Page 221 - The extraordinary leader

198 • The Extraordinary Leader

● Explain to stakeholder groups the reasons for various actions
● Serve as a symbol/perform symbolic acts

Obviously, many of the leadership functions in the Marines are exactly the
same. Inspiring and motivating people are necessary in both situations. Focus-
ing on results is required in both. The leadership development content and
processes must address the needed tasks or processes, but these are no more
complex in the private sector than those faced by the Marines.

Leadership Attributes

Are the fundamental attributes required of a leader in the Marine Corps
the same as those required in a private-sector firm or in a government
agency? In earlier chapters, we described our research on necessary attrib-
utes. We now compare them with those the Marine Corps leaders need to
develop.
Character. Much of the entire induction and training process in the
Marines is designed to inculcate a new set of core values. These emphasize
a strict code of honor and honesty. The process begins as recruits are inducted
and then sent to the Parris Island training center. Each new recruit is asked
if there is anything in his or her background that would keep him or her from
serving effectively as a Marine. The recruits are told that any lies detected
after this point will be grounds for immediate dismissal. However, an admis-
sion of some past mistake will generally be worked out in a way that will not
damage their career.
If an officer suggests that an enlisted person fudge the truth, the officer
can be called to task by the enlisted person. One visitor was about to board
a helicopter, and as he was being escorted aboard, a message came that the
necessary paperwork for this visitor had not been completed. Getting it done
would delay the flight. An officer said to the messenger, “We could just act
as if the order came too late.” The messenger looked the officer squarely in
the eye and said, “But that would not be correct, sir.” The officer smiled,
and said, “You are absolutely right, we’ll wait for the proper paperwork to
be completed.” This emphasis on character produces leaders who are
trusted. Leaders ask nothing that they are not willing to do themselves. The
entire training process emphasizes tenacity and persistence in the face of
tough obstacles.