Aspects of Leadership
An Enlisted Primer on Leading Marines
in partnership with the College of Enlisted Military Education
DOI: 10.56686/9781966233046
ABOUT THE BOOK
Leadership is not what you read in a publication. It is what you learn, what you embrace, and how you put it into action. The value of these leadership lessons is only as strong as you allow them to be. Live them forward, and remember, though we are all on different paths, we share one purpose: to lead Marines.
~ Sergeant Major Carlos A. Ruiz
In a time of rapid change and complex challenges, the voice of enlisted leadership has never been more critical. This compelling collection of essays brings together the insights, experiences, and perspectives of Marines committed to strengthening the Corps from within. Exploring topics ranging from mentorship and discipline to innovation, cohesion, and the human dimension of combat readiness, each piece offers a candid look at what it means to lead effectively in today’s evolving operational environment. More than a collection of ideas, this volume is a testament to the power of professional thought and reflection. Through the discipline of writing, these Marines sharpen their judgment, deepen their understanding, and contribute to the enduring legacy of the Corps. Their words not only illuminate the challenges of modern military leadership but also reinforce the values and intellectual rigor that define it. This is a book for those who lead, those who aspire to lead, and all who understand that the strength of the Marine Corps lies in the development of its people.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Foreword
Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Carlos A. Ruiz
Editorial Note
Select Abbreviations, Acronyms, and Terms
Introduction: Empathy Is Combat Power
Master Sergeant Tara M. Highbaugh
AWARD WINNERS
FIRST PLACE
1. Not in History Books
Master Gunnery Sergeant Miguel A. Gutierrez
SECOND PLACE
2. From Silver Nuggets to Nuggets of Wisdom
Master Gunnery Sergeant Isboset Rendonhoare
THIRD PLACE
3. Leadership in the Quiet Moments
First Sergeant Chase McGrorty-Hunter
ESSAYS (no particular order)
4. The Unseen Leader
Corporal Aaron Keefer
5. Forged in the Fire: The True Meaning of an Enlisted Leader
Sergeant Angel R. Rodriguez
6. Marine Corps Leadership: Honing Our Principles and Primary Duties
Gunnery Sergeant Ryan Barclift
7. The Pedestal Is Not a Throne
Sergeant Nicholas Anderson
8. The Rank We Wear Is Temporary: The Impact We Leave Is Forever
Staff Sergeant Adalberto Jaramillo
9. From Follower to Leader
Sergeant Gregory Gagnon
10. The Weight and Worth of Leadership
Gunnery Sergeant Moise Barbier
11. Being a Leader of Marines
Sergeant Dajuan Adams
12. Keeping the Ship on Course: An Enlisted Leader’s Perspective
Gunnery Sergeant Michael A. Brooks
13. Empathize or Realize How Worry Multiplies
Gunnery Sergeant Cord Burgan
14. Developing Leaders
Gunnery Sergeant Matthew N. Guelzow
15. Cultivating Builders: Investing in the Future of Those We Lead
Gunnery Sergeant Selena Benitez
16. Enlisted Leadership through a Continuously Adapting Organization while Maintaining the Customs and Courtesy of Marine Corps Tradition
Staff Sergeant Michelle A. Wynveen, PhD
17. Leadership Is Not Rank Deep, It Is Backbone Built
Sergeant Kavonte Jones Sr. (Ret)
18. The Core Elements of Leadership
Corporal Matthew J. Fritch
19. Know Yourself and Seek Self-improvement
Staff Sergeant David Estes
20. Leadership Forged in Service: The Enduring Traits of an Enlisted Marine
Gunnery Sergeant William E. Clark
21. Shaping Future Performance: The NCO’s Responsibility
Sergeant Manuel A. Lopez-Chavez
22. Leading with Precision: Leadership Lessons as a Production and Analysis Chief
Staff Sergeant Oakley D. Lewellen
23. Turning Military Discipline into Entrepreneurial Drive
Sergeant Major Christopher J. Thomas (Ret)
24. The Perspective of an Enlisted Leader
Gunnery Sergeant Justin Cavanaugh
25. The Standards We Live By
Gunnery Sergeant Lenae A. Parzanese
26. As Leadership Evolves
Sergeant Kayanah Brown
27. Empathy: The Marine Corps’ Quiet Weapon
Sergeant Andres Ruiz Grijalva
28. Leadership Defined
Corporal Megan A. Hinzman
29. Marine Leaders
Lance Corporal Lexi Morgan
30. Moments of Leadership
Staff Sergeant Paul Nicholas Chang (Ret)
31. Leadership that Lasts: Living the 4 Es
Master Gunnery Sergeant Levingston D. Hodges III (Ret)
32. Leaders: Givers and Takers
Private First Class Miguel Angel Torres II
33. Resilient Leadership
Corporal Trey Sweeney
34. Persistency over Perfection
Staff Sergeant Joshua Edwards
35. Strength of Character: The Discipline behind Effective Leadership
Staff Sergeant Nicholas S. O’Connor
36. The Complex Battlefield of the Thinking Warrior
First Sergeant Ivan Linares (Ret)
37. The Work
Sergeant Matthew J. Pocklington
38. Uncompromised
Sergeant Major Glenn R. Ray
39. If You’re Going to Talk the Talk, Walk the Walk
Staff Sergeant Dennis Michael Benton
40. What Makes a Leader?
Sergeant Nicolas A. Raymundo
Appendix: Classroom Discussion Questions
Recommended Reading
About the Authors