Lead.Manage.Succeed

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  • 🔲 Principle# 11: Seek Responsibility and Take Responsibility for Your Actions.

    🔲 Principle# 11: Seek Responsibility and Take Responsibility for Your Actions.

    🎯 Introduction

    Leadership is both art and discipline. Across this series we have explored eleven principles that shape resilient leaders, whether in uniform or in the boardroom. In this final principle, Seek responsibility and take responsibility for your actions, we close the loop. The journey began with self-awareness, moved through technical proficiency, care for your people, communication, example-setting, supervision, teamwork, decision-making, responsibility development, capability alignment, and now culminates in accountability.

    📖 Core Concepts

    Seeking responsibility means leaning into challenges rather than avoiding them. Taking responsibility means owning outcomes, both successes and failures. Together, they form the backbone of trust.

    • People follow leaders who stand firm when things go wrong. Accountability builds emotional trust.
    • Leaders who accept responsibility demonstrate integrity, reinforcing their credibility.
    • Without responsibility, systems collapse. Accountability ensures lessons are learned and progress continues.

    Sage advice: The price of leadership is responsibility. Responsibility is not a burden, it is the privilege of leadership.

    💡 Core Insight

    Accountability is the bridge between vision and execution. Leaders who embrace responsibility empower their teams to act boldly, knowing their leader will stand with them. This principle transforms mistakes into lessons and victories into shared triumphs.

    📋 Military to Civilian Translation

    Military PrincipleCivilian EquivalentWhy It Matters
    Seek responsibilityVolunteer for projectsShows initiative and builds credibility
    Take responsibilityOwn outcomesBuilds trust and prevents blame culture
    Command accountabilityProject ownershipEnsures clarity and sustainable progress
    After-action reviewPost-project debriefTurns mistakes into learning opportunities

    🚀 Practical Applications for New Leaders

    Start small and volunteer for tasks. Be the one who says, “I’ll take that.” These small wins build momentum, gradually making you the go-to person and establishing a reputation for initiative. Seeking responsibility naturally leads to more responsibility and a strong leadership presence.

    Begin by taking on manageable tasks and offering to help without waiting to be asked. Each small success builds your confidence and credibility, positioning you as a reliable and proactive leader. Over time, this momentum attracts greater responsibilities and solidifies your reputation for initiative and dependability.

    💣 Pathos, Ethos, and Logos of Responsibility

    Understanding the power of responsibility in leadership starts by exploring its emotional, ethical, and logical dimensions:

    • Pathos (Emotion): Taking responsibility connects deeply with the emotional fabric of leadership. It builds trust and respect by showing vulnerability and courage. Leaders who own their actions inspire loyalty and motivate their teams through authentic emotional connection.
    • Ethos (Credibility): Responsibility is the cornerstone of a leader’s character. When leaders seek and take responsibility, they demonstrate integrity, authenticity, and reliability. This builds their credibility and earns the unwavering trust of those they lead.
    • Logos (Logic): The rational case for responsibility is clear: it drives problem-solving, continuous improvement, and sustainable leadership. Accountability prevents blame culture, fosters learning, and ensures forward progress through reasoned action.

    Together, these appeals create a compelling and holistic case for why responsibility is both the price and privilege of leadership.

    💬 Discussion Prompt

    Think about a time when you stepped forward to take responsibility for a project or decision. How did it change the way others saw you, and how did it change the way you saw yourself?

    🏁 Final Formation

    We began by telling you that accountability is the capstone of leadership. We explored how seeking responsibility demonstrates initiative, and how taking responsibility cements trust. We showed how this principle connects military discipline with civilian leadership.

    Leaders who embrace responsibility transform challenges into opportunities, mistakes into lessons, and victories into shared success. Accountability is not the end of leadership, it is the beginning of trust.

    Disclaimer: The views expressed in this post reflect those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of any organization or institution.

  • Principle #9 Develop a Sense of Responsibility Among Subordinates

    🎯 Introduction

    Leadership is a journey of cultivating responsibility through challenge, nurture, accomplishment, and shared roles. In this post, we will tell you how leaders develop responsibility by sharpening each other like steel, molding minds like clay, fostering motivation through accomplishment, and building interconnected teams like a well-planned fire defense.

    🔥 Core Concepts

    🔥 The Forge of Leadership: Steel Sharpening Steel

    Leadership is a dynamic, reciprocal process much like steel sharpening steel. When two blades rub together, the friction hones their edges, making each sharper and stronger. This metaphor captures the essence of how leaders and followers engage in mutual growth. Through constructive feedback, accountability, and shared challenges, they push each other beyond comfort zones. This friction is not conflict but a refining force that sharpens skills, hones character and deepens responsibility. Just as steel becomes stronger and more resilient through contact with another blade, leaders and their teams become more capable and prepared through this ongoing process of sharpening.

