LEADERSHIP TRAITS CPL0202

LEADERSHIP TRAITS JUSTICE JUDGMENT DEPENDABILITY INTEGRITY DECISIVENESS TACT INITIATIVE ENTHUSIASM BEARING UNSELFISHNESS COURAGE KNOWLEDGE LOYALTY ENDURANCE

LEADERSHIP TRAITS Yardsticks used to determine own abilities. Do not come with manufactures warranty. Goals/standards leaders should strive for. Misunderstanding leads to lost of LIVES! Apply and develop in subordinates.

INTEGRITY Is the quality of absolute honesty, trustfulness, and uprightness of character and moral principles. High sense of duty. - Must have unquestioned integrity - Must have total trustworthy for: - subordinates to have faith in you - seniors to have confidence in you - Be accurate and truthful in all statements

KNOWLEDGE Familiarity gained through association or experience. - Develop a program of learning - Keep up with military/general interests - Take MCI’s and read varied articles - Ask questions

COURAGE The physical and mental control of fear. - Mental quality that recognizes fear… - Handle situation with calmness and firmness - Physical courage lets handle personal danger.. - Controlling your emotions - Moral courage lets you enforce decisions that are right even though it may cause disfavor - Admitting errors

DECISIVENESS The ability to weigh all facts in a situation, analyze, and make sound and timely decision - Largely a matter of practice and experience - Learn from mistakes of others - Check your decisions to see if it is sound

DEPENDABILITY One who can be relied on to carry out any mission to best of their personal ability - Do not accept failure at all cost (obstacles) - Support policies and orders of seniors - High sense of duty - Be careful of promises and personal deals

INITIATIVE Seeing what has to be done and doing it without having to be told. - Assign tasks according to ability/experience - Be resourceful - Have the ability to anticipate - State of mental and physical alertness

TACT The ability to deal with people without causing friction or giving offense. - Be courteous and considerate - Calm, firm manner of speech - Can crush spirit and initiative - Study actions of successful senior leaders - Talk so as not to offend anyone

JUSTICE Personal feelings, emotions, and prejudices are not allowed to influence your decision. Justice is Fairness and must be Impartial! - Hurts your reputation; loss of respect - Rewards boosts morale - Don’t be known as one who punishes only - Be honest with yourself

ENTHUSIASM Showing sincere interest and zeal in the performance of duties. - Tackle all tasks cheerfully - Sets the example for junior Marines - Explain why mission must be accomplished - Believe in your mission

BEARING General appearance, carriage, deportment, and conduct. - Establishes a standard for seniors and juniors - Clothing should be neat and clean at all times - Voice and actions kept under control - Never looks or act worried; master emotions - Avoid coarse behavior, profanity, vulgarity - Does not loses temper quickly

ENDURANCE Physical endurance is not giving into pain and Mental endurance is the ability to think straight when fatigued, distressed, or in pain. - Gains respect from subordinates - Lack of endurance sets a bad example - Can be mistaken as a lack of courage - Physically fit; proper diet; study when tired

UNSELFISHNESS Not taking advantage of a situation for personal gain at the expense of others. - Subordinates’ needs come first - Understand the problems of your juniors - In the field, they eat before you do - Give credit for jobs well done

LOYALTY The quality of faithfulness to your country, Marine Corps, seniors, and subordinates. - Wins respect and confidence from seniors - Protection from abuse when they are right - Supports the views and methods of the unit - Never show disagreement with orders - Never criticize seniors to juniors - Loyalty is a two-way street

JUDGMENT The ability to logically weigh facts and possible solutions on which to base sound decisions. - Includes common sense - Seek advise before you attempt a solution - Practice making estimates of the situation - Anticipate; avoid making rash decisions

These traits are not in themselves the solution to good leadership. They can, however, help you because they present desirable personal qualities and common sense guidelines for use in relationships with your Marines. By using this leadership tool, you can build a sound leadership foundation. These guidelines give you, as a Marine NCO, a starting point on which to build.