The Leadership Project ®
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Act For Peace and Freedom by President George W. Bush
Organization doesn't really accomplish anything. Plans don't accomplish anything, either. Theories of management don't much matter. Endeavors succeed or fail because of the people involved. Only by attracting the best people will you accomplish great deeds.
Look for intelligence and judgment and, most critically, a capacity to anticipate, to see around corners. Also look for loyalty, integrity, a high-energy drive, a balanced ego and the drive to get things done. Surround yourself with people who take their work seriously, but not themselves, those who work hard and play hard!
Maintain a positive working attitude with your staff. Optimism is a force multiplier.
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Surround Yourself With Serious People by Colin Powell
Organization doesn't really accomplish anything. Plans don't accomplish anything, either. Theories of management don't much matter. Endeavors succeed or fail because of the people involved. Only by attracting the best people will you accomplish great deeds.
Look for intelligence and judgment and, most critically, a capacity to anticipate, to see around corners. Also look for loyalty, integrity, a high-energy drive, a balanced ego and the drive to get things done. Surround yourself with people who take their work seriously, but not themselves, those who work hard and play hard!
Maintain a positive working attitude with your staff. Optimism is a force multiplier.
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Lead By Example by Thomas E. White
Leading is a way of life. Life is not a spectator sport, and leadership is not just a function to be performed within an organization. Inspired leadership means taking risks while sharing a common bond, pursuing a common direction, and living for a common purpose. These are the enduring values and corps ethics that don't change: love of service, commitment to mission "till duty is done" and caring for your people.
There are no bad units, only bad leaders. Every day you, as a leader, will be the difference that creates high performing units which excel at everything they do. Through your example, you inspire those in your charge to reach into themselves and achieve beyond what they think possible. To whom much has been given, much is expected. Hold your standards high. Let it always be said of you - Well Done!
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Be Ready, Anywhere, Anytime by The Honorable Gordon R. England
When we talk about the military's service, everybody thinks about "military," but the key word is not military, the key word is "service." You give service to your nation, to the world, and you often do so during very difficult times.
Heroes are not defined by the way they die; but rather by the way they live and what they do. You, our men and women in uniform, by your honor, courage and commitment, protect our nation's interests and, more importantly, our hopes and dreams. You consistently show the ability to adapt, change and transform to meet new threats to America. You are the foundation of our strength. You make us proud and keep us safe.
Now, your service requires continued patience, determination, and resolve. We face a long war against terrorism. Projecting both offensive power and defensive capability, you are trained, educated, motivated and strong. You are ready to serve America anywhere, anytime, around the world and around the clock. United we stand, and together as a nation, we will prevail.
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Remain Focused by General Michael Hagee
Due to our expeditionary culture, we have always been responsive and immediately employable with our sister Services, special operations forces, as well as our coalition partners. We will leverage these institutional strengths to assist in achieving a victory in today's Global War on Terrorism and other threats to our security. All our actions will focus on enhancing our warfighting excellence at each level of war, at home and abroad. Every member of our Corps must remain focused on our main effort, the war-fighting excellence of the individual Marine and our combined arms Marine Air-Ground Task Forces.
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Proudly Wear Your Uniform by General John P. Jumper
We are all warriors, every single one of us. We need to make sure we have our warrior hat on. Warriors win wars. The nation today looks toward us. They look toward people in uniform. They want our strength to be at the forefront. There is no better place to be today than wearing the uniform of your nation. There is nothing you can be doing today that is any more important to the nation, more important to you, and more personally satisfying than what you are doing today.
If you doubt that, go to an airport anywhere, wear your uniform in an airport and watch the people come up and shake your hand. Watch the people come up and thank you. They recognize your commitment, your dedication, your patriotism and your sacrifice. When the world calls, when the nation calls, we will be there.
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Give When Asked by Dr. James G. Roche
Future wars will require all elements of national power: economic, diplomatic, financial, legal and military. People, however, always will be the most important resource of any organization. Our combat capability resides in our people. While technology, organization and strategy contribute, the most essential ingredient of combat effectiveness is our professionally trained soldiers, sailors and airmen.
