LEADERSHIP
Leadership is the ability to influence, lead, or guide others so as to accomplish a mission in the manner desired by providing purpose, direction, and motivation. Purpose gives others a reason for why they should do something. Direction gives others the “knowledge” to complete the task. Motivation gives others the will to do what they are capable of doing.
There are four basic components of becoming a successful leader: Leadership Styles; Factors of Leadership; Leadership Traits; and Leadership Principles. However, leadership in the Marine Corps starts with the understanding of the Primary and Secondary Objectives of Leadership.
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OBJECTIVES OF LEADERSHIP
1. The primary objective of leadership is mission accomplishment.
2. The secondary objective of leadership is troop welfare.
When given a task to accomplish, a leader must always keep focus on the mission while at the same time take into consideration the welfare of their troops. In the MCJROTC program, these same objectives apply. You are expected to accomplish the assigned missions and to take care of the cadets under your leadership.
LEADERSHIP STYLES
There are three Leadership Styles and all three styles are effective if used properly. Use all three styles and don’t stick with one particular style. It all depends on the situation on which style you use:
Authoritarian:
- Everything about the mission is dictated. (who, what, when, where, & how)
- Use when there is not enough time to gather information and you are not familiar with your subordinates.
Participative:
- Use when there is time to gather information and seek advice from your subordinates. Even though you have received information from your subordinates you will make the final decision.
Delegative:
- Assign part or all of a mission to the next senior cadet.
- Check with them to make sure the mission is being accomplished.
Regardless of the style used, responsibility & accountability rests with you—the leader!
FACTORS OF LEADERSHIP
Leader: One who provides leadership
- A leader must know their subordinates abilities.
- The most important thing a leader has to consider is to accomplish the mission.
Situation: Circumstances
- A leader must always analyze all aspects of the situation (task, mission, etc.) before they can decide which is the best course of action to take.
Communication: The exchange of information
- Communication helps you learn about your followers.
- Make all orders “clear & concise”. (Understandable & short)
Follower: Subordinate
- A leader must first be a good follower.
- A good follower will respect authority.
- A good follower will carry out tasks with enthusiasm and to the best of one’s ability.
Authority – The legitimate power of a leader to direct individuals to take action within the scope of the leader’s position.
Responsibility – The obligation to act or to do a task that one must answer for, either to team members or to supervisors. You can delegate authority, but not responsibility!
Accountability – The reckoning, when leaders must answer for their actions and accept the consequences, good or bad. Accountability is the very cornerstone of leadership.
Roles of the Officer – (1) Be the leader (2) Be the decision maker (3) Be prepared to assume responsibility for the actions of subordinates under their command.
Purposes of the NCO – (1) Decentralize Authority (2) Provide links between commanders and enlisted men (3) Provide a senior enlisted advisor for the commander (4) Afford avenues for advancement (5) Recognize and reward outstanding skills.
Purpose of the Chain of Command - to ensure each individual receives instructions for a particular task from only one supervisor. When a commander wants a specific task accomplished, a subordinate leader is given an order and the order is passed down the chain of command.
Inspection – When officials visit a place or group of people and check carefully to find out whether regulations are being obeyed.
Evaluation – When you consider someone or something in order to make a judgement about them.
Proficiency – Being able to do something well.
Trepidation – Fear or anxiety of something you are going to do or experience.
Conflict – Defined as any situation where incompatible activities, feelings or intentions occur together.
Leader’s Role in Conflict Resolution – Maintain stability in the group by quickly eliminating conflict in an objective and reasonable manner.
Two Causes of Conflict – External and Internal Circumstances
Fraternization – The term used to describe inappropriate personal or business relationships amongst cadets of different rank or position.
Types of Sexual Harassment – Verbal, Physical and Non-verbal
HAZING
Hazing, is any conduct whereby a cadet(s), regardless of rank, without proper authority causes another cadet, regardless of rank, to suffer or be exposed to any activity which is cruel, abusive, humiliating, oppressive, demeaning, or harmful. Soliciting or coercing another to perpetrate any such activity is also considered hazing. Hazing need not involve physical contact among or between cadets; it can be verbal or psychological in nature. Actual or implied consent to acts of hazing does not eliminate culpability of the perpetrator.
Quick litmus tests of hazing include: are you amused at the expense of another? Are you angry/frustrated while applying discipline? Are you creating or enforcing a standard outside of MCJROTC standards? While not all-inclusive, the three preceding questions can provide direction for young leaders in helping to eliminate potential for hazing.
Each cadet at John F. Kennedy High School is strictly charged to put a stop to hazing and bullying wherever it is witnessed. You are not allowed to let hazing occur to you nor will you tolerate it done to others in our unit. Stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves – stop it and report it. The Senior Marine Instructor will investigate all reports of hazing and if substantiated, take the appropriate disciplinary and/or administrative action.