Reflection on Leading Marines by The U.S. Marine Corps

               This is a book that teaches a lot about leadership, especially the concept that you can not ask someone you lead to do anything you’re not willing to do. It also emphasizes the uniqueness of the Marines and the culture that exists in the Marines. It is elitism in its purest sense- Marines train to be the best, believe they are the best, and will let you know it. There are lots of great quotes in the book, for example a Marine father saying to his Marine son, “May our Corps not have to go in harm’s way on your watch; but if it does, may you never be the second Marine there.” Marines overcome fears by being well-trained and well-led, having convictions that will sustain them, and by fighting for one another. Those are pretty valuable traits for any organization to have, whether it be a government agency, a business, or a baseball team. A good organization runs on those three aspects that provide good preparation and motivation. The book also discusses rules to use to promote innovation. First, it is the leader’s responsibility to bring subordinates’ ideas to the surface or analysis. Second, leaders must allow for the opportunity for subordinates to share ideas. Third, the leader should make clear that he or she expects honest opinions, not patronizing opinions meant to flatter. These are easier said than done, but if done correctly, will create a tight bond between the leader and the led, allowing the leader to know the intimate details of how his or her group functions and allow the led to shape the progress of their own organization. I think this is a great book for learning leadership skills and it definitely makes you want to become a Marine when you read about the culture that exists in the Corps.