    • Create a culture of open feedback
    • Set clear expectations for accountability
    • Challenge team members to step outside their comfort zones When everyone participates in this sharpening process, skills and character are honed, and responsibility deepens.

    🏺 The Sculptor’s Touch: Molding Minds Like Clay

    Leadership also requires the patience and care of a sculptor molding clay. Unlike steel, clay is soft and malleable, shaped deliberately over time. Leaders must nurture the mindset and character of their people with consistent guidance and reinforcement. This process develops what might be called the “give a crap” factor, the intrinsic motivation to care deeply about one’s role, the team, and the mission. Like a sculptor shaping clay, leaders patiently mold attitudes and behaviors, helping individuals internalize responsibility as a core value. This shaping is gradual and requires empathy, persistence, and a clear vision of the desired outcome.

    • Providing consistent coaching and mentoring
    • Reinforcing positive behaviors and attitudes
    • Demonstrating empathy and persistence This gradual shaping helps individuals internalize responsibility as a core value.

    🌟 Developing Responsibility Through Accomplishment and Servant Leadership

    An important theory that complements these leadership principles is the Broken Windows Theory, which emphasizes how small signs of disorder can lead to larger issues if left unaddressed. In leadership and community development, this theory highlights the importance of maintaining standards and accountability to foster responsibility.

    In neighborhoods and teams, addressing minor problems early, like a broken window or a missed task, prevents decline and encourages collective care. Leaders who apply this mindset cultivate a culture where everyone feels responsible for the health and success of the group. This proactive approach strengthens the “give a crap” factor, motivating individuals to uphold standards and contribute positively.

    By integrating the Broken Windows Theory, leaders can develop responsibility not only within their teams but also in broader communities, encouraging vigilance, pride, and mutual support that keep environments safe and thriving.

    A vital part of cultivating responsibility is fostering a sense of accomplishment. Completing tasks and receiving positive reinforcement fuels confidence and motivation. This cycle is central to servant leadership, where leaders empower others to succeed and grow. Recognition and tangible impact deepen commitment, creating a culture where responsibility is embraced and celebrated. When people see the results of their efforts and feel valued, their “give a crap” factor strengthens, reinforcing the sculptor’s work and the sharpening process.

    • Celebrate completed tasks and milestones
    • Offer positive reinforcement regularly
    • Empower team members to take ownership and grow When people see the impact of their efforts, their commitment and sense of responsibility are strengthened.

    🥧 The Leadership Pie: Interlocking Roles and Shared Responsibility

    Leadership is also like a pie, each person holds a slice, essential to the whole. Imagine this pie as a fire plan in a defensive position, with interlocking fields of fire covering every sector. Defilades, areas hidden from direct view, are protected by indirect fire. Similarly, every team member’s role interlocks with others, ensuring no gaps in coverage or responsibility. This interconnectedness builds a resilient, effective team where every part supports the whole. Each slice matters, and the strength of the leadership pie depends on how well these slices fit and function together.

    • Defining clear roles and responsibilities
    • Encouraging collaboration and support across roles
    • Ensuring every member understands how their work fits into the bigger picture The strength of the team depends on how well these slices fit together.

    Sage Advice:

    This is where leaders must have patience and trust the process, have a vision, and measure the progress against the plan.

    📊 Military to Civilian Translation Table

    Military ConceptCivilian Leadership Equivalent
    Steel sharpening steelPeer-to-peer constructive feedback and growth
    Molding clayCoaching and mentoring to develop mindset and values
    Servant leadershipEmpowering team members to take ownership and grow
    Fire plan with interlocking fields of fireCoordinated teamwork with overlapping responsibilities

    💡 Core Insights

    • Leadership responsibility grows through mutual challenge and support, embodying the ethos of credibility and trust that leaders build through consistent, honest engagement.
    • Patience and empathy are essential to shaping attitudes and motivation, appealing to pathos by connecting emotionally to the intrinsic values and care leaders cultivate.
    • Positive reinforcement and accomplishment fuel intrinsic motivation and commitment, using logos to logically demonstrate how recognition and success drive responsibility.
    • Effective leadership depends on interconnected roles working seamlessly like a fire plan, combining ethos, pathos, and logos to create a cohesive, resilient team.

    Sage advice: Leadership is both an art and a science, requiring strength to challenge and patience to nurture, all while fostering a shared sense of purpose and responsibility.

    💬 Discussion Prompt

    How can you apply the metaphors of steel sharpening steel and molding clay in your own leadership or team development? What practical steps can you take to build interconnected responsibility like the leadership pie?

    🏁 Final Formation

    In this post, we explored how leadership responsibility is cultivated through mutual growth, patient guidance, accomplishment, and shared roles. We saw how the metaphor of steel sharpening steel illustrates the refining power of constructive challenge, while molding minds like clay highlights the patient nurturing of motivation and values. We discussed how servant leadership and a sense of accomplishment deepen commitment, and how the leadership pie analogy helps us understand the importance of interconnected roles working together seamlessly. By embracing these principles, leaders can build resilient, responsible teams ready to succeed together.

