Lead.Manage.Succeed

Tag: ethics

  • Leadership Beyond Traits: Introducing the 11 Principles of Marine Corps Leadership

    🧠 Leadership Beyond Traits: Introducing the 11 Principles of Marine Corps Leadership

    Leadership isn’t just about who you are, it’s about what you do.

    In our last series, we explored the 14 traits of Marine Corps leadership through the lens of JJDIDTIEBUCKLE. Those traits, justice, judgment, dependability, and more, form the character of a leader. But character alone doesn’t build teams, solve problems, or inspire action. That’s where principles come in.

    This new series will walk through the 11 Marine Corps Leadership Principles, timeless, actionable guidelines that help leaders turn values into behavior.

    These principles were forged in the crucible of command, refined through decades of Marine Corps doctrine, and tested in every environment from boot camp to combat zones. They’re not reserved for those in uniform, either. They apply to parents, teachers, coaches, mentors, and anyone who chooses to lead with purpose.

    If traits are the ingredients of leadership, principles are the recipe. Traits define your potential, but principles determine your impact.

    🎓 What You’ll Gain from This Series:

    • Clarity on what effective leadership looks like in practice
    • Reflection prompts to help you assess and grow your own leadership
    • Real-world examples that show these principles in action
    • Challenges to apply each principle in your daily life

    Whether you’re leading a team, guiding a family, or simply trying to be better than you were yesterday, these principles offer a roadmap. They’re not about perfection, they’re about progress.

    🔍 Applied Leadership: Marine Corps vs Civilian Contexts

    PrincipleMilitary ApplicationCivilian Application
    Know yourself and seek self-improvementRegular self-assessment and fitness reportsPersonal development plans and feedback loops
    Be technically and tactically proficientMastering MOS and operational doctrineExcelling in your professional skillset
    Develop a sense of responsibility among your subordinatesDelegating authority and mentoring junior MarinesEmpowering team members and fostering accountability
    Make sound and timely decisionsRapid decision-making in high-stakes environmentsBalancing speed and judgment in business or family settings
    Set the exampleUpholding standards in uniform and conductModeling behavior and values in everyday life
    Know your Marines and look out for their welfareUnderstanding personal and professional needsSupporting well-being and morale of your team or family
    Keep your Marines informedClear communication of mission and intentTransparency in goals, changes, and expectations
    Seek responsibility and take responsibility for your actionsVolunteering for leadership roles and owning mistakesTaking initiative and being accountable in all roles
    Ensure assigned tasks are understood, supervised, and accomplishedMission clarity and oversightProject management and follow-through
    Train your Marines as a teamUnit cohesion through drills and exercisesBuilding collaboration through shared goals and practice
    Employ your command in accordance with its capabilitiesStrategic use of personnel and resourcesAligning strengths with tasks and scaling appropriately

    🫠 The 11 Marine Corps Leadership Principles

    1. 🔍 Know yourself and seek self-improvement, Growth starts with self-awareness.
    2. 🛠️ Be technically and tactically proficient, Master your craft to lead with confidence.
    3. 🤝 Develop a sense of responsibility among your subordinates, Empower others to own their roles.
    4. ⏱️ Make sound and timely decisions, Act decisively, especially under pressure.
    5. 🧑‍✈️ Set the example, Model the standards you expect.
    6. ❤️ Know your Marines and look out for their welfare, Leadership is personal, care builds trust.
    7. 📣 Keep your Marines informed, Transparency strengthens teams.
    8. 🔍 Seek responsibility and take responsibility for your actions, Step up and own your outcomes.
    9. ✅ Ensure assigned tasks are understood, supervised, and accomplished, Clarity and follow-through matter.
    10. 🧑‍🧳‍🧑 Train your Marines as a team, Cohesion is built through shared effort.
    11. 🌟 Employ your command in accordance with its capabilities, Align strengths with mission demands.

    🫤 Final Formation

    Leadership is a journey. These 11 principles are your next step.

    Disclaimer: The views expressed in this post reflect those of the author and the author alone.

  • Knowledgeable: A Leader Who Knows, Goes, and Shows

    Knowledgeable: A Leader Who Knows, Goes, and Shows

    In the pursuit of leadership, knowledge isn’t just power, it’s responsibility. Being knowledgeable means more than retaining facts or mastering systems. It means embodying what you understand, making decisions informed by both insight and experience, and guiding others with clarity and conviction.