Your nation now asks you to be even more dedicated, focused, innovative and productive. We need your gifts of talent, energy and ideas to adapting the military to the continuing challenges and needs of this era. Action - not rhetoric - will make the difference. The risks of action outweigh the consequences of inaction. Your collective sacrifices are why we live free in this great country. Our enemies need to understand that with seamless cohesion, our Armed Forces will use every means available to defeat them. From a common purpose, we are supported by the trust and understanding of the people of the United States.
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Keeping The Promise By Admiral Vern Clark
The call to serve is the catalyst for thousands of courageous acts that happen every day in our Navy. By raising their right hand and swearing to support the Constitution of the United States, our people promise to embark on a lifestyle of service.
As leaders, we must also keep our promise to them. We promise to give them the opportunity to contribute to a cause greater than themselves. We promise to give them the tools to grow and develop. And if they succeed, we promise to give them the chance to lead.
Keeping these promises can be the difference between victory and defeat. Anyone can lead when the going is easy, but it takes strength and character to navigate through rough waters. By keeping these promises, our leaders are rewarded with the satisfaction that comes from making a difference in the lives of their Sailors, in the defense of our nation and in the course of history.
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Develop Trust by General Eric Shinseki
Trust is the glue that holds Soldiers together in combat. We develop trust, essential to our warfighting effectiveness, in our day-in and day-out training. Training for the toughest missions is where we must be successful. Training is where leaders are most on display, where Soldiers are always watching. They are watching to see what examples their leaders set, to see whether their leaders have the right stuff, and watching to see if their leaders really care enough to put it on the line for them. Training is where camaraderie is forged, where warfighting skills are honed, and where trust is instilled and strengthened: Soldier to Soldier; leader to led; and unit to unit. If they know that they are being cared for, our Soldiers will always go that extra mile for their leader. It is a matter of trust. And it has been the human elements of leadership, of courage, of sacrifice, and, most of all, trust - that refusal by one Soldier to break faith with another - that have rallied Soldiers to fight and die for one another.
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Bravely Swim Upstream by Donald Rumsfeld
We are living in a period of tumult and change. We face new threats that will require more than new technologies. To defend freedom in the 21st century, you will have to bring innovation, flexibility, and agility to your posts.
Don't be afraid to think for yourself - to take risks, and try new things. You may meet resistance along the way - expect opposition - but don't be dissuaded. Progress in life has come generally from those who swim upstream.
Whatever new threats and challenges may emerge, our nation will be able to face them squarely, deal with them, and yet allow our people to continue to live free and unafraid. The decisions you make, the courage and creativity you bring to your responsibilities, will determine America's future. Liberty and our way of life are fragile gifts - their care is in your hands. We thank you for stepping forward to shoulder that immense responsibility. Your country is grateful, and proud of each of you.
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Hang Together by Admiral Thomas Collins
The United States is a maritime nation. Therefore, we must continue to strengthen our maritime security capabilities. We need to "hang together" with all other services and departments that contribute to the nation's security. By improving our ability to provide maritime security to the United States, we will improve our capability in all mission areas: national defense, homeland security, maritime safety, maritime mobility, and protection of our natural resources.
We must be vigilant and aware of present and potential dangers. We must recognize our assets and understand our vulnerabilities. We must be strong and visible. We must be prepared to do whatever it takes to stop any threat. Our nation expects nothing less than professional excellence from us. With honor, respect and devotion to duty, we will answer the call.
We will be ready. We will hang together: soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and coast guardsmen. We will win.
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Raise Your Hand by General Richard Myers
Our Nation is free only because individual citizens have performed selfless singular acts of courage, literally millions of times. Strengthened by integrity, character and faith, these action-oriented, brave men and women were willing to raise their hand and say, "Here I am, send me." They understood that being an American is about more than having rights, it's about having responsibilities to God, family, and country.
There has never been a more important time for people to go into public service, to contribute, to help make a difference. This is true whether in the military, churches, schools, in the legislature, or as coaches, police officers, firefighters, soldiers, sailors or airmen. Join the ranks of the action-oriented men and women united by commitment and comradeship to worthy causes. Personally, you will never feel more fulfilled or proud. Your country needs you.
