By Gloria Nesloney
Every Marine will know what JJ DID TIE BUCKLE means. The acronym stands for
justice, judgment, dependability, integrity, decisiveness, tact, initiative, endurance, bearing,
unselfishness, courage, knowledge, loyalty, and enthusiasm. These attributes helped me through my military service, as a civilian, in my community, and ministry.
After the military, I entered civilian life. I worked in a variety of fields that had different types of leaders. Some understood the value of the employee. The employee's worth had nothing to do with what kind of work one would do. It does not matter how well a person can do their job. Instead, what was important was that the employee could trust the employer.
In return, the employer would do the same. I have learned that employers who have their business in mind lose quality employees. The employer's emphasis on labor rather than leadership characteristics diminishes an employee's full potential.
Think of someone you consider to be a good influence in your life. What characteristics did they emanate? Now, think of someone you believe has influenced your life that did not portray a great leader. What set them apart from other leaders? As you begin to recognize those that were the best in leadership, you will also notice habits you may want to change in your life so that you will lead with care. Duplicate outstanding leadership characteristics, and you will see those who follow you reproduce those same leadership characteristics.
What you duplicate will multiply.
Obtaining a well-rounded balance of these leadership elements would be best. Have you
ever met a leader who has tact but lacks decisiveness? Have you met someone who is loyal but lacks initiative? Once I learned how I lead and what areas I needed to improve, it helped me reach further potential than I ever had. I realized I had bearing, tact, and courage without enthusiasm, loyalty, and decisiveness. I was a leader who led with a heavy hand. When I went back to evaluate where I needed improvement, I encountered the balance I needed.
When utilized in your everyday life, you can be sure that you are qualified to lead as you carry yourself in a unique yet very admirable way.
Be the kind of leader with these qualities.
Be the kind of leader people would want to hear. Be the kind of leader people would like to respect.
Be the kind of leader people can trust. Be the kind of leader people will model.
Journal Opportunity:
1. Which leadership quality describes you the most? Which one do you want to
work on? How will you achieve this goal?
2. Spend a few minutes writing about people who have positively influenced you. Which attributes did they exemplify? How did that impact you as a leader in
business and life? How do you want to impact others?
3. Rate yourself on a scale of 1-5 (1 = Poor, 5 = Excellent). For an extra challenge, ask others to rate you against each trait.
Where your view differs from theirs will give you an idea of where you could improve. A great leader is always finding ways to improve.
Leadership Quality Your Score of Yourself Their Score of You Justice: _____ _____ Judgment: _____ _____ Dependability: _____ _____ Integrity: _____ _____ Decisiveness: _____ _____ Tact: _____ _____ Initiative: _____ _____ Endurance: _____ _____ Bearing: _____ _____ Unselfishness: _____ _____ Courage: _____ _____ Knowledge: _____ _____ Loyalty: _____ _____ Enthusiasm: _____ _____