    John C. Maxwell summed it up best: “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”1 This quote captures the essence of knowledgeable leadership, they know what needs to happen they walk the path all the while illuminating it for others.

    Parallels Between Military and Civilian Leadership

    📊 Military leadership emphasizes structure, discipline, and chain of command, while civilian leadership often focuses on adaptability, collaboration, and innovation. Despite these differences, both share the need for knowledgeable leaders who can inspire and guide their teams effectively.

    Examples of Knowledgeable Leadership

    AspectMilitary LeadershipCivilian Leadership
    Decision-MakingRapid, mission-focused decisionsStrategic, long-term planning
    Team BuildingCohesion through shared goals and disciplineCollaboration through shared objectives
    Crisis ManagementImmediate response to high-pressure situationsAdaptive solutions to evolving challenges

    Ways to Improve Knowledge as a Leader

    📚 – Continuous Learning: Attend workshops, read books, and stay updated on industry trends.

    💬 – Seek Feedback: Regularly ask for input from seniors, peers, and subordinates to identify areas for growth.

    🤝 – Mentorship: Learn from experienced leaders and share your knowledge with others.

    🛠️ – Practical Experience: Take on challenging projects to apply and expand your knowledge.

    🌐 – Networking: Build relationships with professionals in your field to exchange insights and ideas.

    Expanding Knowledgeable Leadership

    The Role of Emotional Intelligence

    💡 Knowledgeable leaders understand that emotional intelligence is key to effective leadership. By recognizing and managing their own emotions, as well as empathizing with others, leaders can build stronger relationships and foster a positive team environment. I was once told that people with high EQ (emotional intelligence) often make the best leaders. I believe that to be so because all the leaders that I have known, and over 28 years of serving with the best leaders in the world in the best leadership organization, I would have to agree. An authentic leader who can pick up on the tone of the room can identity what needs to be done to sway room and will build confidence in the future. This is someone that people will follow to the ends of the earth and beyond.

    Cultural Competence in Leadership

    🌍 In an increasingly globalized world, cultural competence is essential for knowledgeable leaders. Understanding and respecting diverse perspectives allows leaders to navigate complex social dynamics and avoid making cultural blunders at the expense of reputation. Know cultural norms, mores, and values this builds trust and shows you’re authentic and interested.

    Technology and Innovation

    🚀 Staying ahead in the digital age requires leaders to embrace technology and innovation. Knowledgeable leaders leverage tools and platforms to streamline processes, enhance communication, and drive progress. If it can be automated, then automate to free up human capital to do the higher level thinking that we are all capable of and unlock peoples innovation and creativity.

    The 3000-Year-Old Mind

    📜 Knowledgeable leaders understand the value of learning from history. By studying the works and experiences of those who came before us, we can cultivate the 3000-year-old mind. This approach allows leaders to avoid the pitfalls of others on the road to greatness and build on the wisdom of the past. Knowledge is power not just the power of rank or title, but the power to inspire and lead others through understanding and insight. The Marine Corps has really ingrained the 3000-year-old mind idea into their organizational leaders at all levels through reading lists, professional military education, tactical decision games, and online learning venues just to name a few tools they use.

    Real-Life Examples of Knowledgeable Leadership

    • Military Example: General Dwight D. Eisenhower’s strategic planning during World War II showcased his deep understanding of logistics and coalition-building.2
    • Civilian Example: Steve Jobs’ leadership at Apple exemplified visionary thinking and innovation, transforming the company into a global leader in technology and design.

    Actionable Tips for Aspiring Leaders

    🎯 – Develop a Learning Plan: Set specific goals for acquiring new skills and knowledge.

    🔍 – Engage in Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Explore topics outside your immediate field to gain broader insights.

    🗣️ – Participate in Leadership Forums: Join discussions and workshops to exchange ideas with other leaders.

    🔄 – Reflect and Adapt: Regularly assess your leadership style and make adjustments based on feedback and outcomes.

    Final Formation

    📖 Knowledgeable leadership is not a destination but a journey. It requires continuous learning, adaptability, and a commitment to growth. The best leaders are lifelong learners. By embracing the principles outlined in this blog, leaders can inspire their teams, navigate challenges, and leave a lasting impact. .

    Let’s lead with knowledge, empathy, and innovation—because the world needs leaders who know, go, and show.

    1: John C. Maxwell, “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership.”

    2: Eisenhower, Dwight D., “Crusade in Europe.”

