In my last post I spoke about techniques three and four that the Marine Corps uses to advance their senior NCOs and junior officers. In this post I would like to share the final two methods.
5. The Corps believes in the “next-in-line” concept. Leaders prepare their subordinate for two jobs – theirs and yours. Marine officers and NCOs work with their subordinates to take charge should they become incapacitated. This policy helps assure mission success. Managers can accomplish this by asking their report for their input on an important business issue. Another more proactive way is to ask your subordinate to take charge on the next major presentation, project, or report.
6. The Marine Corps is not afraid to make things uncomfortable. No one would describe a career in the Corps as comfortable. It begins with the most difficult basic training and this pressure to perform continues throughout a Marine’s career. Yet, the Marine Corps enjoys high morale. Therefore, managers should not be afraid of making things a bit uncomfortable for their people. Stretching their “comfort zone” builds employee confidence, resourcefulness, and motivation.
In my next blog begin discussion on how the Marine Corps develops its senior NCOs and senior officers, and how this practice could benefit your company. If you would like to speak with us about creating a topnotch leadership-driven company culture or have a business question or issues you would like to discuss, please feel free to reach out to us via our website Contact page.