UNIT 11
LEADERSHIP TRAITS AND SKILLS
INTRODUCTION
Leadership is a process by which an executive can direct, guide and influence the behavior and work of
others towards accomplishment of specific goals in a given situation. Leadership is the ability of a manager
to induce the subordinates to work with confidence and zeal.
According to Keith Davis,
“Leadership is the ability to persuade others to seek defined objectives enthusiastically. It is the human
factor which binds a group together and motivates it towards goals.”
Important Leadership Traits
The United States Marine Corps is one of the most prestigious units of the American Armed Forces.
Founded in 1775, its unique capability is to act as a task force in any situation in the world within days. Its
most notable achievements were in the Pacific theatre of World War II, in particular, the battles of Guam,
Okinawa, and Iwo Jima. The Marine Corps has a distinct identity within the US military as one of the bested
organisations with high esprit de corps. One of the reasons for this is its focus on leadership training and its
adoption of 14 leadership traits that, for those who have been through the Marine Corps training, will
always be known by the acronym, JJ DID TIE BUCKLE. This is what the 14 letters of the acronym stand
for.
1. JUSTICE
Definition: Justice is defined as the practice of being fair and consistent. A just person gives consideration to
each side of a situation and bases rewards or punishments on merit.
Suggestions for Improvement: Be honest with yourself about why you make a particular decision. Avoid
favoritism. Try to be fair at all times and treat all things and people in an equal manner.
2. JUDGMENT
Definition: Judgment is your ability to think about things clearly, calmly, and in an orderly fashion so that
you can make good decisions.
Suggestions for Improvement: You can improve your judgment if you avoid making rash decisions,
approach problems with a commonsense attitude.
3. DEPENDABILITY
Definition: Dependability means that you can be relied upon to perform your duties properly. It means that
you can be trusted to complete a job. It is the willing and voluntary support of the policies and orders of the
chain of command. Dependability also means consistently putting forth your best effort in an attempt to
achieve the highest standards of performance.
Suggestions for Improvement: You can increase your dependability by forming the habit of being where
you're supposed to be on time, by not making excuses and by carrying out every task to the best of your
ability regardless of whether you like it or agree with it.
4. INITIATIVE
Definition: Initiative is taking action even though you haven't been given orders. It means meeting new and
unexpected situations with prompt action. It includes using resourcefulness to get something done without
the normal material or methods being available to you.
Suggestions for Improvement: To improve your initiative, work on staying mentally and physically alert. Be
aware of things that need to be done and then to do them without having to be told.
5. DECISIVENESS
Definition: Decisiveness means that you are able to make good decisions without delay. Get all the facts and
weight them against each other. By acting calmly and quickly, you should arrive at a sound decision. You
announce your decisions in a clear, firm, professional manner.
Suggestions for Improvement: Practice being positive in your actions instead of acting half-heartedly or
changing your mind on an issue.
6. TACT-(without loss of moral courage)
Definition: Tact means that you can deal with people in a manner that will maintain good relations and
avoid problems. It means that you are polite, calm, and firm.
