The Navy’s 11 Leadership Principles
U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Andre N. McIntyre
I can still vividly remember reciting the Navy’s Leadership Principles by memory while my squad leader was inches from my face during freshmen orientation for the Navy ROTC program at the University of Washington. Here are the Navy’s 11 Leadership Principles (admittedly I can no longer recite them from memory):
1. Know your people and look out for their welfare.
2. Keep your people informed.
3. Know yourself and seek self-improvement.
4. Be technically and tactically proficient.
5. Seek responsibility and take responsibility for your actions.
6. Make sound and timely decisions.
7. Set the example.
8. Develop a sense of responsibility in your subordinates.
9. Ensure that the task is understood, supervised, and accomplished.
10. Train your people as a team.
11. Employ your unit in accordance with its capabilities.
When I was an 18 year old midshipman, the principles were something that I had to learn for inspections. However, during my career, they have become guidelines for me when I have had the privilege to lead. I also judge some of my bosses by whether their actions follow the principles. Take a look at the principles and think of the managers that you work for during your career. If you find them violating the principles, inherently you have judged them as poor managers. Conversely, if you find them following the principles, I’m sure you’ve labeled them as good leaders.
About Rich Foreman
Rich Foreman is the founder of KidneyLuv which develops solutions for patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Patients (CKD). He is also the COO of IGH Naturals. Previously, as founding CTO, Rich led the team that developed the CordicoShield / CordicoFire Wellness App. Cordico was honored with the Sacramento Innovation Award in 2021. After achieving a 7 digit ARR, Cordico was acquired by Lexipol in 2020. Rich has a BS in Industrial Engineering from the University of Washington, an MPA from Troy State University and was an officer in the U.S. Navy.
Rich co-authored his book, "Tap into the Mobile Economy." Rich's blog was listed in Top 20 Marketing Mobile Blogs of 2014. He has been featured on KCRA3, NEWS10, 1170 Tech AM PowerDrive, Business Radio Money 105.5, SiliconIndia, the Sacramento Business Journal, and the Sacramento Bee. Rich is also the Founding Director of the Sacramento Chapter of Startup Grind and served a term as Utility Commissioner for the City of Folsom. Rich is a regular contributor to TechWire.net and StartupSac.com. Rich was the Co-founder of Apptology which was named Small Business of the Year in 2014 by the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber.
