Do we really know what effective leadership is? A general in the Marines gives his definition.
Leaders in education and leaders of Marines have more
than a few things in common. We share the rewarding experience of shaping the
lives of many young people. We face the challenges of communicating with them
about new ideas and exploring the meaning of ideals. We serve as role models.
Some of us lead the institutions that enable our programs to succeed. Some of us
leads in the trenches, working with the students and individual Marines. Whether
preparing young men and women for the defense of our nation or contributing to
their moral, intellectual, and professional development, our ability to make a
lasting impact on the future leaders of our nation is in many cases directly,
proportional to the quality of our leadership.
Leadership is a core competency in the Marine Corps. We devote a great
deal of effort to studying and practicing the art of leading, of influencing. As
a result of this ongoing process, we have refined a list of fourteen basic
traits of effective leadership.
These traits are applicable to all leaders, not just to those who must
take men into the cauldron of combat. They are equally applicable to the
successful businessperson, corporate executive, or volunteer worker. They are
just as important to the educator or administrator. Some of the traits may
appear to have more application to the military than academia, but if you look
closely you will find all of them to be relevant.
Bearing
The first trait is bearing. This trait is easily associated with military
leaders, but the importance of this trait to other leaders may not seem clear.
Bearing determines how you are seen by those you would influence. Do not confuse
bearing with some preconceived idea of proper dress. This is not about the
quality of your clothes; it is about the person inside. It is about how you
present yourself. It is about self-confidence. Are you worthy of attention? It
is hard to give a leader a full measure of credence if you cannot get past a
careless appearance or a timid deportment, which can denigrate confidence in the
leader's message. Speaking directly, with confidence and with a carriage that
says, "I know what I'm talking about," is an important trait for
successful leadership.
Courage
The next trait is courage. Courage comes in two forms: physical and moral.
Although we certainly hope that there is no need for physical courage on our
campuses, moral courage is a fundamental requirement of all effective leaders.
Moral courage is a commitment to doing what is right. A leader must commit to
inviolate principles, there is no room for situational ethics. Leaders worthy of
respect do the right thing, in the right way, for the right reasons. Young
people who are still struggling with the development of such qualities within
their own character respect honesty, trustworthiness, equity, and honor. They
respect leaders who stand up for what is right.
Decisiveness
Decisiveness is easy to understand, but sometimes difficult to achieve. Some of
us are inherently decisive, and some of us are not. But regardless of your
personality, decisiveness is an important part of leadership. Do not, however,
confuse decisiveness with inflexibility. There is a difference between changing
a course of action on the basis of developing conditions and just failing to be
consistent. Whether the concern is personnel policies, combat decisions, or
sticking to deadlines for the submission of a class project, the ability to be
decisive has a direct impact on how the leader is accepted.
Dependability
Another basic tenet of leadership is dependability. Can you be depended on? The
meaning seems clear enough. Students must be able to depend on the faculty to
manage the institution, to be on time for class, and to perform the perfunctory
duties associated with their positions. But leadership also requires more. Those
being led need leaders who are genuinely concerned for the welfare of those they
are leading. They need role models. Leaders do not have jobs to which they come
and then leave. Leaders must be dependable people - all the time.
Endurance
Endurance is a trait easily associated with the rigors of combat. It conjures
images of physical stamina and sustained hardship. But endurance can also mean
patience. It can mean going the distance with a student who is struggling. It
can mean taking the long view for the greater good of an institution. Endurance,
as the word implies, means staying with things, even when the going gets rough.
Enthusiasm
Enthusiasm is a trait easily identifiable in successful leaders of all walks of
life. It is easy to infuse energy when you exude energy. Enthusiasm is more than
just attitude, however. It permeates the work at hand. Routine lectures become
interesting presentations and tedious projects become intriguing endeavors.
Enthusiasm is contagious - and doubly so when it originates form a figure whom
people respect.
Initiative
A leader who simply does what he or she has been assigned to do will not be seen
as much of a leader. But anyone who displays a high degree of initiative is
instantly recognized as a leader. Are you satisfied with the status quo or can
you think and act outside of the box? Throughout the history of our country,
those who have offered vision, who have acted insightfully, have been our
greatest leaders. Initiative sets you apart.
Integrity
Integrity is closely related to moral courage. But whereas moral courage is
centered around the willingness to take action, integrity is a spotlight into
your soul. Integrity is more than the manifestation of your honesty. It is the
litmus test of respect - it determines whether you will be taken seriously or
not. Fail the integrity test in a young person's eyes and you will fail to be a
positive influence on them.
Judgment
Leaders exercise sound judgment. This is particularly important on those
occasions when you are out in front, taking the initiative. It is critical that
a leader's decisions be based on all the available facts. It is important that
rational and comprehensive thought be included in the decision-making process.
Decisions boil down to a matter of judgment and sometimes the key to sound judgment
is taking the time to duly consider the issue at hand. This approach
is not at odds with being decisive. It is at odds with acting hastily.
Sense of Justice
Sense of justice is an all-important trait. There are few quicker ways to lose a
following than to appear arbitrary, partial, or unfair. Standards are critical.
Set them, articulate them, model them, and hold everyone to the same measure
equally. Young people will respond. They are comfortable in an environment in
which they know the boundaries. We all like to know what is expected of us, and
the consequences of failing.
Knowledge
To lead others, you must know your business. Whether a platoon commander, an
instructor, or an administrator, a leader must have a degree of resident
knowledge in his or her respective field. We who are leaders know that one of
the keys to our effectiveness is staying current in our profession. We
accomplish this through continual self-improvement. We read. We attend seminars
and take courses. We listen. Knowledge is perishable, but the building of
knowledge is also easy. Unlike bearing, decisiveness, or even enthusiasm,
knowledge can be acquired equally by introverts and extroverts alike. All it
takes is commitment.
Loyalty
Loyalty is an interesting leadership trait. You cannot build or gather loyalty.
It must be given to you freely by those you lead. You can ask much from them,
but you cannot tell them to be loyal. You earn loyalty in two ways. First you
exhibit character worthy of loyalty. Your reputation is important. We follow
those we admire and respect. Second, to be worthy of allegiance you must exhibit
loyalty yourself. Loyalty flows two ways. If you are not sincere in caring about
those over whom you have authority, how can you expect them to care about you or
what you are trying to accomplish?
Tact
Leaders must use tact. This is a simple enough concept, but it often is not so
simple to execute. Good people skills go a long way in the art of leadership.
There are many ways to convey a message. No one appreciates an uncaring
dismissal or a careless evaluation. Often the meaning of our message can be
overpowered by its poor presentation. Where and how we communicate can be as
important as the words themselves. The old adage of praise in public and
reprimand in private is an axiom of effective leadership.
Unselfishness
Finally, leaders must be unselfish. Unselfishness is instantly recognized and
appreciated. It manifests itself in many forms, from taking the time to properly
prepare for class to being accessible after hours. Subordinates and followers
need to know that their leader has their best interests at heart. This should be
an especially easy trait for those who have committed themselves to education.
Yet remember that in leadership, perception is nearly as important as reality.
You know you have their best interests at heart, but that is not enough. They
must know it, too.
We who work with the young people of this country have a great
responsibility. It is not enough for us to harness their energy and guide them
in their endeavors. We must also provide capable leadership and demonstrate
strength or character in our daily lives. We are the examples on which they will
pattern their lives. Opportunity lies at our feet. We have the chance not only
to teach, but also to influence the character of our young people - and hence
the future of our society. We have the chance to lead!