Dependability:

   This is reliability.  A dependable leader is one who can be relied on to carry out any mission to the best of his or her personal ability.  They do not accept failure when confronted by obstacles.  Instead, they look for ways around the obstacles.  To be dependable you must voluntarily and willingly support the policies and orders of your seniors.  This does not mean blind obedience but, rather, a high sense of duty.  This high sense of duty results in your setting very high personal and unit standards.  You put personal interests second to military duty.  To develop the leadership trait of dependability you should:

·         Practice honest thinking and avoid making excuses.

·         Accomplish the assigned task, regardless of the obstacles.

·         Always be prompt and do all tasks to the best of your ability.

·         Be careful about making promises and personal deals.  But when you have made them, build a reputation for keeping them.

EXAMPLES:

1. A fireteam leader is told to cross a river with his fireteam at a certain point near a bridge.  When the fireteam leader realizes that the bridge has been blown up, he recons up and down the river till he finds a fjord instead of going back to his squad leader without accomplishing the mission.

2. A staff sergeant who hates detailed, tedious paperwork, yet makes sure the report meets his and his supervisors standards before it leave his desk.

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