7 Lessons I learned from the Marine Corps on Leadership

By Randall Doizaki

Owner & CEO, Doizaki on Leadership LLC

In the Marine Corps, legacy and camaraderie are more than concepts—they are the essence of what it means to be a Marine. All military organizations, and even many private companies, strive to cultivate a sense of unity and mission among their members. But for Marines, this commitment goes deeper; it is in our blood, woven into our identity, and felt in every action. This “blood-deep” bond sets us apart, creating an unwavering spirit and tenacity that drives us forward, especially in times of adversity. As leaders, we can apply this unique Marine Corps ethos to build powerful, purpose-driven teams that will stand together through any challenge.

1. Legacy as the Foundation For Marines, legacy is more than a word—it is a guiding force that each Marine upholds with pride. This history is not just a story; it is an identity handed down and strengthened by each generation. While most organizations have a mission, few approach it with the same dedication found in the Marine Corps. Similarly, as leaders, we can inspire commitment by defining a powerful mission and aligning the team around it. This commitment, when felt deeply, transforms ordinary efforts into extraordinary achievements.

Call to Action: Reflect on the legacy your organization wants to create. Engage your team with the history and purpose of your mission to make it a shared identity, something everyone can uphold with pride.

2. Fostering True Camaraderie. The camaraderie Marines experience is unparalleled, forged through shared challenges, sacrifices, and a mutual understanding that transcends any personal agenda. While camaraderie exists in many organizations, the Marine Corps teaches us that it goes deeper than surface-level collaboration—it is about forming bonds that last a lifetime. This bond is engrained into our blood and spirit to the point that Marines acknowledge other Marines in daily life even if they are different generations. In leadership, fostering genuine camaraderie means creating spaces for open communication, support, and shared goals. It is about encouraging an environment where team members have each other’s backs through any situation.

Call to Action: Encourage team-building activities that strengthen authentic connections. Develop opportunities for your team to share experiences and build trust, creating bonds that will carry them through the most challenging tasks.

3. Shared History and Values. Every Marine is deeply connected to the Corps’ values, creating a sense of continuity that binds them to a long line of Marines before them. This sense of shared history brings purpose, while core values define every action and decision. Though many organizations have histories and values, instilling them to the extent found in the Marine Corps can create an identity that goes beyond the workplace. By embedding shared values into daily interactions, leaders can foster a culture that feels meaningful and worth investing in for the long term.

Call to Action: Regularly celebrate your organization’s history and values, making them a source of pride and guidance. Let team members see that they are a vital part of this narrative, which creates a lasting, shared identity.

4. Strength Through Challenges. The Marine Corps instills resilience through experiences that test limits, both mentally and physically. Marines come out of these trials with the strength to face any challenge, a spirit that runs deeper than just “doing the job.” For leaders, creating a culture where challenges are embraced as growth opportunities can strengthen the whole team. In most organizations, it is easy to view obstacles as setbacks; however, like Marines, overcoming these challenges can build lasting resilience and reinforce bonds between team members.

Call to Action: Encourage a growth mindset in your team, framing challenges as steppingstones for personal and professional strength. Recognize both individual and team achievements to build morale and reinforce the team’s collective strength.

5. Creating a Sense of Belonging. For Marines, belonging goes beyond simple inclusion—it is about being part of a unit where each member’s worth is recognized and celebrated. While this sense of belonging exists in all military branches, for Marines, it is intrinsic and unshakable. As leaders, we can build similar belonging by making sure everyone feels valued for their unique contributions and by emphasizing that every role is critical to the team’s success. When team members truly feel they belong, they are more motivated, loyal, and ready to rise to any challenge.

Call to Action: Make a habit of acknowledging each team member’s unique contributions and value. Create an environment where everyone understands that they play an essential role in the organization’s success.

6. Coaching/Mentorship for Building a Legacy. The Marine Corps prides itself on passing down knowledge, values, and skills from one generation to the next, creating a legacy that strengthens with time. This coaching/mentorship isn’t just a practice; it’s a duty to ensure that each Marine upholds and enhances the legacy. As leaders, embracing coaching/mentorship within our teams allows us to create a legacy that endures beyond any one person’s tenure. A structured coaching/mentorship program can help develop the next generation of leaders, fostering continuity and loyalty that will benefit the organization in the years to come.

Call to Action: Consider establishing a coaching/mentorship program that encourages knowledge sharing and fosters the growth of new leaders. Emphasize the responsibility to pass on skills and values to ensure a lasting organizational legacy.

7. Embracing Core Values in Every Task. Honor, courage, and commitment define Marines, not just as values but as core elements of identity. For a Marine, these values are as essential as breathing, shaping their actions and decisions every day. Many organizations have values, but it’s the deep, almost instinctual commitment to these values that makes Marines unique. Leaders can learn from this example by embodying and reinforcing core values in every task, ensuring that they become more than statements but living principles that guide the entire team.

Call to Action: Identify and clarify your organization’s core values, and consistently model them in your actions. Let these values shape every decision, setting a standard that becomes ingrained in the team’s way of working.

The Marine Corps embodies camaraderie, legacy, and resilience in a way that goes beyond the ordinary, rooted deeply in history, shared values, and an unwavering sense of belonging. While most organizations recognize the importance of these elements, for Marines, it is a bond that feels as natural as breathing—a strength that emerges from within and sets them apart. As leaders, we can bring this Marine Corps-inspired approach into our teams by fostering an environment of shared values, resilience, and loyalty. When team members feel connected to a legacy and share in a powerful mission, they are more likely to go above and beyond, working together to overcome challenges and achieve lasting impact.

Final Call to Action: Start embedding these principles into your organization today. Reflect on how you can strengthen camaraderie, build a legacy, and cultivate resilience in your team. Let’s build something together that isn’t just successful but meaningful—a legacy that everyone can be proud of, today and for years to come.

Randall Doizaki CEO, Doizaki on Leadership LLC Leadership Coach | Speaker | Trainer

Inspirational Leadership Support | Doizaki on Leadership LLC Top of Form

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