  • Courage: The Backbone of Leadership

    Courage: The Backbone of Leadership

    Courage is the cornerstone of effective leadership, and it holds a special place in the JJDIDTIEBUCKLE series. This series, which highlights the core traits of leadership, emphasizes the importance of moral and physical courage in navigating challenges and inspiring others.

    Courage is not the absence of fear but the ability to face it head-on. It is about taking risks, standing up for what is right, and persevering in the face of adversity. Whether it’s making tough decisions, admitting mistakes, or defending your values, courage is the trait that enables leaders to act with integrity and conviction.

    🛡️ The USMC Definition of Courage

    The United States Marine Corps (USMC) defines courage as “the mental, moral, and physical strength ingrained in Marines. It steadies them in times of stress, carries them through every challenge, and aids them in facing fear and overcoming adversity with resolve.”1 This definition underscores the essence of courage as a steadfast force that empowers individuals to confront fear and adversity with resolve.

    ⚖️ Courageous Leadership

    Courageous leadership is about distinguishing between doing things right and doing the right things. While doing things right focuses on efficiency and adherence to rules, doing the right things emphasizes moral integrity and ethical decision-making. As the adage goes, “What’s wrong is wrong, even if everyone is doing it. What’s right is right, even if no one is doing it.” This principle serves as a guiding light for leaders who strive to uphold ethical standards and make decisions that align with their values.

    🌟 Everyday Acts of Courage

    Courage manifests in various forms, shaping the way leaders interact with their teams and communities. It is present in everyday decisions and actions, from admitting a mistake to supporting a colleague. Courageous leaders are unafraid to challenge authority or the status quo when necessary. They understand the importance of voicing concerns and advocating for change, even in the face of opposition.

    🌍 Courage Across Contexts

    In both the military and the corporate world, courage is a universal trait that transcends environments. Military leaders must make quick, high-stakes decisions under pressure, while corporate executives face critical choices that can shape the future of their organizations. Both understand the importance of fostering trust and unity within their teams, inspiring loyalty and collaboration.

    AspectMilitary LeadershipBusiness Leadership
    Decision-MakingCourage to make quick, high-stakes decisions under pressureCourage to make strategic, long-term decisions with organizational impact
    Team DynamicsCourage to foster trust and unity in high-stress environmentsCourage to build collaboration and loyalty across diverse teams
    Risk ManagementCourage to take calculated risks with potential life-or-death consequencesCourage to balance innovation with financial and reputational risks
    Ethical StandardsCourage to uphold strict codes of conduct and honorCourage to navigate complex ethical dilemmas in a competitive market

    🎖️ Final Formation

    Courage is the backbone of leadership, and it’s a trait that deserves to be celebrated and cultivated. Let it guide you as you navigate the complexities of leadership and strive to make a positive impact. As Billy Graham said, “Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened.”2 And as John Wayne famously remarked, “Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway.”3

    Footnotes:

    1. The USMC definition of courage is sourced from the Leading Marines publication, which outlines the core leadership traits that define the Marine ethos.
    2. Billy Graham’s quote originates from his 1964 Reader’s Digest article, “A Time for Moral Courage,” where he emphasized the ripple effect of moral courage in inspiring others to act with integrity.
    3. John Wayne’s quote highlights the essence of courage as action in the face of fear, encapsulating the spirit of resilience and determination.

  • Unselfishness: The Leadership Trait That Commands Loyalty Without Demanding It

     Unselfishness: The Leadership Trait That Commands Loyalty Without Demanding It

    In the long march of leadership, one trait keeps proving itself in the field and in the boardroom: unselfishness. It’s not a buzzword. It’s the difference between managing and leading. Between commanding and inspiring.

    Those who lead with unselfishness don’t just hold positions they earn devotion. They don’t win compliance through rank. They win followership through sacrifice.

    🎖️ From the Battlefield to the Breakroom: Unselfishness in Action

    Whether you’re wearing combat boots or dress shoes, the fundamentals are strikingly similar. In the military, leadership starts with service. Officers eat last. They train with their troops. They are at point of friction, and they make the hard calls often quietly, and almost always with others in mind.

    The Marine Corps defines unselfishness as the “avoidance of providing for one’s own comfort and personal advancement at the expense of others.” It’s not just generosity it’s a mindset that puts mission over self and team over ego.

    In business, leadership should echo the same ethic. When managers handle heavy lifting, absorb pressure, and push credit toward their teams, they create loyalty no paycheck can buy.