    Disclaimer: The views expressed in this post reflect those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of any organization or institution.

  • 🧭 Principle #8: Make Sound and Timely Decisions

    🧭 Principle #8: Make Sound and Timely Decisions

    🎯 Introduction: Decision-Making as a Leadership Crucible

    In the heat of leadership, decisions are the crucible where character, competence, and courage converge. This post explores the eighth principle in our leadership series, “Make sound and timely decisions”, and how mastering this trait transforms reactive managers into proactive leaders. We’ll unpack the tactical urgency behind timely calls, the ethical weight of sound judgment, and the strategic agility offered by John Boyd’s OODA Loop. Whether you’re leading Marines or managing a startup, this principle is your compass in chaos.

    📚 Core Concepts

    1. Sound Decisions: The Ethos of Integrity

    Sound decisions are rooted in values, not just outcomes. They reflect a leader’s moral compass, technical knowledge, and situational awareness. In the military, this means weighing mission success against troop welfare. In civilian life, it means balancing profit with principle.

    • Pathos: Your team feels the impact of your choices. Poor decisions erode trust, while wise ones build loyalty.
    • Ethos: Your credibility is forged in the consistency of your judgment.
    • Logos: Rational analysis, data, precedent, and risk, must guide your call.

    2. Timely Decisions: The Logos of Action

    Timeliness is not haste. It’s decisiveness informed by preparation. Leaders must act before paralysis sets in, especially when stakes are high.

    • Military Example: A convoy commander reroutes in seconds to avoid an ambush.
    • Civilian Parallel: A CEO pivots strategy during a market crash to preserve jobs.

    3. The OODA Loop: Deciding at the Speed of Relevance

    Colonel John Boyd, a legendary U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and strategist, developed the OODA Loop, a decision-making cycle that stands for:

    • Observe: Gather data from your environment.
    • Orient: Analyze the situation through the lens of experience, culture, and context.
    • Decide: Choose a course of action.
    • Act: Execute the decision swiftly.

    This loop isn’t just for fighter pilots, it’s a framework for decision-making under pressure. The OODA Loop is iterative in nature. You don’t just go through it once, you cycle through it faster and more effectively than your adversary or the problem itself.

    Why It Matters for Leaders

    • Observe: Leaders must stay attuned to shifting dynamics, team morale, market trends, operational risks.
    • Orient: This is the most critical and often overlooked step. It’s where your worldview, training, and biases shape how you interpret what you see.
    • Decide: Clarity here is key. A delayed decision is often worse than a flawed one.
    • Act: Execution must be timely and decisive, with feedback loops to re-enter the cycle.

    Speed of decision is often more decisive than the decision itself. The OODA Loop teaches us that agility beats rigidity.

    4. The Cost of Indecision

    Indecision breeds confusion, delays, and missed opportunities. It signals uncertainty and undermines confidence. Leaders must learn to make imperfect decisions with clarity and own the consequences.

    Remember, not making a decision is itself a decision, one that can cost momentum, clarity, and trust. Leadership demands the courage to act, even amid uncertainty, because inaction often shapes outcomes as much as action does.

    Sage Advice

    “A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week.” General George S. Patton

    🔄 Military to Civilian Translation

    Military ConceptCivilian Equivalent
    Command decision under fireCrisis management in business
    Mission-first mindsetStrategic prioritization
    Risk assessment in combat zonesMarket analysis and contingency planning
    Orders issued with clarityClear directives in team leadership
    Chain of command accountabilityOrganizational responsibility and ownership
    OODA Loop in combatAgile decision-making in dynamic environments

    💡 Core Insight

    Leadership is not about knowing everything, it’s about knowing when to decide, how to decide, and being willing to stand by that decision. Sound and timely decisions are the heartbeat of effective leadership, especially when time is short and consequences are long. The OODA Loop gives leaders a repeatable framework to stay ahead of chaos and act with clarity.

    Leadership Insight: The Kandahar Airfield Operation and Decisive Leadership

    The operation to seize the Kandahar airfield, known as the longest amphibious landing into a landlocked country, stands as a powerful example of decisive leadership under complex conditions. General James Mattis and his Marines demonstrated how bold, timely decisions, grounded in extensive experience and strategic foresight, can shape the course of a mission.

    This story embodies the essence of leadership: preparation meeting opportunity. The ability to act swiftly in critical moments is often the result of years of training, reflection, and readiness.

    This example reminds leaders that decisive action is not about haste but about confidence built on a foundation of knowledge and experience. It underscores the importance of being prepared to seize the moment when it arrives.

    🗣️ Discussion Prompt

    Think of a time when hesitation cost you or your team momentum. What factors contributed to the delay, and how would you approach it differently now? How might the OODA Loop have helped you adapt faster?

