On Sun, 26 Nov 1995, Richard Karash wrote:
> I'm not a marine. But, I am impressed by the vigor and spirit of this
> exchange. In most settings, I don't hear people talk about the leadership
> system and empowerment in *their* organizations with this kind of pride.
Dear Richard:
One of the key traits Marines have in common is a sense of loyalty and
trust, both to each other and to the Corps. Given today's climate of
change (downsizing, re-structuring etc.), few companies have earned the
trust needed to enable them to utilize the full potential of either the
organization or individuals they employ within it.
Rebuild committment, particularly commitment during all sorts of economic
or structural adversity and companies might be able to plug into that
"impressive spirit" that you saw with the Coast Guard.
One of the problems I had in business, after the Marines and Vietnam, was
the knowledge that the loyalty, trust, etc. I had as a Marine was not
reciprocated by the companies I worked for. I have been downsized twice
(I was in sales and management before finishing my doctorate in adult
education) and personally feel that if organizations are to learn, grow,
and prosper the way all of us would like them to we need to re-establish
core values that the military, in the best sense possible, represents.
-- Thomas A. Lifvendahl, Ed.D. Northern Illinois University RE/ACE Office DeKalb, Illinois 60115 815/753-1621 P60TAL1@corn.cso.niu.edu