Seek Responsibility and Take Responsibility for Your Actions:

     For professional development, you must actively seek out challenging assignments.  You must use initiative and sound judgment when trying to accomplish jobs that are not required by your grade.  Seeking responsibilities also means that you take the responsibility for your actions.  You are responsible for all your unit does or fails to do.  Regardless of the actions of your subordinates, the responsibility for decision and its application falls on you.  You must issue all orders in your name.  Stick by your convictions and do what you think is right; but accept justified and constructive criticism.  Never remove or demote a subordinate for a failure that is the result of your own mistake.  Techniques in developing this principle are to: 

• Learn the duties of your immediate senior and be prepared to accept the responsibilities of these duties.

• Seek different leadership positions that will give you experience in accepting responsibility in different fields.

• Take every opportunity that offers increased responsibility.

• Perform every act, large or small, to the best of your ability.  Your reward will be increased opportunity to perform bigger and more important tasks.

• Stand up for what you think is right; have the courage of your convictions.

• Carefully evaluate a subordinate's failure before taking action.  Make sure the apparent shortcomings are not due to an error on your part.  Consider the Marines that are available, salvage a Marine if possible, and replace a Marine when necessary.

• In the absence of orders, take the initiative to perform the actions you believe your senior would direct you to perform if the leader were present.

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