#162: "JJ DID TIE BUCKLE": The 14 Traits of Leadership in the US Marine Corps
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#162: "JJ DID TIE BUCKLE": The 14 Traits of Leadership in the US Marine Corps

Eric Garner Eric Garner

Eric Garner

Author of 37 books on soft skills, founder of ManageTrainLearn and 6 e-learning websites, creator of 22,000+ e-learning resources, all free to access or download, owner of daily "People Skills" newsletter

Published May 25, 2024
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Introduction

In today's "People Skills" newsletter, we're looking at the 14 traits of leadership in one of the most famous military units in the world, the US Marine Corps.

Founded in 1775, the unique capability of the Marine Corps is to act as a task force in any situation in the world and to do this within days.

Its most notable achievements were in the Pacific theatre of World War II, in particular, the battles of Guam, Okinawa, and Iwo Jima.

So, how does this military unit achieve and retain its reputation for outstanding leadership?

There are two main reasons.

First, its overriding focus on leadership training for every marine.

And, second, its commitment to 14 leadership traits that, for those who have been through the training, will always be known by the acronym, JJ DID TIE BUCKLE.

So, in today's newsletter, we're going to look at each one of these 14 traits and see how they apply to you in your leadership role today...

01. Justice

Justice means two things: being fair to others and being seen to be fair. When you are fair, people feel they are treated kindly.

Cicero said, "Justice consists in doing no injury to men; decency in giving them no offense".

02. Judgment

Judgment is being able to effectively weigh up situations and understand the effect your decisions will have on others. It's also known as common sense, the most important quality to have in your team.

John Gardner said, "When hiring key employees, there are only two qualities to look for: judgment and taste. Almost everything else can be bought by the yard."

03. Dependability

Dependability is pretty self-explanatory. It means being someone that others can trust to be there when needed and offer support and friendship.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile. It’s the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him with his friendship."

04. Initiative

Initiative is the tendency not to wait for someone else to tell you what to do but to see what needs done and get on and do it.

Soichiro Honda said, "The most important thing is the respect for people within the corporation and so it is incumbent on the managers to create an environment within a corporation in which all employees are encouraged to take initiatives in carrying out the work and doing the work with pleasure."

05. Decisiveness

Decisiveness means coming to a decision quickly and timeously. It is a quality that everyone can develop.

Ed Lawler said, "Employees are most motivated to make a business successful when they understand and have ongoing information about it, have the power to make decisions and are rewarded according to its success."

06. Tact

Tact is a skill that enables you to work with others without causing conflict.

Gilbert Holland said, "The secret of man's success resides in his insight into the moods of people, and his tact in dealing with them."

07. Integrity

Integrity means living according to a set of rules, values and principles that underlie what we do, what we say and who we are.

John Akers said, "Set your expectations high; find men and women whose integrity and values you respect; get their agreement on a course of action; and give them your ultimate trust."

08. Enthusiasm

Enthusiasm is about having a positive can-do attitude that draws others to you and your plans.

Stanley Baldwin said, "Fires can't be made with dead embers, nor can enthusiasm be stirred by spiritless men. Enthusiasm in our daily work lightens effort and turns labour into pleasant tasks."

09. Bearing

Bearing is the manner in which you conduct and control yourself. It is your appearance, your posture and your manner that reflects self-confidence and self-control.

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Marie Curie said, "Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something, and that this thing, at whatever cost, must be attained."

10. Unselfishness

Unselfishness means putting the needs of others first.

Lao Tzu said, "One who is skilful in using men puts himself below them. This is called the virtue of non-competing. This is called the strength to use men. This is called matching Heaven. The highest principle of old."

11. Courage

Courage is one of the key qualities of leadership. It enables you to accept challenges and responsibility in the face of difficulties and see things through.

Walt Disney said, "Courage is the main quality of leadership, in my opinion: courage to initiate something and keep it going - pioneering an adventurous spirit to blaze new ways."

12. Knowledge

Knowledge enables leaders to have the experience, training and information necessary to see any operation to a successful end.

Admiral Arleigh Burke said, "Leadership is understanding people and involving them to help you do a job. That takes all of the good characteristics, like integrity, dedication of purpose, selflessness, knowledge, skill, implacability, as well as determination not to accept failure."

13. Loyalty

Loyalty is a precious trait of leadership, not just towards your team but to those above you.

Grace Murray Hopper said, "Leadership is a two-way street, loyalty up and loyalty down. Respect for one's superiors; care for one's crew."

14. Endurance

Endurance means keeping going when all around you give up. It means seeing the job through to the end.

The Buddha said, "Endurance is one of the most difficult disciplines, but it is to the one who endures that the final victory comes."

What Next?

These 14 traits are as valid for the leaders of the US Marine Corps as they are for leaders in any other enterprise whether big or small, public or private, money making or not-for-profit.

That's because they are traits which are in everyone of us and why true leadership is not about accidents of birth or being lucky but about demonstrating qualities that inspire us and others to achieve the best we can.

And here's a summary of those 14 JJ DID TIE BUCKLE traits of great leaders again:

01. Justice

02. Judgment

03. Dependability

04. Initiative

05. Decisiveness

06. Tact

07. Integrity

08. Enthusiasm

09. Bearing

10. Unselfishness

11. Courage

12. Knowledge

13. Loyalty

14. Endurance


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