It starts with personal ethics, common sense and a willingness to hold yourself and others accountable. It involves a commitment to consistency and the willingness to ensure adherence to the Coast Guard's core values of honor, respect and devotion to duty. It involves placing your personal opinions aside and focusing on those issues that affect the majority, rather than the minority. Exemplifying good leadership is far from easy and requires a conscious effort. Each time we allow something to pass that should be addressed, whether it be failing to salute at colors or making inappropriate remarks with coworkers, we set the tone for others to follow.
Leadership is also about accepting responsibility and passing along praise.
When things go well, they go well because of the contributions of many. No one individual can attain sustained success without receiving the support of those they work with and for. Recently, an officer from the Royal Thai Navy was selected to be the class honor graduate. When approached, he stated that though it was an honor to be selected, he would have to decline. He further explained that the award would best benefit one of the junior officers in the class.