Marine Maxims

Turning Leadership Principles into Practice

By: Col. Thomas J. Gordon USMC (Ret.)

Narrated by: Chris Monteiro

Marine Maxims is a collection of fifty principle-based leadership lessons that Thomas J. Gordon acquired commanding Marines over a career spanning three decades of service. Dealing with the complexities and challenges of the contemporary operating environment requires an internal moral compass fixed true. These maxims focus on developing inner citadels of character, moral courage, and the resilience to persevere in a contested domain where information is key. Its purpose is to provide future leaders with a professional development plan that will steel their resolve and enable them to lead with honor.

Thematically, these maxims build upon a foundation of character, courage, and will. To be effective, a leader must model and inspire the will to persevere in the face of danger or adversity. The essence of effective leadership is credibility. A leader's credibility is derived from a congruence of competence and character. Exceptional leaders are not remembered for what they accomplished, but how they did it. Those that lead with integrity will be remembered as a leader worth following.

©2021 Thomas J. Gordon (P)2022 Tantor

A must read for Marines at every rank

Col. Gordon’s words distill a lifetime of service experience into 50 Maxims. When studied, they light the path to understanding how to lead Marines.

After service, the lessons provide a touchstone for civilian leadership. The words change with the mission, but these lessons are timeless.

Semper fi!

Hell of a book

This book is going to the top of my book shelf. One of the most dynamic leadership books I have ever read. Col. Thomas J. Gordon nails it. From the streets of Berkeley to The yellow footprints at Paris Island, this book will help you grow to be a better leader. First step is to put aside all your preconceived notions about Military leadership, Or Marine Maxims will break them. These are the writings of a lifelong learner, warrior, and all around great man. It is painted in the wisdom on these pages.

Excellent for anyone who wants to be a leader

1. This book is full of wisdom that is applicable to anyone regardless of whether or not they're in the military. If you want to learn how to be a good leader, then you will benefit greatly from reading this book.
2. At the end of every chapter, he provides applicable book recommendations. Some of them I've read, but my "to-read" list has now grown significantly
3. I read this to help me understand Marines for personal reasons. I have lived my life with a negative view of Marines due to a history of abuse from a Marine. This book helped me move past that. I sincerely hope more Marines are like Col. Gordon.
4. This book is full of quotables. One of my favorites is "History is a religion to Marines. Like the Roman God Janus, one head facing forward and the other facing backward, we often look to our past to find our future."

Read it. It's good.

Excellent addition to your leadership kit bag.

Must read if you are a leadership junkie and looking to refine and further develop your leadership philosophy and approach.

Contains references and linkages to many contemporary leadership favorites (John Maxwell, Simon Sinek, Stephen Covey, Andy Stanley, and a who’s who of Marine Corps Generals and other military leaders). A worthy addition to your leadership library.

Loved it

One if the best leadership books i have read. Highly recommend to any current or future leader.

A must for any leader!

Marine Maxims offers leadership advice across multiple levels of military leadership positions. Coupled with personal beliefs, these maxims provide the reader with timeless lessons, reading recommendations, and sound strategies to enhance any leader regardless of position. A must read for a leader’s bookshelf!

Great Listen

I wish I would have listened to this while I was in the Marines. Great information on leadership. I will be taking these lessons and using them at the job I’m at