1. Military Leadership Traits
LE1-C1S3T2pg31-30 Military Leadership Traits

2. This lesson explains and provides examples of the 14 military leadership traits used in the Marine Corps.

3. Lesson Objectives
Provide a definition and example of each of the 14 leadership traits.
Describe how the 14 leadership traits apply to the MCJROTC.

4. CPS Key Word Questions (1-4)
Key Words
CPS Key Word Questions (1-4)

5. Key Words ______ – the importance, power, and reputation a person has.
__________ - showing concern, sympathy, and understanding for someone who is suffering.
_________ - an action toward another that puts them down and makes others have less respect for them.
Stature
Compassion
Demeaning

6. Key Words
_____________ - talking to, or acting toward other people in a way that makes them feel you are emphasizing your superiority over them in a negative way.
_________ - the quality of behaving in a quiet and controlled manner without drawing attention to yourself or giving away personal or private information.
Condescending
Discretion

7. CPS Lesson Questions (1-2)
Warm Up Questions
CPS Lesson Questions (1-2)

8. Warm Up Question
Which leader do you most identify with in terms of their leadership traits?
Abraham Lincoln
Mother Theresa
Martin Luther King Jr.
Other
Example:

9. Warm Up Question Developing leadership traits is important for
which of the following reasons?
To improve your personal life
To gain the respect of your peers
To succeed in your professional life
All of the above
Example:

10. (Use CPS “Pick a Student” for this question.)
Opening Question
List 2-3 of the 14 military leadership traits that you think are your current “strengths.” Why?
(Use CPS “Pick a Student” for this question.)

11. 1. Bearing
Create a favorable impression by your appearance; carry yourself well; act in a manner becoming an officer.
Examples of leaders that showed bearing are:
George Washington
Robert E. Lee
Gen. James Amos

12. 2. Courage
Courage allows you to perform effectively in spite of hardships.
Physical Courage: Acting without regard for your physical welfare.
Moral Courage: Standing up for your beliefs despite criticism.

13. 3. Decisiveness
Decisiveness is a quality that allows you to take swift and firm action.
To take decisive action you must have:
All available facts
Courage
The ability to act quickly

14. 4. Dependability
Being dependable means your team will know that you will perform your duties in a proper manner.
For your superiors, this quality is of utmost importance.
For your team, they are depending on you to lead them safely under the given conditions.

15. 5. Endurance
Endurance is the ability to endure hardships such as hunger, cold, heat, and stress.
When you work long hours with little rest, you will need endurance.
To endure and overcome is the essence of the Corps.

16. 6. Enthusiasm
You must show interest and exuberance in the performance of your duties.
Remain optimistic and cheerful.
Set a positive example for your team members.

17. 7. Initiative
Initiative is the ability to take action in the absence of any clearly defined orders.
It will often be necessary for you to work with little or no supervision.
If something needs to be done, do it!

18. CPS Lesson Question (3-4)
Example:

19. Lesson Question
On uniform day, you wear a wrinkled uniform with a pink T-shirt. What trait have you violated?
Bearing
Courage
Decisiveness
Knowledge

20. Lesson Question
You arrive home 60 minutes late and make up a story about how you were trying to get home on time. What leadership trait did you violate?
Bearing
Dependability
Loyalty

21. 8. Integrity
Integrity means that in order to lead, you must be honest and upright; you must be truthful in your actions and words.
You might be asked to lie, cheat, or engage in illegal activities.
If you behave in an unethical manner, your team members will come to distrust you.

22. 9. Judgment
Judgment is the ability to consider all the factors of a problem and then make the correct decision.
Good judgment must be nurtured and developed.
You must examine a situation carefully before you can make a good decision.

23. 10. Justice
Justice means that you are fair and “even” in your decisions. Impartiality should be your watchword.
Favoritism should never be a factor in your decisions.
If your team members see that they are treated fairly, they will trust your judgment.

24. 11. Knowledge
You must study to become aware of current events, military science, equipment, and the capabilities of your team.
Both ________ and ______ knowledge will help you accomplish your task.
technical
tactical
Leaders should keep abreast of current developments in their field, policies, etc.

25. 12. Loyalty
Loyalty is the quality of faithfulness to your country, organization (U.S. Marine Corps), seniors, subordinates, and peers.
A good leader does not allow personal opinion to interfere with the mission.
Loyalty is the essence of serving your unit.

26. 13. Tact
Tact is the ability to deal with others without creating offense.
You should speak to others without being demeaning or condescending.
Treat others as you think all people should be treated.

27. 14. Unselfishness
As an officer and leader, you must put the comfort and advancement of others _____ of your own.
ahead
This does not mean you put the needs of subordinates ahead of the task, for the task always comes first.
True leaders place themselves last in priority.

28. Acronym for Leadership Traits
JJ DID TIE BUCKLE
Justice
Judgment
Dependability
Integrity
Decisiveness
Tact
Initiative
Enthusiasm
Bearing
Unselfishness
Courage
Knowledge
Loyalty
Endurance

29. CPS Lesson Question (5-6)
Example:

30. Lesson Question
You are in the school parking lot when you see a fight break out. You decide to get a teacher to stop the fight. Which leadership trait have you applied?
Loyalty
Unselfishness
Tact
Judgment

31. Lesson Question
In which order of priority should a leader put the following concerns?
Own comfort
Welfare of subordinates
Mission or task
1, 2, 3
3, 2, 1
3, 1, 2

32. (Use CPS “Pick a Student” for this question.)
Closing Question
List 2-3 leadership traits that you would like to develop. For each one, list 1-2 actions you could do as a first step toward that development.
(Use CPS “Pick a Student” for this question.)

33. Questions

34. Copyright Information
Images in this lesson were taken from:
Microsoft© Clip Art Gallery
Marine Corps Combat Camera