Marine Corps Leadership Traits

JJ DID TIE BUCKLE!

The Marine Corps leadership comes in many facets, from hands-on leadership at the young non-commissioned officer or junior officer ranks through the vision setting leadership by the General Officers. 

One thing that permeates through all levels of Marine leadership is the Marine Corps Leadership Traits.  These traits are actions and thoughts that help a leader earn the respect, confidence and cooperation of his subordinates.  If you want to be a good leader, you need to embody these traits.  Again, these are not specific things you do, but ways you act that will earn you respect. 

Now, if you go up to any Marine or former Marine and ask them for the 14 Marine Leadership Traits, they will say “JJ DID TIE BUCKLE” – which is the acronym we use to remember the traits.  Of course, most of them would not then be able to list all 14 traits.  However, every good Marine I know – and every civilian I respect – embodies these traits, whether they can list them out our not. 

Click through the jump for a list of the 14 traits and their brief USMC definition.

MARINE LEADERSHIP TRAITS

JUSTICE – The ability to administer a system of rewards and punishments impartially and consistently.

JUDGMENT - The ability to weigh facts and possible courses of action in order to make sound

decisions.

DECICIVENESS - Ability to make decisions promptly and to announce them in a clear, forceful manner.

INITIATIVE - Taking action in the absence of orders.

DEPENDABILITY - The certainty of proper performance of duty.

TACT - The ability to deal with others without creating hostility.

INTEGRITY - Uprightness of character and soundness of moral principles. The quality of truthfulness and honesty.

ENTHUSIASM - The display of sincere interest and exuberance in the performance of duty.

BEARING - Creating a favorable impression in carriage, appearance, and personal conduct at all times.

UNSELFISHNESS - Avoidance of providing for one's own comfort and personal advancement at the expense of others.

COURAGE - A mental quality that recognizes fear of danger or criticism, but enables a Marine to proceed in the face of it with calmness and firmness.

KNOWLEDGE - Understanding of a science or an art. The range of one's information, including professional knowledge and an understanding of your Marines.

LOYALTY - The quality of faithfulness to country, the Corps, and unit, and to one's seniors, subordinates, and peers.

ENDURANCE -The mental and physical stamina measured by the ability to withstand pain, fatigue, stress, and hardship.

Over the next several days, we will examine each of these traits is more detail to understand how to incorporate them into you daily actions.