    🧵 Final Formation

    We began by exploring the importance of decision-making as a leadership crucible. We examined how sound decisions reflect integrity and how timely ones reflect readiness. We introduced the OODA Loop as a strategic framework for adaptive leadership and translated battlefield urgency into boardroom clarity. We closed with the insight that leadership demands courage in the moment and agility in the process. In your journey to lead, whether in uniform or in business, remember that your decisions shape the terrain your team walks on.

    Disclaimer: The views expressed in this post reflect those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of any organization or institution.

  • Principle #4: Keep Your Marines Informed

    📣Principle #4: Keep Your Marines Informed

    🧨 Introduction

    In leadership, silence is rarely neutral. It either signals calm confidence or breeds confusion. This post explores the fourth principle, “Keep your Marines informed”, as a tactical discipline in communication. We’ll unpack how timely, clear, and mission-aligned information flow builds trust, prevents drift, and reinforces shared purpose. Whether you’re leading a platoon, a startup, or a classroom, this principle translates into a powerful civilian habit: intentional transparency.

    🦢 Core Concepts

    • Feedback loops as command-and-control mechanisms Control in any battlespace, whether corporate or combat, comes from understanding and appreciating what is happening. This understanding is achieved through effective feedback loops. Leaders identify information requirements, communicate them clearly with their teams, and make timely decisions based on the incoming data.
    • Information is a force multiplier In the field, a well-informed Marine is a prepared Marine. In business or education, the same holds true. Leaders who communicate clearly reduce friction, increase initiative, and foster psychological safety.
    • Clarity beats charisma While charisma may inspire, clarity sustains. Leaders must prioritize substance over style when conveying mission updates, expectations, or changes. The goal is not to impress, but to equip.
    • Communication is a two-way street Keeping your people informed also means listening. Feedback loops, open channels, and active listening are essential to ensure the message lands and evolves.
    • Timeliness matters Late information is often worse than no information. Leaders must develop rhythms of communication that anticipate needs, not just react to problems. Speed builds tempo, creating a rhythm that keeps teams proactive and decisive. Bad news doesn’t get better with time; it’s best to get information into the hands of decision-makers quickly so decisive action can be taken. This principle aligns with MCDP-1’s concept of warfighting speed as a weapon. However, speed alone is not enough; it must be coupled with actioning the right information. Passing information is insufficient unless it enables leaders to make informed decisions. Furthermore, you can be on the right track, but if you’re not moving fast enough, you will still get run over. Late information is just as detrimental as no information at all.
    • Actioning the right information matters It is not enough to simply pass information; it must be the right information that allows leaders to make timely and effective decisions. Communication is a way to conspire with the universe to speak into existence the things that you desire.
    • Context builds commitment Sharing the “why” behind decisions fosters buy-in. When people understand the mission’s purpose, they’re more likely to own their role in it.

    Sage Advice: Never assume silence equals understanding. If you haven’t said it clearly, it hasn’t been heard.

    📤 Military to Civilian Translation

    Military ConceptCivilian Equivalent
    “Keep your Marines informed”“Communicate clearly and consistently”
    Situation reports (SITREPs)Weekly team updates or project briefs
    Chain of command updatesOrganizational memos or leadership emails
    Mission briefingsStrategic planning sessions or kickoff calls
    Field ordersTask assignments with context and deadlines

    💡 Core Insight

    Leadership communication is not just about passing information, it’s about shaping perception, reinforcing values, and enabling action. The best leaders don’t just inform, they align.

    📣 Discussion Prompt

    Think of a time when poor communication disrupted a team’s momentum. What could the leader have done differently to keep everyone informed and engaged?

    🦻 Final Formation

    We began with the idea that silence can either stabilize or sabotage. Throughout this post, we explored how intentional communication, timely, clear, and contextual, transforms leadership from reactive to proactive. Whether briefing Marines or mentoring interns, the principle remains: informed teams are empowered teams. Keep them in the loop, and you keep them in the fight.

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

  • Principle #3: Know Your Marines and Look Out for Their Welfare

    🛍 Principle #3: Know Your Marines and Look Out for Their Welfare

    🪖 Introduction: Leadership Begins with Loyalty

    In this post, we explore the third principle of leadership, one that shifts the spotlight from self to service. If the first two principles build internal strength, this one demands external awareness. To lead well, you must know your people, not just their names and roles, but their rhythms, stressors, and aspirations. This principle is about stewardship, not surveillance. It’s about building trust through presence, empathy, and action.

    We’ll unpack what “knowing your Marines” means in both military and civilian contexts, explore how welfare translates into performance, and offer symbolic tools for leaders to apply this principle in daily practice. Then we’ll close with a summary in our Final Formation, a discussion prompt, and a translation table to bridge the gap between tactical leadership and modern management.

