Explain How Social, Political and Economic Forces Have Influenced Organization and the Practice of Management
Basic Leadership Principles
Colonel Royal Mortenson
Colonel United States Marie Corps

1. Be a good person, a person of character and strength, and you will always be a good firefighter.

2. Never be afraid to take a moral or ethical stand on something you believe in your gut to be right. Stand up and be counted.

3. Someone has to lead, in the absence of authority---take Charge.

4. “Band of brothers” is not just a line from Shakespeare’s Henry the V. We are a “Band of brothers,” so, like a brother, never turn your back on a fellow firefighter.

5. Always strive to be tactically and technically proficient in all you do. The price of anything less is far too costly. Our environment is uncertain and lethal. Never let it be said that you lost a man or a woman because you failed to do your homework.

6. I will listen to and help any person, anytime. I expect my subordinate leaders to do the same; however, every member of our team must reach out and grab the “offered hand.”

7. Everything I do must prepare myself and my team for mission success and survival. Our enemies must understand that they have but two choices---“make peace or die.”
8. Take care of our families. Stress at home tears at the fiber of our organization.

9. I will hold myself accountable for all I do and don’t do. I will hold others accountable for their actions commensurate with their position and responsibilities at every level.

10. Don’t lie, steal or cheat.

11. Never accept hazing, racism or otherwise cruel, demeaning behavior, it is the hallmark of the ignorant and the unprofessional.

12. Mistakes of omission will not be accepted. If you act and make a mistake because you lacked accurate information but you did your best---all can be fixed.