Contact past or present Marines or other service members both officer and enlisted. Discuss with them their experiences as both a leader and subordinate. There is not a substitute for the accounts contained in books. Blackhawk Down by Mark Bowden, Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield, In Harms Way by Doug Stanton, and Fields of Fire by James H. Webb. Observe civilians interacting professionally and socially.
Leadership is an intangible asset with a constant presence.
The leadership grade is based on practical application events and classroom instruction. Eleven classes are taught in the classroom. After receiving the formal periods of instruction in the classroom, Candidates have many opportunities to apply that knowledge on many different and challenging events. The main purpose of all these events is to give the Candidate the maximum opportunity to display Leadership Potential. In this way, the Candidate can demonstrate command presence, bearing, and discipline.