The Leadership Project ®
Act For Peace and Freedom by President George W. Bush
Organization doesn't really accomplish anything. Plans don't accomplish anything, either. Theories of management don't much matter. Endeavors succeed or fail because of the people involved. Only by attracting the best people will you accomplish great deeds. Look for intelligence and judgment and, most critically, a capacity to anticipate, to see around corners. Also look for loyalty, integrity, a high-energy drive, a balanced ego and the drive to get things done. Surround yourself with people who take their work seriously, but not themselves, those who work hard and play hard! Maintain a positive working attitude with your staff. Optimism is a force multiplier.Surround Yourself With Serious People by Colin Powell
Organization doesn't really accomplish anything. Plans don't accomplish anything, either. Theories of management don't much matter. Endeavors succeed or fail because of the people involved. Only by attracting the best people will you accomplish great deeds. Look for intelligence and judgment and, most critically, a capacity to anticipate, to see around corners. Also look for loyalty, integrity, a high-energy drive, a balanced ego and the drive to get things done. Surround yourself with people who take their work seriously, but not themselves, those who work hard and play hard! Maintain a positive working attitude with your staff. Optimism is a force multiplier.Lead By Example by Thomas E. White
Leading is a way of life. Life is not a spectator sport, and leadership is not just a function to be performed within an organization. Inspired leadership means taking risks while sharing a common bond, pursuing a common direction, and living for a common purpose. These are the enduring values and corps ethics that don't change: love of service, commitment to mission "till duty is done" and caring for your people. There are no bad units, only bad leaders. Every day you, as a leader, will be the difference that creates high performing units which excel at everything they do. Through your example, you inspire those in your charge to reach into themselves and achieve beyond what they think possible. To whom much has been given, much is expected. Hold your standards high. Let it always be said of you - Well Done!Be Ready, Anywhere, Anytime by The Honorable Gordon R. England
When we talk about the military's service, everybody thinks about "military," but the key word is not military, the key word is "service." You give service to your nation, to the world, and you often do so during very difficult times. Heroes are not defined by the way they die; but rather by the way they live and what they do. You, our men and women in uniform, by your honor, courage and commitment, protect our nation's interests and, more importantly, our hopes and dreams. You consistently show the ability to adapt, change and transform to meet new threats to America. You are the foundation of our strength. You make us proud and keep us safe. Now, your service requires continued patience, determination, and resolve. We face a long war against terrorism. Projecting both offensive power and defensive capability, you are trained, educated, motivated and strong. You are ready to serve America anywhere, anytime, around the world and around the clock. United we stand, and together as a nation, we will prevail.Remain Focused by General Michael Hagee
Due to our expeditionary culture, we have always been responsive and immediately employable with our sister Services, special operations forces, as well as our coalition partners. We will leverage these institutional strengths to assist in achieving a victory in today's Global War on Terrorism and other threats to our security. All our actions will focus on enhancing our warfighting excellence at each level of war, at home and abroad. Every member of our Corps must remain focused on our main effort, the war-fighting excellence of the individual Marine and our combined arms Marine Air-Ground Task Forces.Proudly Wear Your Uniform by General John P. Jumper
We are all warriors, every single one of us. We need to make sure we have our warrior hat on. Warriors win wars. The nation today looks toward us. They look toward people in uniform. They want our strength to be at the forefront. There is no better place to be today than wearing the uniform of your nation. There is nothing you can be doing today that is any more important to the nation, more important to you, and more personally satisfying than what you are doing today. If you doubt that, go to an airport anywhere, wear your uniform in an airport and watch the people come up and shake your hand. Watch the people come up and thank you. They recognize your commitment, your dedication, your patriotism and your sacrifice. When the world calls, when the nation calls, we will be there.Give When Asked by Dr. James G. Roche
