Semper Fi: Business Leadership the Marine Corps Way

Dr.Jim Tunney, the retired dean of NFL referees and one of the nation's best motivational speakers may have described the theme of Semper Fi the best when he said, "Winner's don't have a good attitude because they win, they win because they have a good attitude." The blunt, intimidating, humiliating style of motivation and human development often associated with the Marine Corps is quickly dispelled in this book. Instead, it is shown that after twelve weeks of combat readiness basic training, the Marine style of developing people is psychologically sound and can be used in the business world. It is a must read. Research in workplace motivation has been neglected since 1927 when the "halo effect" style of managing was proven to be the most efficient. The Marine Corps understands that "unit cohesiveness" is important and loyalty of people to an organization cannot be coerced, it must be inspired by good leadership. The authors make it clear that every recruit is made to feel special through the openness and trust conveyed by their supervisors. Such traits are missing in corporate America. The goal of Marine Corp leadership is to develop winning attitudes in people and this is done from the bottom up, not through the insulting top-down methods common in most businesses. The book points out how high morale can be maintained by the way supervisors relate to those they must lead whether it be in battle or business. The welfare of the individual is paramount and the Marine motto of Semper Fi, which means Always Faithful, is highlighted in the book. However, the authors focus on constantly reminding readers that in business as in the Marines, loyalty, team spirit, unit cohesiveness, togetherness, openness and trust are results of psychologically sound human development, compassionate management and inspirational leadership. Read Semper Fi if you believe the following: In 21st Century Leadership, Kenneth Chenault said, "What is clearly going to be needed in the 21st century, particularly with the diversity of the workforce, is the ability to inspire...inspirational leadership is going to become very critical." The Marines know how!Norman Jones,Ed.D. - author of Performance Management in the 21st Century

Former Marines Dan Former Marines Dan Carrison and Rod Walsh suggest what the business world can learn from the United States Marine Corps. That is, "Business Leadership the Marine Corps Way." For example, "If all employees in a company, from the CEO to the line assembler, believe that they work for the best company in the industry, that they are without peer, and that those who work for the competition do so because they are not qualified to work for the best in the business, then an applicant may be motivated to join for reasons other than money." For example, executives who "command from a forward position" get out from behind a desk and leave the office to walk the shop floor. They visit other facilities, meet with small groups of employees to brief them on company news, attend initial meetings with prospects, call on customers, attend tradeshows, and in countless other ways "fight side-by-side with the troops" there in the "trenches"...whatever and wherever those trenches may be. Carrison and Walsh then ask us to envision an organization in which the majority of its creative and intelligent people walked around all day with the thought `I must not fail' in the back of their minds. Such an organization would be formidable indeed."It remains for each reader of Semper Fi to determine what is most relevant to her or his own organization. Whenever groups of people are assembled with a common purpose, there will always be a need for leadership. With more than 200 years of experience developing leaders "throughout the ranks", the Marine Corps remains a unique organization of enduring excellence.

As a former Marine and a Vietnam veteran who served for 7 years in the Marine Corps, this book shows how the principles and methods of doing things the Marine Corps way an excellent way how to treat people in life both in the business world and the world in general. As a teacher, I still use and follow these methods in the classroom by showing respect for the students' opinions and their respect for my opinions. This book is useful in all walks of life, not just in business; it isn't just for CEOs, but for everybody who works for other people. This book shows how to earn and keep respect.

This book was full of great suggestions for improving the culture of a company through innovative leadership, as well as fantastic leadership techniques. So much of these techniques seem foreign to today's "leaders" yet make so much sense.The only thing I found demoralizing about this book was that it makes my company's work (as well as most modern business) seem insignificant compared to the contribution the Marines make to our country and our society. Most companies do not deal with the same life-and-death issues the Marines face. Still, the techniques remain sound. God Bless the United States Marines!

When our national survival is at stake, or when we send America's sons and daughters to stare death in the face in defense of our national interests, inspired leadership is critical to success. Fortunately, the United States military continually develops people who are up to the challenge of leading others to achieve our national security objectives. Foremost in developing military leaders at all organizational levels is the United States Marine Corps.Rarely do corporations risk the lives of their employees to accomplish their missions; however, in the highly competitive global market place, "enemies" are always looking for ways to eliminate their competition. As with achieving national security objectives, strong and effective leadership can mean the difference between success or failure in the business world.In Semper Fi, Business Leadership the Marine Corps Way authors Dan Carrison and Rod Walsh, both Marines (no longer on active duty), brilliantly bring the leadership principles that have made Marines and won battles since 1775 to the competitive environment of corporate America. They do this by examining the methodology the Corps applies to develop its leaders and transforming the Marine's concepts to strategies that can be used to lead any organization. The authors guide you through successive levels of responsibility and leadership from recruiting to senior management. Semper Fi is required reading for all those who desire to be a better leader. Carrison and Walsh inspire you to achieve your leadership potential as they provide you a road-map to success in the business world. After reading their book, you will have greater respect and admiration for the Marine Corps and will be better prepared to tackle the challenges of corporate life. You will refer to this book over and over again as you lead your organization to new heights of achievement and climb the ladder of corporate success.