The Marine Corp excels in forging new identities for their recruits in 8 short weeks. New recruits are drilled into thinking of themselves not only as a soldier with individual responsibilities, but as a member of a unit; accountable to each other.
Semper Fidelis the well know motto for The Marine Corp is Latin for “Always Faithful”. Marines faithfully protect each other’s backs all the time and perform fearlessly in the field of battle as a unit. They are laser focused on their objective or goal for each mission that is communicated by their leaders.
It is no surprise that each member of the Marine Corp regards being part of this fraternity as a integral part of their identity. It defines who they are and what they do…everyday, every mission, every task. They want to be apart of something bigger than themselves. No wonder when a Marine heals from a wound suffered in battle, they want to get back to their unit as quickly as possible. This is the Marine Corp’s formula for success.
As leaders, how do we create an environment where individuals take responsibility and accountablility and be apart of something that is larger than themselves?
Leaders need to create a vision, mission, direction or purpose of where the organization is headed. Without a vision your employees have no sense of what they are working for and why their roles matter. Leaders need to effectively engage their employees and help them embrace the vision and clearly understand how their jobs matter to the success of the organization. If your not the CEO, but head a business unit or department (Accounting, Administration, Customer Service, Finance, HR, IT, Legal, Sales) I recommend that you create a vision for your unit or department that is consistent with the corporate vision. Make it matter and show how your unit impacts the success of the organization, another business unit or department in the organization. Create an environment where your employees want to contribute and be apart of something larger than just themselves.
As leaders we need to regularly communciate the vision and expectations to each member of the team. This is not a once a year, check of the to do list task. There must be constant communcation why their role matters, how it contributes to their success and the success of the larger unit or organization. By doing so you will create an environment where your employees will hold themselves responsible for their actions and feel accountable to others within the organization.
What does your organization have in common with the Marine Corp?