Which leadership principle focuses on developing a sense of responsibility in subordinates?

• A. Seek responsibility and take responsibility for your actions
• B. Develop a sense of responsibility in your subordinates
• C. Ensure assigned tasks are understood, supervised, and accomplished
• D. Set the example

Answer: (B)

Developing a sense of responsibility in subordinates means leaders actively cultivate ownership, initiative, and accountability within their team. It’s about entrusting meaningful tasks, clarifying what success looks like, and giving subordinates the authority to complete those tasks. The leader then coaches and mentors, rather than micromanages, and recognizes accountable behavior. This building of internal accountability helps Marines take ownership of their part of the mission and grow in responsibility over time.

In contrast, focusing on personal accountability (seeking responsibility and taking responsibility for your actions) centers on the leader’s own willingness to be responsible, not on developing subordinates. Ensuring tasks are understood, supervised, and accomplished emphasizes clear delegation and oversight, not necessarily developing subordinates’ ownership. Setting the example is about modeling conduct through the leader’s actions, which supports the environment but doesn’t specifically target fostering responsibility in others.