    🧠 Core Insight: Welfare Is a Strategic Asset

    🔍 Recognition Fuels Performance

    People who are noticed, recognized, and feel appreciated always do more and contribute more than expected. Recognition isn’t just a reward, it’s a catalyst for excellence. Leaders who build a culture of appreciation unlock discretionary effort, the kind that isn’t demanded but freely given.

    Sage Advice: Make recognition a daily discipline. Praise in public, affirm in private, and never underestimate the power of a handwritten note or a well-timed thank you.

    📊 Baseline Awareness and Behavioral Shifts

    Knowing your team members’ baseline, how they typically show up, communicate, and perform, allows you to detect when something shifts. These changes are often signals, not noise. They create openings for inquiry, empathy, and resolution before performance suffers. Leaders who notice and act early can prevent burnout, disengagement, or deeper issues from taking root.

    Sage Advice: Observe with intention. If someone seems “off,” ask with care. “I noticed you’re quieter than usual, everything okay?” opens the door without judgment.

    🏠 Work and Home Are Intertwined

    There’s a common but flawed belief that work and home are separate domains, that one doesn’t affect the other. But this thinking ignores a deeper truth: the self and the work are intimately intertwined. A leader may notice a high-performing team member suddenly withdrawing or missing deadlines. The instinct might be to address the behavior, but the wiser move is to ask what’s changed. Often, the answer lies beyond the office, a sick child, a financial strain, a personal loss. These aren’t distractions from work; they’re part of the human experience that shapes how we show up.

    This is where the phrase “Wherever you go, there you are” becomes more than a clever saying. It’s a reminder that we carry ourselves into every domain, our habits, our stress, our values, our wounds. Leaders who understand this interconnectedness lead with greater compassion and effectiveness.

    Having traveled the world twice over, I’ve found that people are people. At the end of the day, we’re all just trying to make sense of the chaos, find connection, and maybe score a decent cup of coffee. Humor aside, this truth reinforces the universality of human needs and the importance of leadership that sees beyond the surface.

    Sage Advice: Don’t compartmentalize your people. Lead the whole person. Ask about their weekend, their family, their goals. It all matters.

    🛡️ Welfare Means Preparation, Not Just Provision

    Looking out for their welfare means more than three hots and a cot. It means training your Marines to a point where they are prepared for what they may face in life and in combat. As the saying goes, “Let no one’s ghost come back to say if they were only trained better.” We owe it to our teams to make them successful. At the end of the day, the team’s success is the leader’s success. And leaders are responsible for everything they do and fail to do.

    This is where Steve Jobs’ wisdom applies: “Train your team so they can go anywhere but treat them so well that they don’t.” It’s not just about capability, it’s about commitment. Leaders who invest in both create teams that are loyal, lethal, and lasting.

    Sage Advice: Train like lives depend on it because they do. Set high standards, rehearse contingencies, and never outsource accountability.

    🛡️ Tactical Breakdown

    • Know your Marines means more than memorizing bios. It’s about understanding their strengths, weaknesses, family situations, career goals, and stress signals.
    • Look out for their welfare includes physical safety, mental health, professional development, and fair treatment. It’s proactive, not reactive.
    • Presence matters, leaders who walk the floor, check in regularly, and listen without judgment build trust that can’t be faked.
    • Symbolic leadership, welfare can be tracked symbolically, through rituals, check-ins, and visual dashboards that reflect team health.

    🧲 Military to Civilian Translation Table

    Military ConceptCivilian Equivalent
    “Know your Marines”Know your team members
    “Look out for their welfare”Prioritize employee well-being
    “Unit cohesion”Team culture and collaboration
    “Morale checks”One-on-one meetings, pulse surveys
    “Field conditions”Workplace environment and resources
    “Chain of command support”Managerial advocacy and HR alignment

    💬 Discussion Prompt

    Think of a time when a leader truly looked out for your welfare. What did they do that made you feel seen, supported, or safe? How can you replicate that experience for someone on your team this week?

    🧹 Application Framework: The CARE Model

    Use this mnemonic to apply Principle #3 in civilian leadership:

    • Check-in regularly
    • Advocate for resources
    • Recognize stress signals
    • Elevate their goals

    This model turns welfare into a repeatable leadership habit.

    🢚 Final Formation

    We began by stating that leadership shifts from self to service. Principle #3, “Know your Marines and look out for their welfare,” reminds us that loyalty is earned through presence, empathy, and action. Welfare isn’t a soft metric, it’s a strategic one. By knowing your people and caring for their well-being, you build trust, unlock performance, and create a culture of commitment. Whether you lead a squad or a startup, this principle is your compass for human-centered leadership.

    Disclaimer: The views expressed in this post reflect that of the author.

  • Principle #2: Be Technically and Tactically Proficient

    Introduction

    🛠️ Principle #2: Be Technically and Tactically Proficient

    Introduction

    Before you can lead others with confidence, you must first master your craft. This principle is not about perfection, it’s about preparation. Technical and tactical proficiency means knowing your tools, your terrain, and your trade. It’s the difference between guessing and guiding, between reacting and responding. In this post, we’ll explore what it means to be proficient, how to build it, and why it’s foundational to trust and mission success.

