Marine Corps Leadership Traits: Dependability
Candidates, this is the third in a series of leadership posts relating specifically to the Marine Corps Leadership traits–the most basic introduction to the Corps’ philosophies that you will learn about at OCS. Study the leadership traits and other lessons ahead of time on our academics page.
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.
There is a sliding scale of expectations of dependability. It will be assumed that a Gunnery Sergeant is more dependable than a new Lance Corporal. As a commissioned officer, there is no “spool up” time period of low expectations. Lieutenants are assumed to be dependable. From the start, responsibilities and expectations will be high.
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.
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See all leadership posts here, and check back often as there are many more to come!
Reference: Marine Corps Leadership Traits
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