Keep Your Marines Informed:

Marines by nature are inquisitive.  To promote efficiency and morale, as a Marine NCO you should inform the Marines in your unit of all happenings and give reasons why things are to be done.  This, of course, is done when time and security permit.  Informing your Marines of the situation makes them feel that they are a part of the team and not just a cog in a wheel.  Informed Marines perform better and, if knowledgeable of the situation, they can carry on without your personal supervision.  The key to giving out information is to be sure that the Marines have enough information to do their job intelligently and to inspire their initiative, enthusiasm, loyalty, and convictions.  Techniques in applying this principle are to:

• Whenever possible, explain why tasks must be done and how you intend to do them.

• Assure yourself, by frequent inspections, that immediate subordinates are passing on necessary information.

• Be alert to detect the spread of rumors.  Stop rumors by replacing them with the truth.

• Build morale and esprit de corps by publicizing information concerning successes of your unit.

• Keep your unit informed about current legislation and regulations affecting their pay, promotion, privileges, and other benefits.

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