    📊 Military vs. Business Leadership Applications

    Leadership QualityMilitary ApplicationBusiness Application
    Lead by ExampleTrain and endure alongside your unitTackle high-pressure work with your team
    Share PowerDelegate to build readiness and trustEmpower autonomy and accountability
    Mission Over SelfPrioritize the operation over egoFocus on purpose, not promotion
    Team LoyaltyNever leave anyone behindBack your team through wins and weather

    🛠️ How to Lead Unselfishly, Every Day

    • Take Initiative Before You’re Asked
      Spot pain points. Remove roadblocks. Be the teammate who eases burdens without being told.
    • Remove Obstacles Quietly
      Ask “What’s slowing us down?” then act. Leadership isn’t about being seen it’s about making sure others can move forward.
    • Give Credit, Hold the Blame
      Success? Spotlight your team. Failure? Take responsibility. It builds trust brick by brick.
    • Empower with Trust
      Share responsibility. Let others shine. Leadership is not a solo act it’s a stage for many.
    • Model Generosity That Costs Something
      Real unselfishness is inconvenient. That’s what makes it powerful. Give your time, your attention, your praise freely.
    • Win People, Not Just Titles
      Rank earns obedience. Unselfishness earns loyalty. If you’re respected beyond your role, you’re truly leading.

    🫡 Final Formation

    Unselfish leaders don’t ask for loyalty they earn it. They don’t demand respect, they generate it. The deepest kind of influence comes not from titles or policy, but from the kind of leadership that rolls up sleeves, stays late, and lifts others up being a bucket filler and not a bucket dipper.

    If you’re building a legacy, not just a career, then commit to unselfishness as your operational standard. Because teams won’t remember your title in five years. They’ll remember how you made them feel under pressure, how you led when it counted, and how you put the mission and the team ahead of yourself.

    This is the kind of leadership that lasts.

  • Integrity and Ethics: The Unshakable Core of Leadership

    Integrity and Ethics: The Unshakable Core of Leadership

    Leadership is not just about making decisions, it is about making the right, most ethical decisions. In both the military and business worlds, integrity and ethics are not secondary considerations; they are the forefront of decision-making and trust-building. Without them, leadership crumbles, and organizations rot from within, much like a piece of wood with its heartwood decayed.

    Integrity and Ethics: The Foundation of Trust

    Trust is the currency of leadership. Subordinates and juniors must believe that their leaders are guided not just by strategy, but by moral clarity. They need confidence that orders are given with honor, decisions are made with fairness, and accountability is upheld without compromise.

    In the military, a platoon follows their commander into battle because they trust that their leader is acting in their best interest not for personal gain or misguided ambition. In business, employees rally behind an executive who leads with honesty, ensuring that policies are fair and practices are ethical. Without that foundation, doubt creeps in, morale declines, and the organization’s core begins to rot.

    Decision-Making Rooted in Integrity

    Decisiveness without integrity leads to reckless, destructive choices. A strong leader does not just act quickly, they act rightly. Structured decision-making tools, like SWOT analysis, force field analysis, and OODA loops, work best when rooted in ethical leadership. An unethical leader may manipulate these frameworks to justify deceitful actions, but an honorable leader uses them to enhance transparency, fairness, and accountability.

    Leaders with integrity-based decisiveness ensure that every choice aligns with a higher standard. They ask:

    • Is this decision ethical?
    • Does it uphold our values and the trust of our people?
    • Would I stand by this choice under scrutiny?

    Making ethical choices strengthens leadership credibility, reinforcing a culture where subordinates feel secure in following orders, executing strategies, and trusting that they are part of something honorable.

    The Rot of Corrupt Leadership

    A leader without integrity is like a tree whose heartwood is rotten. On the surface, it may seem strong, but the core is hollow ready to collapse under pressure. Organizations led by unethical figures eventually crumble under their own deceit.

    History has shown that military units collapse when leaders prioritize personal survival over honor. Businesses implode when executives engage in fraud or mistreatment of employees. No amount of skill, intelligence, or decisiveness can salvage an organization that lacks ethical leadership.

    The Enduring Legacy of Ethical Leadership

    Marines, soldiers, and professionals alike follow leaders who embody trust, honesty, and fairness. Whether commanding troops or running a business, the most respected leaders leave behind a legacy of integrity-driven decision-making.

    An honorable leader understands that ethics are not a restriction, they are the true power behind strong leadership. A leader who prioritizes integrity inspires loyalty, builds lasting trust, and ensures that their influence extends beyond their immediate sphere of control.