
ENABLING LEARNING
OBJECTIVES
-
Without the aid of references, given a description or title, identify
the leadership trait, per the student handout. (FMST-HSS-1104a)
Without the aid of references, given a description or title, identify
the leadership principle, per the student handout. (FMST-HSS-1104b)
1.
INTRODUCTION
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 Bonze star with “V” device, the Bronze Star,
the Air Medal and the Purple Heart. |
“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
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
Traits & Principles Review
1. Match the Trait with the
appropriate definition.
Courage
______ A. The ability to
deal with others
Endurance
______ B. Uprightness of
character
Unselfishness
______ C. Mental and
physical stamina
Tact
______ D. Avoiding one’s
personal comfort at the expense of others
Integrity
______ E. Proceeding in
the face of danger
2. State the three leadership
principles that you believe are the most important.
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
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