11 Leadership Lessons from the Marines - Masterclass on Leadership

 Leadership is a responsibility to those you serve. The Marine Corps’ 11 leadership principles provide a timeless foundation for leading with integrity, resilience, and vision. Here they are with my take on each

1. Know Yourself and Seek Self-Improvement

Leadership starts with self-awareness. Constantly assess your strengths and weaknesses. A commander recognizing a gap in communication skills actively works to improve, showing that growth is never complete, whether in the field or the boardroom.

When Michael Jordan faced criticism for his defensive skills early in his career, he dedicated countless hours to mastering defense, transforming himself into an all-around player. His commitment to self-improvement turned a perceived weakness into one of his defining strengths, setting a standard of excellence for his team.

2. Be Technically and Tactically Proficient

True confidence comes from competence. A squad leader who excels in technical skills and battlefield tactics inspires trust and respect, much like a business leader who masters their industry, bridging technical knowledge with strategic foresight to steer their team toward success.

In the tech industry, Steve Jobs’ technical proficiency and understanding of product design allowed him to push his team at Apple to achieve what others considered impossible. His grasp of both the technical and business sides gave him the credibility to demand excellence and innovation, creating a legacy that transformed technology.

3. Know Your People and Look Out for Their Welfare

Understanding what drives each individual builds loyalty. A leader who remembers a soldier’s family milestones or a manager who checks in regularly on a team member’s work-life balance creates a strong, trusting environment that goes beyond mere duty.

Phil Jackson, coach of the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers, was known for his deep understanding of each player’s unique personality. His empathy and individualized approach to coaching helped him build cohesive teams, earning him loyalty and respect, which translated into multiple NBA championships.

4. Keep Your Team Informed

Clarity reduces misunderstandings and reinforces trust. In the heat of an operation, regular communication prevents chaos, just as a corporate leader’s transparency about organizational changes helps everyone feel included and prepared.

During the Great Depression, Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “Fireside Chats” kept Americans informed about the state of the nation and reassured them of the government’s actions. His transparency through radio broadcasts built trust and unity, demonstrating the power of clear and regular communication in times of uncertainty.

5. Set the Example

Actions resonate more powerfully than words. A platoon leader who remains calm under fire teaches resilience by example, much like a CEO who consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic and unwavering focus, motivating their employees to follow suit.

Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, exemplifies this principle through his commitment to empathy, continuous learning, and innovation. By fostering a culture of growth mindset and prioritizing collaboration, he led Microsoft to renewed success, inspiring employees across the organization to embrace change and push boundaries.

6. Ensure the Task is Understood, Supervised, and Accomplished

Clarify expectations, offer guidance, and verify results. When an officer outlines a mission’s objectives and follows up consistently, the team achieves more effectively, similar to a project manager who provides clear instructions and supervises progress to ensure quality outcomes.

In World War II, General Dwight D. Eisenhower meticulously planned and communicated every detail of the D-Day invasion. His clear instructions and rigorous follow-up ensured that every unit understood their role, contributing to one of history’s most successful military operations.

7. Train Your People as a Team

Cohesion magnifies success. Military units train together to ensure synchronization, just as a high-performing business team that collaborates and understands each other’s roles creates a culture of synergy and success.

Vince Lombardi, renowned NFL coach, believed in building team unity and commitment. His exhaustive training methods and focus on teamwork turned the Green Bay Packers into champions, proving that dedication to team training creates an unbeatable bond.

8. Make Sound and Timely Decisions

In critical situations, decisions made with conviction are often as impactful as the decisions themselves. A field commander who acts swiftly during an ambush can turn the tide, just as a corporate leader who prioritizes swiftly in a crisis averts potential setbacks.

In business, Amazon’s Jeff Bezos made swift decisions to invest heavily in Prime and AWS, anticipating their long-term impact on customer loyalty and revenue. His decisiveness, even with limited initial data, allowed Amazon to innovate faster than competitors.

9. Develop a Sense of Responsibility Among Your People

Encouraging accountability fosters ownership. Entrusting a young officer with a high-stakes mission cultivates responsibility, much like a business leader who delegates meaningful projects and empowers team members to deliver their best work.

In cricket, MS Dhoni, former captain of the Indian cricket team, excelled at building responsibility among his players. He often entrusted young and emerging players with key roles in high-pressure matches, allowing them to gain confidence and learn from their experiences. This approach fostered accountability, building a cohesive and resilient team that delivered exceptional results under his leadership.

10. Employ Your Team in Accordance with its Capabilities

Effective leaders align strengths to maximize outcomes. Positioning a seasoned marksman where precision is needed mirrors a manager placing a top analyst on a high-visibility project, ensuring skills are matched with tasks for optimal performance.

Abraham Lincoln’s “Team of Rivals” approach—assigning his former opponents cabinet roles suited to their strengths—showcases the power of aligning roles with individual capabilities. His strategy fostered a balanced and effective leadership team. The book of the same name is an excellent resource on leadership as well.

11. Seek Responsibility and Take Responsibility for Your Actions

True leaders own their decisions and outcomes. A senior officer who accepts the consequences of a failed mission leads by example, just as a director who stands accountable for a project’s shortcomings gains their team’s respect, reinforcing the value of integrity.

In sports, Serena Williams consistently took responsibility for her performance, whether in victory or defeat. Her openness and accountability have earned her immense respect, highlighting that true leadership includes both recognition and responsibility. She is a great example for what leaders need to do whether it is defeat or victory.

These principles serve as a roadmap to becoming not just a good leader, but a transformative one. Practiced consistently, they build leaders who inspire confidence, achieve success, and create lasting impact. The views expressed here are my own and do not represent my organization.