Corporal's Course (Leadership II) Questions
With Correct Answers
IMPORTANCE OF COACHING CORRECT ANSWER The Marine Corps' vision of leading is less concerned with rank, self-identity, recognition, or privilege than with the essence of our Corps —the individual Marine and the unyielding determination to persevere. Our vision of leading is linked directly to our common vision of warfighting, which needs leaders devoted to leading, capable of independent and bold action, who are willing and eager to assume new and sometimes daunting responsibilities, and willing to take selfless risks because the Corps must succeed. This guidance and the objectives of Marine corps leadership inspired the framework for this lesson.
IMPORTANCE OF COACHING CONT. CORRECT ANSWER The coaching methodology complements a leader's existing knowledge toward developing leadership in subordinate leaders. Coaching is defined as a process of ongoing observation and encouragement for a Marine's personal and professional growth. It occurs on a daily basis and provides informal feedback, documentation, and communication of goals focused on the development of the Marine. Improved competence is the desired outcome of coaching. The coaching methodology uses interpersonal interaction to impart techniques and improve the recipient's ability to accomplish
their goals. Coaching occurs whenever an individual provides a fellow Marine with the benefit of their experience.
IMPORTANCE OF COACHING CONT. x3 CORRECT ANSWER Coaching is a continuous process. It occurs during training while Marines show others how to perform actions during the course of their duties or the accomplishment of their missions. While Marines carry out tasks, coaching is applied to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their work and simultaneously develop subordinate leader’s confidence and knowledge base. The true value of any training is not so much the training itself, but the change in behavior that should result from learning. Performance is not so much about what you know as it is about what you do with what you know.
CHARACTERISTICS CORRECT ANSWER Coaching is a process that enhances potential in individuals to improve performance. It is about helping someone learn rather than drilling them
on memorization. Coaching uses: •Hard leadership skills: -Goal setting
-Reviewing performance •Soft leadership skills: -Believing in potential
-Developing self-belief
It is often about addressing the "attitude or motivation of an individual," which all too regularly limits their performance, progress, and potential.
SETTING GOALS CORRECT ANSWER Using the SMART method of setting goals empowers subordinate leaders to influence coaching outcomes. Additionally, developing goals should be treated as Marines treat mission statements. Therefore, include a proper in order to (IOT) at the end of your set goals.
Characteristics of Goals: CORRECT ANSWER •Specific: The goals must be clear (PT, education) •Measurable: Check progress and hold accountable •Attainable: Relevant, manageable, and challenging •Realistic: Tools and abilities to accomplish
•Timely: Provides focus and accountability
REVIEWING PERFORMANCE CORRECT ANSWER After you create and document SMART goals with a plan for reaching them, engaged leadership becomes easier and more focused. Assessing progress is where small unit leaders truly get to know and understand their Marines. By using a recommended goals form or a locally produced version, documenting these SMART goals sets a standard of assessment. Additionally, leaders have the opportunity to ensure these goals are balanced against all other competing factors of their Marines' time. The foundational key to setting and meeting these goals centers on the fact that the Marine is in control of achieving them. If adjustments to existing goals need to be made, leaders are involved in reinforcing or advising the adjustments. "Equipment is useful only if it improves combat effectiveness" MCDP-1
BELIEVING IN POTENTIAL CORRECT ANSWER Coaching is not a short-term fix; it is a long-term solution to help a person unlock their true potential and maximize their own performance through instilling confidence. Coaching involves a skill set that can only be developed with practice and requires an investment in time, energy, and resources to maximize performance. As a leader there are four facets of coaching to keep in mind. You want to develop yourself to: •Coach as a guide—to keep individuals on target with performance. •Coach as an instructor—to focus on objectives. •Coach as a motivator—to enhance performance. •Coach as a mentor—so that your subordinate leaders have the desire to emulate you. DEVELOPING SELF-BELIEF CORRECT ANSWER, The key to reaching the established SMART goals is to continuously create and maintain an inspiring shared vision. Developing self-belief is essential and the most powerful instrument a leader can cultivate. Useful tactics include coaching on: •The "golden hour": Your thoughts in the first hour of the morning, the "golden hour," have a strong influence on how you think, feel, and act for the rest of the day. Take advantage of the "golden hour" and start every day in a thoughtful, productive way that sets you up for greater success in the hours ahead. •Improving habits of personal development: Investing in your mind by reading something motivational, positive, and consistent with reaching your goal. •Engaging in productive behaviors: Plan every day in advance—make a list of everything you have to do; prioritize your list by value and importance.
METHODOLOGY OF COACHING CORRECT ANSWER As a model of peak performance and emotional intelligence, the Performance Pyramid provides a simple framework that effectively guides the coaching process and employment of coaching skills. In this way, the methodology of
coaching can be described as helping a person to develop their emotional intelligence alongside
their technical competence. Coaching is a three stage process where the coach employs three core coaching skills.
ATTITUDE, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS CORRECT ANSWER While coaching may very well be knowledge- and skill-based, it is first and foremost an attitude—your attitude as a coach will fundamentally determine the results. •It has long been acknowledged that a leader's attitude and emotions are contagious and they must convey energy and enthusiasm if their organization is to survive and thrive. •If you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always got. If you want different results for yourself or your people, you'll invariably need to change how you think and feel, but ultimately you'll need do something different.
Stage one of the three-stage coaching process is: CORRECT ANSWER raise awareness. During this stage, the coach helps the Marine create a vision of their goal in terms of what they want to achieve, why they might want to achieve it, and how they intend achieve it. Throughout the process, the emphasis is on guiding the person towards finding their own solutions to their own