    What This Principle Demands

    • Technical proficiency is your ability to understand and operate within your domain. Whether you’re leading a team of engineers, educators, or Marines, you must know the systems, standards, and tools that define your field.
    • Tactical proficiency is your ability to apply that knowledge in real-world scenarios. It’s about decision-making under pressure, adapting to changing conditions, and executing with precision.

    Proficiency is not static. It’s a living commitment to learning, drilling, and refining. Leaders who neglect this principle risk becoming ceremonial figures, present but powerless.

    Why It Builds Trust

    People follow leaders who know what they’re doing. When you demonstrate competence, you earn credibility. Your team will mirror your standards, and your example becomes a stabilizing force in uncertain moments.

    • A technically proficient leader can teach, troubleshoot, and innovate.
    • A tactically proficient leader can plan, pivot, and prevail.

    Together, these traits create a leader who is not only respected but relied upon.

    How to Cultivate Proficiency

    • Study the doctrine: Read manuals, policies, and procedures. Know the rules before you bend them.
    • Practice deliberately: Repetition builds muscle memory. Drill until the basics become instinct.
    • Seek mentorship: Learn from those who’ve mastered the craft. Ask questions, shadow operations, and absorb wisdom.
    • Simulate stress: Train in conditions that mimic real pressure. Tactical proficiency is forged in friction.
    • Teach others: Explaining a concept forces clarity. If you can’t teach it, you don’t truly know it.

    Common Pitfalls

    • Overconfidence: Mistaking experience for expertise. Time served is not the same as skill earned.
    • Complacency: Assuming yesterday’s knowledge is sufficient for today’s challenges.
    • Delegation without understanding: Leaders must know enough to inspect what they expect.

    Leadership Is More Than a Title

    Rank may grant authority, but it doesn’t guarantee respect. True leadership is earned through demonstrated skill, not assigned through position. When leaders rely solely on their title, they risk becoming symbolic rather than strategic. Proficiency transforms a title into trust.

    The Three Types of Power

    Effective leaders draw from three core sources of power:

    • Positional Power: Authority granted by rank or role.
    • Relational Power: Influence earned through connection, empathy, and trust.
    • Expert Power: Credibility built through subject matter mastery.

    Subject matter expertise is especially vital. It signals to your team that you’re not just in charge, you’re equipped. When people see you as a source of knowledge, they lean in, listen, and learn. Expert power anchors your leadership in substance.

    Tactical vs. Technical: A Symbolic Split

    Think of technical proficiency as the blueprint and tactical proficiency as the battlefield. One is the plan, the other is the execution. A leader must be fluent in both languages, able to speak in schematics and act in scenarios.

    Military to Civilian Translation Table

    Military TermCivilian Equivalent
    Technical ProficiencySubject Matter Expertise
    Tactical ProficiencyOperational Execution
    DrillRepetitive Practice
    DoctrinePolicy or Best Practices
    Chain of CommandOrganizational Hierarchy
    InspectionQuality Assurance or Audit

    Core Insight

    Proficiency is the bridge between authority and authenticity. It transforms leadership from performance into presence. Without it, you’re a figurehead. With it, you’re a force.

    Discussion Prompt

    Think of a time when you were technically ready but tactically challenged. What did you learn about the gap between knowing and doing? How did it shape your leadership going forward?

    🧭 Final Formation

    We began by asserting that mastery precedes leadership. To be technically and tactically proficient is to be prepared, precise, and trustworthy. This principle demands continuous learning, deliberate practice, and the humility to seek help. It builds trust, sharpens judgment, and anchors your authority in competence. Without it, leadership becomes theater. With it, leadership becomes transformation.

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

  • 🛍 Principle #1: Know Yourself, Seek Self-Improvement

    🛍 Principle #1: Know Yourself, Seek Self-Improvement

    📣 Introduction

    Leadership begins with the individual. In this post, we explore the foundational Marine Corps principle of knowing yourself and seeking self-improvement. You’ll encounter biblical wisdom, strategic doctrine, psychological models, and tactical tools that translate military insight into civilian leadership. By the end, you’ll have a framework for personal growth that’s both reflective and actionable.

    🔍 Core Insight

    Before you can lead others, you must first lead yourself. This principle calls for honest introspection, a clear understanding of your strengths and weaknesses, and a commitment to continuous growth. Leadership is not a static trait; it is a discipline forged through reflection and refinement.

    This echoes the biblical wisdom of Jesus in Matthew 7:5, who taught, “You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” True leadership begins with humility and self-awareness.

    You are in the best position to assess your perceived strengths and weaknesses. Play to your strengths while you build your weaknesses. This is reinforced by Sun Tzu in The Art of War: “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.” Self-knowledge is not just moral, it is strategic. The battlefield of leadership demands clarity, not just of mission, but of self.

