This principle is necessary in the exercise of command.  Before you can expect your Marines to perform, they must know first what is expected of them.  You must communicate your instructions in a clear, concise manner.  Talk at a level that your Marines are sure to understand but not at a level so low that would insult their intelligence.  Before your Marines start a task, allow them a chance to ask questions or seek advice.  Supervision is essential.  Without supervision you cannot know if the assigned task is being properly accomplished.  Many NCO's tend to over-supervise.

Over-supervision is viewed by subordinates as harassment and effectively stops their initiative.

Allow subordinates to use their own techniques, and then periodically check their progress.  The most important part of this principle is the accomplishment of the mission.  All the leadership, supervision, and guidance in the world are wasted if the end result is not the successful accomplishment of the mission.  In order to develop this principle you should:

• Insure that the need for an order exists before issuing the order.

• Use the established chain of command.  In other words, let your subordinate leaders "exercise" their own leadership abilities.

• Through study and practice, issue clear, concise, and positive orders.

• Encourage subordinates to ask questions concerning any point in your orders or directives they do not understand.

• Question your Marines to determine if there is any doubt or misunderstanding in regard to the task to be accomplished.

• Supervise the execution of your orders.

• Make sure your Marines have the resources needed to accomplish the mission.

• Vary your supervisory routine and the points which you emphasize during inspections.

• Exercise care and thought in supervision.  Over-supervision hurts initiative and creates resentment; under-supervision will not get the job done.

• Exercise "trust tactics." Because you know the abilities of each of your subordinates, you know how much you have to supervise each one of them.

REFERENCE:  Marine Corps Values and Leadership User's Guide for Discussion Leaders