Occasionally a Young Marine will come and ask me which Leadership Principle I think is the most important. Sometimes I have to think. All eleven of them are equally as good as the next one. But, if I were to narrow down what I personally feel is the most important, it would be setting the example.

Persuading subordinates to follow in your steps as a good leader simply means that your level of leadership has to be more persuasive by showing that your example is worth copying. Especially in today’s environment where teens are very worried about acceptance amongst their friends, and the cliques they belong to, seeing the Young Marine who fills a leadership position and demonstrates through their example that the Young Marine way is the best way, then setting the example inevitably will make good young Americans follow.

A good Young Marine leader will set a positive example by using some of the following:

1. Following Instructions

4. Acting with maturity