USMC Leadership Traits #2

[Modified to be applied to Business by Wiz4biz]

from Basic Officer’s School, US Marine Corp 7/13 enhanced by Peter/CXO Wiz4biz

DECISIVENESS. 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 sufficient facts in a circumstance, weigh the facts, choose a course of action – which seems best. It is often better that a decision be made promptly, than a potentially better decision 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.

ENDURANCE. The mental & physical stamina measured by the ability to withstand pain, fatigue, stress, & hardship
Significance. The quality of withstanding pain during a conditioning situation – in order to improve stamina – is crucial in the development of leadership. Leaders are responsible for leading their units in physical & mental endeavors and for motivating them as well.
Example. An administrator who works all night to ensure that promotion/pay problems are corrected – as quickly as humanly possible – because he/she realizes that only through this effort can one of his/her Marines receive badly needed back-pay the following morning.

INITIATIVE. Taking action in the absence of orders.
Significance. Since an NCO [Non-Commissioned Officer] often works without close supervision, emphasis is placed on being a self-starter. Initiative is a founding principle of Marine Corps philosophy.
Example. In the unexplained absence of the Officer or Sergeant, an NCO takes charge of the platoon and carries out the training schedule.

INTEGRITY. Uprightness of character & soundness of moral principles. The quality of truthfulness & honesty.
Significance. A Marine’s “word” is his/her “bond”. Nothing less than complete honesty in all of your dealings with subordinates, peers, & 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. During an inspection, if something goes wrong or is not corrected as had been previously directed, he/she can be counted upon to always respond truthfully & honestly.

JUDGMENT. The ability to weigh facts & possible courses of action, in order to make sound decisions.
Significance. Sound judgment allows a leader to make appropriate decisions in the guidance & training of his/her people and the deployment of his/her unit. A Marine who exercises good judgment weighs pros & cons accordingly, to arrive at an appropriate decision & take proper action.
Example. A Marine properly apportions his/her free “Liberty” time in order to relax as well as to study.

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