Insights from the Marine Corps Organizational Culture Research Project: Empathy in Leadership
Abstract
Using data from the Marine Corps Organizational Culture Research (MCOCR) Project, this report discusses a leadership insight from Marines: empathy is a strength and a powerful leadership tool. Some Marines talked about empathy directly, while others shared stories that illustrated empathy in leadership. Drawing from these experiences and perspectives, this report addresses the following: 1) Some Marines think empathy should be an organizational value, perhaps even finding its own place in the leadership acronym JJDIDTIEBUCKLE. 2) Marines are aware that empathy is often considered soft and seems at odds with the hard- charging Marine image, but some insist that empathy is actually courageous. 3) Empathy is often associated with women, which can be a double-edged sword for female Marines. Some Marines recognize female empathy as an asset to the Corps, while others see it as a weakness. 4) Empathy is something that can be learned by anyone if they are open and willing. 5) Marines recognize that behind a unified Marine identity, individual differences make Marines diverse. Empathy is a great tool for incorporating diversity into the force.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1102322
Entities
People
- Kerry Fosher
- Rebecca Lane