The Marine Corps Way

Happy Birthday, Marines

The American people expect a Corps of men and women who are committed, selfless, willing to sacrifice, who epitomize honor, courage, commitment, virtue, and character. We owe our Nation and our predecessors no less.

I’ve been a part of a lot of organizations, but none lives its values as loudly and proudly as the United States Marine Corps.

Honor. Courage. Commitment.

Easy to say, hard to live.

Without these values, you will not be a good Marine. With these values, you have a fighting chance.

As you build your organization, it’s important to define who you are and what you care about — your values. It is equally essential to name, by exclusion, those things that you do not value. Everything should be measured accordingly.

The more clearly you define — and live — your values, the better you will be as a partner, leader, and operator. This is most true during uncertain, challenging, and chaotic times.

In the business world, too many companies sacrifice values-based leadership at the altar of profit.

If these companies studied the Marine Corps, they would learn that you can be values-based and incredibly good at what you do. This balance has served the Marine Corps well for over 240 years.

Happy Birthday, Marines.