The United States Marine Corps has a long standing legacy of producing some of the United States most renowned leaders. Since 1775, countless governors, senators, astronauts, athletes, entertainers, and business executives have served in this elite branch of the United States military.

The U.S. Marines are known and respected the world over for their leadership ability. How do they do it? What do they know that enables them to be such successful leaders on active duty and then in the civilian sector? Well, there are universal leadership principles that people respond to.

Our featured guest in this episode of Small Business Trends Radio is Wally Adamchik, Founder and President of FireStarter Speaking and Consulting. Wally reveals the essential characteristics that make up the foundation of successful leadership.

For instance, did you know that:

• Integrity – is the number one characteristic of a successful leader. You cannot portray integrity. Whether or not you have it must be decided by others based on your actions.

• Respect and trust – are second runners up. A successful leader has the respect and trust of his employees. But it is gained through respecting and trusting the employees first to earn it.

• If you have to yell — you are not a leader. You are shutting your employees and those around you out. They will not receive the message you intend for them to hear and they will not respect and trust you. Nor will they view you as a person of integrity.

• Leaders are born — and made. We all possess a certain amount of natural leadership abilities. We need to consciously apply our skills by studying and working at them. Do not focus on charisma when doing so, focus on passion and capabilities.

Wally has written a book titled: NO YELLING: The 9 Secrets of Marine Corps Leadership You Must Know to Win in Business. In this episode, Wally Adamchik shares the essential universal leadership characteristics used by the U.S. Marines to enable you to become the successful, natural born leader, you are capable of becoming.

Gain access to Wally’s insights by clicking the player below to listen to the full interview. Click here for more discussion in the forum.

Listen Now:

 Incorporating Marine Leadership Skills Into Business [53:28m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Posted by Staci Wood | | Permalink

1. Wally was one of the most engaging guests you’ve had so far. It’s great to hear someone so excited about his work.

   Lack of trust and respect was the main problem in my last job. Hands down I agree that positive interaction with your employees will get you better results. I used to work with 4 doctors. 2 of them would curse & yell when things didn’t go their way. It made everyone tense & on edge.

   Comment by Amanda — 5/17/2007 @ 8:53 am

2. I agree with Amanda’s comments regarding her previous work environment.

   I, too, many years ago worked for a man whom was a bit of a tyrant. He made many of the girls in the office cry on a regular basis. He would rant individually on each of them for hours on end. He’d close the door to their offices and go at them all morning.

   He would also make his wife sit in his office for 45 minutes while he ignored her, waiting for him to allot grocery money to her.

   It makes the atmosphere thick in the office and extremely tense. Nobody respected him nor did any of us trust him. Our work and the company suffered for it.

   Comment by Chris — 5/17/2007 @ 3:41 pm

3. You get what you give. Respect and trust from any leader in any business makes for a better work enviroment and that makes for better communication,which makes for a better and sucessful business.

   Comment by EJMalyn — 5/24/2007 @ 11:48 pm

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