    Psychologically, we are three people: the person we think we are, the person others perceive us to be, and the person we truly are. Self-reflection helps reconcile these selves, aligning perception with reality and guiding authentic leadership.

    In Marine Corps boot camp, recruits are taught to critique their own performance before receiving feedback. This ritual builds the habit of self-assessment, a skill that separates reactive leaders from reflective ones. It’s not just about knowing what went wrong, it’s about owning it and improving.

    🧠 Civilian Translation

    In business, education, and community leadership, this principle shows up as emotional intelligence, professional development, and feedback loops. Leaders who seek improvement model a growth mindset, creating cultures of accountability and learning.

    Military ConceptCivilian Equivalent
    Self-critique after performanceReflective practice and performance reviews
    Boot camp feedback ritualsStructured onboarding and mentorship
    Owning mistakesAccountability and transparency
    Continuous improvement mindsetProfessional development and growth mindset
    Peer and subordinate feedback360-degree feedback and team evaluations

    🛠️ Tactical Application

    • Conduct weekly self-assessments using the STRAR method: What did I do well, what could I improve? STRAR stands for Situation, Task, Response, Assessment, and Repetition. It’s a reflective framework that helps leaders analyze their actions and refine their approach. Start by identifying the Situation and Task you faced, then describe your Response. Assess what worked and what didn’t, and finally, determine how you’ll Repeat or adjust your actions going forward.
    • Ask for feedback from peers and subordinates, not just superiors. This widens your perspective and reveals blind spots that rank alone can’t uncover. Peer feedback fosters mutual respect, while subordinate input builds trust and shows you value every voice in the chain of command.
    • Set one micro-goal each week tied to a known weakness. Micro-goals are small, achievable targets that chip away at larger challenges. By focusing on one area at a time, whether it’s active listening, time management, or delegation, you build momentum and reinforce the habit of improvement.
    • Keep a leadership journal to track patterns, progress, and blind spots. A journal isn’t just a log, it’s a mirror over time. Use it to record key decisions, emotional responses, and lessons learned. Over weeks and months, you’ll spot recurring themes and growth markers that inform your leadership evolution.

    🧕‍ Discussion Prompt

    What’s one area of your leadership that you’ve avoided confronting, why, and what would change if you faced it head-on?

    Final Formation

    We began with the idea that leadership starts within. Through biblical wisdom, strategic doctrine, and psychological insight, we explored how self-awareness fuels growth. We examined tactical tools like STRAR, feedback loops, micro-goals, and journaling, each reinforcing the discipline of reflection and refinement. Whether you’re in uniform or leading in civilian life, the path to improvement begins with the courage to look in the mirror, and the discipline to act on what you see.

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

  • 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.

  • 🏁 Endurance: The Final Push in Leadership

    🏁 Endurance: The Final Push in Leadership

    In the Marine Corps, endurance isn’t just a trait it’s a necessity. It’s what keeps you moving when your legs are shot, your mind is foggy, and the mission is far from over. It’s the quiet force behind every successful operation, every completed march, every fulfilled promise. And in the corporate world, endurance plays the same role, just with different terrain.

    Whether you’re leading a platoon through hostile territory or guiding a team through a volatile quarter, endurance is the ability to keep going even when you don’t want to. It’s the mental and physical toughness that separates leaders who finish from those who fade.

    🪖 Military vs. Corporate: The Endurance Parallel

    Marine CorpsCorporate World
    Long-range patrols under harsh conditionsLong-term projects with shifting goals and limited resources
    Sleep deprivation, physical exhaustionEmotional fatigue, decision overload, and constant pivots
    Mission-first mindset despite personal discomfortVision-first leadership despite personal setbacks

    In both worlds, endurance isn’t about brute force, it’s about commitment to the mission. It’s the leader who stays late to support their team, who keeps morale up during layoffs, who doesn’t abandon the strategy when the market turns.

    🧠 Why Leaders Must Master Endurance

    Leadership isn’t a sprint rather it’s a series of marathons. And each one tests your resolve:

    • When the team loses motivation, you carry the torch.
    • When the results stall, you keep the vision alive.
    • When the pressure mounts, you stay composed.

    Endurance is what allows leaders to see things through to the end, even when the end feels impossibly far away.

    One of my closest friends once told me, “The little things matter.” He shared a story from his first time in enemy contact, when chaos erupted and uncertainty loomed, all eyes turned to him. In that moment, his endurance and composure became the anchor for his team. They watched what he would do, ready to follow his lead. That’s the power of enduring leadership, it becomes the compass others rely on in crisis.

    My Recruiting Station Commanding Officer had a favorite line when talking about leadership: “The difference between good and great is that little bit extra.” He believed that going the extra mile, doing the service after the sell, and adding that final touch transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. It’s not just about doing your job; it’s about doing it with excellence, with heart, and with purpose.

