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The Marine Corps’ 14 leadership traits – ENTHUSIASM

Marines Uncovered  //  May 17th, 2011  //  By Staff Sgt. Greg Thomas

Next up on our list of the Marine Corps’ 14 leadership traits is ENTHUSIASM, which is defined as, “a sincere interest and exuberance in the performance of your duties. If you are enthusiastic, you are optimistic, cheerful, and willing to accept the challenges.”

Many who are unfamiliar with the Marine Corps often ask why Marines move around so much, and honestly, I think a large part of it is tied into this trait. It can be difficult to maintain an extremely high level of ENTHUSIASM for your job after doing the same thing in the same place with pretty much the same people for years on end.

Marines changing units and locations allows them to maintain a level of ENTHUSIASM and more importantly should ensure that level doesn’t dip way down.

ENTHUSIASM, like many traits, is contagious in both directions. A leader who is enthusiastic will inspire the same from his Marines; at the same time, one who is more apathetic will certainly infect those around him with his apathy and bring a large number of them down.

So how does someone regain their ENTHUSIASM once they’ve lost it? That can be a very difficult proposition. Most of the Marines I’ve seen who’ve lost ENTHUSIASM have done so because they lose sight of the part they play in the bigger picture.

In order to maintain or regain your ENTHUSIASM, you have to understand your role – whether it be a cook, baker, or candlestick maker – and how that role impacts the organization as a whole.

The Marine Corps is full of support roles, and every single one of us plays a role in keeping the wheels turning. Without administrators, Marines wouldn’t go on Temporary Additional Duty trips; without disbursers, Marines wouldn’t get paid; without supply, Marines wouldn’t get the gear they need; without public affairs specialists, the public would completely forget what it is the Marine Corps does which would lead to the Corps’ eventual demise.

As leaders, we must ensure those in our charge are constantly reminded of the important role they play, and we must challenge them on a regular basis not only to ensure their growth but also to keep them focused.

At the end of the day, we must remember we all play a part, and our job as is to keep the Marine Corps going in order to make Marines, win battles, and return quality citizens.

  • 03SSGT

    I love this trait.  

    semper fidelis,

  • Gagne1943

    i was in the corps –1960-64—l-3-8—weapons plt –i was gung ho –not a great 17 year old good guy love girls and booze –made a med –no combat –i can say this joining the marines saved my life -either going to  jail or being a bum –when people say to me –thank you for serving -i have a hard time with saying thank you —-pvt-gagne—-1927xxx

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Helen-Stachiotti-Yost/774380849 Helen Stachiotti Yost

    I found this article to be very helpful and I was inspired to share it with my employees.  I run a small business and I’ve been struggling to explain the concept of enthusiasm to the young people who work for me.  Thanks for breaking it down for me and giving me some examples to go by.  I’m hopeful that it will inspire my team as well as it inspired me.   

  • Michelle

    Enthusiasm is “contagious in both directions.” Well put. Thanks, Marines! 

  • http://profiles.google.com/scott.corner.palmahs Scott Corner

    I don’t remember who said it or where I may have read it, but some of the best advice I’ve seen on waning enthusiasm….go watch evening colors.  I’ve been in the 1st CivDiv for 18 years and teaching school for 16 years, and evening colors stills gets me going!

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This entry was posted on May 17th, 2011 at 4:21 pm and is filed under the Marines Uncovered category. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.