Institutionalizing the Tri-Focal View: Continuing a Performance Evaluation Concept
Abstract
The Marine Corps prides itself on its ability to identify potential leaders during Officer Candidate School (OCS) using a unique in-depth analysis often referred to as the tri-focal view, or 360-degree review. The tri-focal view encompasses how the staff views the candidate's performance, how his peers view his performance, and how he (the candidate) views his own performance. This methodology has proved to be an effective litmus test for leadership potential since its inception. Regrettably, after the young officer enters the operating forces, the view shifts to a one-dimensional construct: a reporting senior evaluates a subordinate's performance only from his own perspective. Unfortunately, the human factor, politics, and stovepipe observations tend to bias the reporting process and may not provide enough feedback to foster further development of the self-regulated, accountable leader. Therefore, the Marine Corps must continue the tri-focal view beyond OCS to build/develop accountable, self-regulating leaders.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 07, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA504295
Entities
People
- J. M. Lizarraga
Organizations
- Marine Corps University