LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES

The 11 principles of leadership listed below were developed in 1948 and first published in an Army field manual on leadership in 1951. They have stood the test of time and have guided the conduct and action of successful leaders both past and present. Knowledge of these principles, and of basic human nature, will help you to be an effective leader in any situation.

Principle #1 – Be technically and tactically proficient. Before you can lead, you must be able to do the job. In addition to knowing your duties and responsibilities, you need to know those of your team members. You should also become familiar with your supervisor’s job in the event you must fill in for them or assume their duties.

Principle #2 – Know yourself and seek self-improvement. Understand who you are: your values, priorities, strengths and weaknesses. Take advantage of your strengths and work to overcome your weaknesses.

Principle #3 – Know your people and look out for their welfare. Understand what motivates your people and what is important to them. Commit time and effort to listen to and learn about them. Showing genuine concern for your people builds trust and respect for you as a leader.

Principle #4 – Keep your people informed. People do best when they know why they are doing something. Where and when possible, explain the reasons behind your requirements and decisions. Keeping people informed helps them carry out your plans in your absence, encourages initiative, improves teamwork and enhances morale.

Principle #5 – Set the example. Set the standards for your team by personal example. Your followers will imitate your behavior.  

Principle #6 – Ensure the task is understood, supervised, and accom­plished. Your followers must understand what you expect from them. They need to know what you want done, to what standard and by when. Tell them if you want a task accomplished in a specific way, or how much leeway is allowed. Provide appropriate supervision, without undue harassment, to ensure the assigned task is properly accomplished. Reward performance that exceeds expectations; correct performance that does not.

Principle #7 – Train your people as a team. Teamwork is essential to the success of your unit. Develop a team spirit that motivates team members to work with confidence and competence. Ensure that individuals know their roles and responsibilities within the team framework.

Principle #8 – Make sound and timely decisions. Assess situations rapidly and make good decisions. A good decision made at the right time is better than the best decision made too late. Know when to make a decision yourself, when to consult with others and when to delegate the decision. Be flexible – if you discover you made a wrong decision, don't hesitate to change it.

Principle #9 – Develop a sense of responsibility among your people. Give your people challenges and opportunities that help them grow. Assigning tasks and delegating the authority to accomplish those tasks promotes mutual confidence and respect between you and your subordinates. When you properly delegate authority, you demonstrate faith in your people and increase their desire for greater responsibilities.

Principle #10 – Employ your unit in accordance with its capabilities. Know your team’s capabilities and limitations. Assign tasks that are challenging but realistic. Do not ask your team to do something they have not been trained to do.

Principle #11 – Seek responsibility and take responsibility for your actions. Look to grow and seek further challenges. Always accept the consequences of your actions and decisions.

DESIRABLE TRAITS OF A LEADER

Traits are distinguishing qualities or characteristics of a person. The traits described here are crucial for a leader. The more you display these traits, the more respect, confidence, and loyal cooperation you will earn. Strive to understand the meaning of each leadership trait and how to develop it.

BEARING. Bearing is the way you conduct and carry yourself. Your manner should reflect alertness, competence, confidence, and control.

COURAGE. Courage is what allows you to remain calm while recognizing fear. Moral courage means having the inner strength to stand up for what is right and to accept blame when something is your fault. Physical courage means that you can continue to function effectively when there is physical danger present.

DECISIVENESS. Making good decisions without delay, and then expressing them in a clear, firm, professional manner.

DEPENDABILITY. You can be relied upon to perform your duties properly, with loyalty to seniors and subordinates. You consistently put forth your best effort in an attempt to achieve the highest standards of performance.

ENDURANCE. Mental and physical stamina measured by your ability to withstand pain, fatigue, stress, and hardship.

ENTHUSIASM. Displaying a sincere interest and exuberance in the performance of your duties. Being optimistic, cheerful, and willing to accept the challenges.

INITIATIVE. Being aware of what needs to be done and then taking action without having to be told. Using resourcefulness to get something done without the normal material or methods being available to you.

INTEGRITY. Being honest and truthful in what you say or do. Putting honesty, sense of duty, and sound moral principles above all else.

JUDGMENT. Thinking about things clearly, calmly, and in an orderly fashion so that you can make good decisions.

JUSTICE. Being fair and consistent.

KNOWLEDGE. Acquired information, including knowing your job, understanding your people and keeping up with current events.

LOYALTY. Devotion to your country, your unit, and to your seniors, peers, and subordinates.

TACT. Dealing with people in a manner that will maintain good relations and avoid problems. Being polite, calm, and firm.

UNSELFISHNESS. Being considerate of others. Giving credit to those who deserve it. Not using your position or rank for personal gain, safety, or pleasure at the expensive of others.