Developing highly effective Marine leaders

Abstract

Warfare in the 21st century will move down two divergent paths. On the one hand, it will reflect many of the characteristics seen in the Gulf War: decentralization of the battlefield, four dimensional theater, utilization of high-tech weapons, quick tempo, and an overabundance of information flow. On the other, it will reflect the recent occurrences referred to as Operations Other Than War. Here, war is not the primary medium of conflict. The diversity in warfare will create many demands for Marine leaders that will necessitate the identification of specific needs that Marine leaders will need to fulfill. This thesis addresses the needs all Marine leaders will face, and explains why an integration of Stephen R. Covey's The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People with Principle-Centered Leadership will fill those needs. Not only would this integration enhance Marine leadership but it would also create the necessary foundation at the personal and interpersonal levels for success. Once the Marine's foundation is established, the managerial and organizational levels of the Marine Corps have the framework in place for creating and maintaining a principle-centered alignment that will increase all Marine leadership ability as the 21st century approaches.