Communication Is a Leadership Discipline

Whatever else leadership may be, it is experienced publicly. While it may emanate from within, it is a public phenomenon. A leader is judged based on three fundamental public leadership attributes:

• The leader’s bearing: how the leader carries himself or herself

• The words the leader uses to engage others

• The manner in which the leader engages others

These are elements of communication. And they apply well beyond the armed services.

And as a leadership discipline, communication benefits from the structures, concepts, and principles of effective leadership in other fields.

The Marines continue to enjoy a reputation as the nation’s elite fighting force. It is no surprise to me that they live up to their slogan: The Few. The Proud. They make reputation a priority, both in what they do and in what they say.