USCG Leadership Principles and Skills Course

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) Leadership & Development Center has provided an annual, five-day senior leadership course to students at the World Maritime University since 2012 as part of a Memorandum of Understanding between WMU and the USCG. 

From 2-5 March, Mr. Charlie Coiro, assisted by LCDR Jarrod DeWitz, WMU USCG resident lecturer, led this year’s offering that focused on leadership practices derived from the New York Times best-selling book entitled "The Leadership Challenge", by Barry Posner and Jim Kouzes. The course was delivered to 45 students from over 25 countries and focused on five key leadership practices; model the way, inspire a shared vision, challenge the process, enable others to act, and encourage the heart.

Applying leadership principles, such as self-awareness and motivation strategies, in a maritime work environment is not unique. However, translating these principles to various cultures in one classroom can be quite complex. Considerations such as political, social, and religious beliefs, as well as the different priorities of the various nations, must be taken into account. In one particular exercise, the class took their individual views for characteristics of a valued leader and worked together to formulate a collective image of an ideal leader.  “Honest, inspirational and competent,” ranked high among the important traits. Identifying such a commonality strengthened the group dynamic of the class and generated more engaging and open discussions throughout the week.

The instructors focused on interactive exercises with the class, presenting practical situations that fostered discussion and enabled the students to transfer theories into practice. Although many of The Leadership Challenge ideas were new to the students, throughout the week they came to understand the potential impact of exercising positive leadership to influence change within their own nations and organizations once they return home.