Servant Leadership: Safeguarding the Welfare, Morale, and Spirit of Marines

Throughout history, the Corps has relied on a sense of spirit to foster cohesion and enhance commitment. Marine Corps culture began to change during the interwar period when the Corps was routinely forced to justify its existence as a necessary, viable, and a separate military organization. The organizational culture that resulted from a constant fear of disbandment created a common approach to leadership that inadequately safeguards the welfare, morale, and spirit of Marines. An emphasis on servant leadership would enable leaders to protect the welfare of Marines while realigning the Corps with its spiritual heritage.