    This reminds me of the saying: “If not me, then who? If not now, then when?” Endurance is the answer to that call.

    🛠️ Practical Ways to Build Endurance

    Here are some actionable strategies to strengthen your leadership stamina:

    1. Train Your Mind Like a Muscle

    • Practice mindfulness or meditation to increase mental resilience.
    • Use journaling to track progress and reflect on setbacks.

    2. Break Big Goals into Tactical Wins

    • Divide long-term objectives into short, achievable milestones.
    • Celebrate small victories to maintain momentum.

    3. Build a Support System

    • Surround yourself with peers who challenge and encourage you.
    • Delegate when needed, endurance doesn’t mean doing it all alone.

    4. Embrace Discomfort

    • Take on tasks that stretch your limits.
    • Learn to sit with frustration and fatigue without quitting.

    5. Stay Physically Fit

    • Regular exercise improves not just stamina but discipline.
    • Physical health reinforces mental toughness.

    📌 Real-World Example: The Long Haul of Leadership

    Imagine a corporate leader navigating a multi-year digital transformation:

    • The initial excitement fades after year one.
    • Budget cuts, staff turnover, and tech failures pile up.
    • But the leader stays the course, adjusting strategy, rallying the team, and pushing through.

    That’s endurance. Not flashy. Not fast. But absolutely vital.

    🎖️ Final Formation: Leadership That Lasts

    With Endurance, we complete the JJ DID TIE BUCKLE series. Each trait: Justice, Judgment, Dependability, Initiative, Decisiveness, Tact, Integrity, Enthusiasm, Bearing, Unselfishness, Courage, Knowledge, Loyalty, has its place. But endurance is what holds them together when the mission gets hard.

    So, stand tall. You’ve earned it. And remember leadership isn’t about being the strongest in the room, it’s about being the one who never stops showing up.

  • Enthusiasm: The Spark Between Initiative and Integrity

    Enthusiasm: The Spark Between Initiative and Integrity

    In the leadership arsenal of the United States Marine Corps, few traits exist in isolation. Initiative drives the action. Integrity ensures the action is right. But what brings both to life what gives direction heart and momentum is Enthusiasm.

    This isn’t about surface-level hype. It’s about belief made visible. In the Corps, we don’t follow empty energy. We follow leaders who care so deeply about the mission that it spills into everything they do.

    Earned in the Mud, Carried Through the Fog

    In the Marine Corps, enthusiasm is more than morale, it’s operational fuel. It’s the fire in a squad leader’s voice on a rainy field op. It’s the unspoken “let’s get after it” because things don’t get done by themselves. It’s showing up again, and again, and again, because the mission’s worth it.

    In civilian leadership, enthusiasm plays out differently but no less powerfully. It looks like a team lead who invests in their people. A startup founder who stays late because they believe in the product. A nurse who keeps showing up with compassion at the end of a long shift.

    In both worlds, enthusiasm invites buy-in without demanding it. It doesn’t coerce it compels it.

    Why Enthusiasm Isn’t Optional

    Let’s call it what it is: enthusiasm connects the dots.

    • It amplifies initiative. Energy fuels action that’s not just quick but committed.
    • It confirms integrity. Belief in the mission shows through when you show up.
    • It builds trust. When people see your fire, they feel safe striking their own match.

    If initiative says, “I’ll go,” and integrity says, “I’ll go the right way,” enthusiasm adds, “and I’m honored to do it.”

    Lead Like a Marine: How to Build Enthusiasm That Lasts

    This isn’t about loud. It’s about real. Whether you’re leading Marines, managing a team, or coaching a crew, enthusiasm is earned and built.

    1. Know your mission and own it.
      Reconnect with your “why.” If you don’t believe, no one else will.
    2. Celebrate wins, however small.
      Every step forward is a foothold for morale.
    3. Face adversity with curiosity.
      Marines embrace the suck but they learn from it. Bring that to your setbacks.
    4. Protect your inputs.
      Choose gritty over passive. Surround yourself with fire-starters, not flame-snuffers.
    5. Operate from your strengths.
      Lead from solid ground. Confidence breeds calm energy.
    6. Set the emotional tone.
      Whether you wear stripes or slacks, you’re the emotional barometer. Make it count.

    Final Formation

    Enthusiasm isn’t decoration it’s direction. It turns static values into kinetic leadership. Whether you’re leading a patrol through the bush or guiding a project through chaos, remember:

    As Steve Jobs once said, “If you are working on something exciting that you really care about, you don’t have to be pushed. The vision pulls you.” Let that vision become the gravity that draws others forward make it so clear and compelling that following you feels natural.

    Initiative drives the action. Integrity keeps it honest. Enthusiasm makes it contagious.

    So bring the fire. Let them feel it in your tone, see it in your choices, and believe it through your presence.