Marine Corp 14 Leadership Traits Essay

The most profound and scariest ability of a Marine is the Quiet Courage. Even though not everyday a Marine comes to that point, it is a skill that takes time, blood, sweat and tears to achieve. Physically saying something is important, but body language is the most

“In order to be a good leader, there are two things to remember. Lead from the Front and always set the Example. From these two leadership principles, everything else will fall into place.”

-Loyalty:   Respect the Corps, and a leader’s Marines.   Leaders display their loyalty to their Marines by taking care of the Marines’ needs.

A good leader in the United States Army is made-up of several different essential characteristics. As soon to become leaders in our profession, is our individual responsibility to know, understand and apply these characteristics in the way we conduct ourselves every day. Because we are the role models for soldiers to follow not only in our job but also in our personal life. Stewardship of the Army profession in one of these mayor characteristics of a good leader in our career. Being a steward of the profession, focuses in three mayor traits: character, competence and commitment.

An Army Leader is able and willing to act decisively, within the intent and purpose of his superior leaders, and in the best interest of the organization. Army leaders recognize that organizations built on mutual trust and confidence, successfully accomplish peacetime and wartime missions.” (2006, P. Viii). Balance molds a leader and in turn, an effective leader is a proactive person who works a whole lot smarter. President George Bush (1997) states, “Leadership to me means duty, honor, and country; It means character and it means listening from time to time.” (Adrain, p. 35).

Honor, Respecting the ones in charge. Courage, making good decisions. Commitment, having fair treatment to all. Joining JROTC was one of the best decisions I've made in my life. I see the world way differently than when I was younger. Honor, Courage, Commitment, three simple, yet, the most important core values I try to follow on a daily basis. Being honorable, not only telling the truth, but also, being respectful to the authorities. Courage, not only being brave, but making good decisions will help you become a better leader. Commitment, coming together as a T.E.A.M, together everyone achieves more. Three things I will always remember to follow are there Navy core values, honor, courage, commitment. I am honorable at all times, commitment to work together, and having the courage to make good decisions. I am a South Side, Navy, JROTC, Cadet and I'm very proud on who I've became. Oh yes, I

Honor, Courage, and Commitment are not just values I learned in boot camp. They are the guiding principles and morale’s that were instilled in me by my grandfather as a child and by my faith as an adult. Being privileged to the role of a naval officer its essential, that we not only understand these values but that they become our way of life.

The Marine Corps has 11 Leadership Principles. Of the eleven, there is one that states, “Seek Responsibility and Take Responsibility.” This is instilled in every Marine from Private (Enlisted-1) to General (Officer-10). Throughout the Bible, God placed responsibility upon His people and expected them to act accordingly. However, He did not punish the son for the father’s sin and vice-versa. There were times in the Old Testament that this occurred. For example, with Achan (Jos. 7:14-15) when he stole spoils from battle, did not confess it, and he along with his family was killed. Another instance happened when the accusers of Daniel and their families were thrown in the Lion’s Den (Dan. 6:24). Sande states, “Another way to avoid responsibility for our sins is to shift the blame to others or to say that they made us act the way we did.”

Leaders should be able to make these big decisions with all his confidence projecting out with his military bearing. A leader should look like a leader, disciplined, confident, and has the skills and abilities to persuade and provide their subordinates with the motivation, direction and purpose so as to accomplish a mission without being easily rattled by problems that arises.

1     What are the Marine Corps' leadership traits?     Judgment, Justice, Decisiveness, Integrity, Discipline, Tact, Initiative, Enthusiasm, Bearing, Unselfishness, Courage, Knowledge, Loyalty, Endurance

After completing the assigned Leadership Style Survey, I discovered that I mostly demonstrate the participative leadership style. According to my other survey responses, I also strongly exhibit delegative leadership traits and that I infrequently use autocratic leadership. The survey allowed my to better pinpoint my leadership traits and provided me with the opportunity to reflect on how I rationalize my make decisions. By completing the survey I learned that I am the type of leader who values others and encourages global participation. I also empower others by delegating responsibilities and promote fairness by seeking a consensus when possible. Finally, although I do not use autocratic leadership

Everyday humans experience the driving force of leadership as leaders exist everywhere within our society. Leaders help convey global messages, they help unite followers under a common purpose and motivate the public to get involved. Leadership, whether it be in a social setting or within the workforce is often a sought after role, so much so that “for decades, hundreds of leadership scholars have attempted to define the term, postulate theories, conduct research, and write about the topic…”(Komives, Lucas, McMahon, T. (2006). Exploring Leadership), all in hopes of discovering how to become a better leader. Through taking Leadership Studies I have been able to more closely identify the leadership traits within myself, as well as use my knowledge of my own self-identification to better enact my leadership style amongst those around me.

However, creating the harmonisation and the collaboration between the situational factors and the leader are essential to determine leader’s effectiveness.

When asked to define leadership, I think most people will reflect to someone who has made a significant impact on their lives—a leader. In some, leadership is an inherent trait, in others it is learned quality. As a leader in the military, I can say that leadership is undoubtedly a quality that is expected of a person, to an extent, at entry level; the rest is developed and cultivated by our mentors and life experience. I can think of two people who I can attribute my leadership values to, although credit is due in countless places. Senior Chief Roy Davis, my EDMC on the USS BUFFALO, was a gruff individual. He had rough edges, a mean scowl, and his words were harsh. But even so, he had a way about him that let me know he cared about my future and showed me my potential as a sailor. He questioned everything I did, told me I’d done a good job when it was due, and always asked how I could do more. He fostered an environment that relied on respect, trust, and knowledge. My father also played a strong influential role in the leader I am today. Although he never served in the military, he was well versed in just about every subject, and provided for me a sounding board to bounce my ideas off. I trusted him and knew I could rely on his judgement and advice. When I was young, he told me that had to respect people. Reflecting on his choice of words, I’m able to gain more insight on his specific view points on behaviors associated with a leader. Because of my father, I can accept a person for who they are, and despite any shortcomings, respect them anyway. “Leaders work in and with relationships, and whether between nations, races, religions, cultures, organizations, groups, or individuals, a major potential for harmony or conflict is rooted profoundly in respect or disrespect.” (DeLellis, 2000)

Throughout my life, I have multiple opportunities to experience the qualities of being a successful, effective leader. These opportunities have originated throughout the experiences of my career in athletics, playing on both high school and college football teams, being a group leader in my church, and also being a part of a family. I have gained substantial qualities that constitute a good leader through these life experiences. Some of the most valuable leadership characteristics that I have obtained, and strengthened, on day-to-day basis, include knowing how to be an overall team player, how to be a healthier listener, how to have more patience and understanding, how to be not fearful of constructive criticism, how to be outspoken, and how to be an effective problem solver. Even though I have made countless strides in particular areas, I have additional room for growth, in an effort to become an even better, effective leader.