The breakdown of the Ten Essential Qualities of an Underwater Demolition Man
 

Pride

• Take Pride: Have pride in yourself, your team, and your organization. Help others feel this pride by giving them responsibilities they can own.

• Humility: Be willing to do small tasks and learn from others. This keeps you grounded and open to improvement.

Loyalty

• Align Values: Ensure everyone on your team shares the same values. Regularly review and reinforce these values.

• Honor: Show integrity and put the team’s needs above your own. This builds a strong reputation and earns respect.

Sincerity

• Grit: Focus on long-term goals and be willing to put in the hard work needed for success.

• Intrinsic Motivation: Align your passions and values with your goals. Rely on core supporters to keep the team motivated.

Responsibility

• Culture: Establish a positive team culture by setting clear expectations and leading by example. Correct behaviors that undermine the team.

• Consistency: Use repeated, small reminders to reinforce good behavior and expectations.

Leadership

• Self-Rule: Lead by taking care of yourself first—physically, mentally, and ethically. Earn respect through your actions.

• Be the Leader: Inspire others by being a leader they want to follow, working hard alongside your team.

Example

• Core Values: Demonstrate the behavior you expect from others. Admit mistakes, learn from them, and move on.

• Discipline: Show self-control and attention to detail in everything, from big projects to small tasks.

Forethought

• Mission Focus: Complete every task, no matter how small, with enthusiasm and excellence. Balance pride, competition, and communication within the team.

• Preparation: Train and prepare thoroughly to ensure success in any mission or project.

Fairness

• Praise: Give deserved praise publicly or privately, based on what the individual prefers.

• Appraisals: Provide honest, constructive feedback to help everyone improve.

Seamanship / Skill

• Be Competent: Continuously develop your skills through training and practice. Seek help when needed.

• Strength and Fitness: Maintain physical, intellectual, and emotional fitness to handle challenges effectively.

Common Sense

• Trust Your Gut: Listen to your instincts and intuition when making decisions.

• “Common sense is in spite of, not as the result of education.” – Victor Hugo