Future wars will require all elements of national power: economic, diplomatic, financial, legal and military. People, however, always will be the most important resource of any organization. Our combat capability resides in our people. While technology, organization and strategy contribute, the most essential ingredient of combat effectiveness is our professionally trained soldiers, sailors and airmen. Your nation now asks you to be even more dedicated, focused, innovative and productive. We need your gifts of talent, energy and ideas to adapting the military to the continuing challenges and needs of this era. Action - not rhetoric - will make the difference. The risks of action outweigh the consequences of inaction. Your collective sacrifices are why we live free in this great country. Our enemies need to understand that with seamless cohesion, our Armed Forces will use every means available to defeat them. From a common purpose, we are supported by the trust and understanding of the people of the United States.Keeping The Promise By Admiral Vern Clark
The call to serve is the catalyst for thousands of courageous acts that happen every day in our Navy. By raising their right hand and swearing to support the Constitution of the United States, our people promise to embark on a lifestyle of service. As leaders, we must also keep our promise to them. We promise to give them the opportunity to contribute to a cause greater than themselves. We promise to give them the tools to grow and develop. And if they succeed, we promise to give them the chance to lead. Keeping these promises can be the difference between victory and defeat. Anyone can lead when the going is easy, but it takes strength and character to navigate through rough waters. By keeping these promises, our leaders are rewarded with the satisfaction that comes from making a difference in the lives of their Sailors, in the defense of our nation and in the course of history.Develop Trust by General Eric Shinseki
Trust is the glue that holds Soldiers together in combat. We develop trust, essential to our warfighting effectiveness, in our day-in and day-out training. Training for the toughest missions is where we must be successful. Training is where leaders are most on display, where Soldiers are always watching. They are watching to see what examples their leaders set, to see whether their leaders have the right stuff, and watching to see if their leaders really care enough to put it on the line for them. Training is where camaraderie is forged, where warfighting skills are honed, and where trust is instilled and strengthened: Soldier to Soldier; leader to led; and unit to unit. If they know that they are being cared for, our Soldiers will always go that extra mile for their leader. It is a matter of trust. And it has been the human elements of leadership, of courage, of sacrifice, and, most of all, trust - that refusal by one Soldier to break faith with another - that have rallied Soldiers to fight and die for one another.Bravely Swim Upstream by Donald Rumsfeld
We are living in a period of tumult and change. We face new threats that will require more than new technologies. To defend freedom in the 21st century, you will have to bring innovation, flexibility, and agility to your posts. Don't be afraid to think for yourself - to take risks, and try new things. You may meet resistance along the way - expect opposition - but don't be dissuaded. Progress in life has come generally from those who swim upstream. Whatever new threats and challenges may emerge, our nation will be able to face them squarely, deal with them, and yet allow our people to continue to live free and unafraid. The decisions you make, the courage and creativity you bring to your responsibilities, will determine America's future. Liberty and our way of life are fragile gifts - their care is in your hands. We thank you for stepping forward to shoulder that immense responsibility. Your country is grateful, and proud of each of you.Hang Together by Admiral Thomas Collins
The United States is a maritime nation. Therefore, we must continue to strengthen our maritime security capabilities. We need to "hang together" with all other services and departments that contribute to the nation's security. By improving our ability to provide maritime security to the United States, we will improve our capability in all mission areas: national defense, homeland security, maritime safety, maritime mobility, and protection of our natural resources. We must be vigilant and aware of present and potential dangers. We must recognize our assets and understand our vulnerabilities. We must be strong and visible. We must be prepared to do whatever it takes to stop any threat. Our nation expects nothing less than professional excellence from us. With honor, respect and devotion to duty, we will answer the call. We will be ready. We will hang together: soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and coast guardsmen. We will win.Raise Your Hand by General Richard Myers
Our Nation is free only because individual citizens have performed selfless singular acts of courage, literally millions of times. Strengthened by integrity, character and faith, these action-oriented, brave men and women were willing to raise their hand and say, "Here I am, send me." They understood that being an American is about more than having rights, it's about having responsibilities to God, family, and country. There has never been a more important time for people to go into public service, to contribute, to help make a difference. This is true whether in the military, churches, schools, in the legislature, or as coaches, police officers, firefighters, soldiers, sailors or airmen. Join the ranks of the action-oriented men and women united by commitment and comradeship to worthy causes. Personally, you will never feel more fulfilled or proud. Your country needs you.
