Navy Leadership
Three Elements of Navy Leadership
Three elements make an effective Navy leader:
Developing moral principles: When we speak of moral principles, we think of honesty, integrity, and loyalty. The key to leadership is the emphasis placed on personal moral responsibility. When you continually prove you are honest and loyal, your shipmates and subordinates will notice.
Setting a good personal example: You are not automatically respected as a leader just because you have the authority. You must learn to lead, not drive. By setting a good personal example you will earn the respect and confidence of your peers and superiors.
Developing administrative ability: The ability to administrate is not restricted to the maintenance of logs and records and other paperwork. Administrative ability is another term for good management practices. These include the ability to organize, manage and work well with people. Always remember that every person is an individual who wants to experience a feeling of worth and accomplishment. You should emphasize the individual's importance in getting the job done.
The key to effective leadership is loyalty. In order to be a good leader, ,you must learn to be a good follower. No matter how high you go in the chain of command, someone will always be above you. Even the President (as Commander-in Chief of the Armed Forces) is responsible to the people.
Always carry out your orders promptly, to the best of your ability and as cheerfully as possible. You must demonstrate that even when an order is disagreeable or causes personal inconvenience it must be carried out. Among the many qualities of a good follower are loyalty, initiative and dependability.
An important thing you should learn is when to praise and when to reprimand. It is human nature for people to do better work when they know their efforts are appreciated. When a person does more than is required, do not hesitate to show your approval; and, if possible, in front of the group.
On the other hand, you may have to reprimand someone. Remember that the purpose of a reprimand is to teach -- not to embarrass. Therefore, reprimands should be performed in privacy.
Esprit De Corps
Some units in the Navy have outstanding reputations for professional ability and for always getting their jobs done. What's their secret? Sailors have esprit de corps, which means Sailors have pride in their organization and in themselves as individuals. You as a Sailor can contribute by showing pride in yourself, your shipmates, the Navy and your leaders.
Another way for you to boost morale and help promote esprit de corps is to keep your people informed. Let them know when and why things are happening. This also establishes a foundation for trust between you and your people.
Integrity
Integrity is very important in a leader. You must always be honest with your superiors, your shipmates and yourself. Never promise to do something you know you cannot or do not intend to do. Making promises you cannot or will not keep will result in a loss of respect from your shipmates. Without respect you cannot be an effective leader.
U.S. Navy DEP Success Accelerator