- 12 Dec, 2025 *
Leadership can feel complicated. Bookshelves overflow with advice, frameworks, and strategies, each promising to unlock the secrets of influence and effectiveness. Yet, some of the most enduring lessons on leadership are captured in just three words - be, know, do.
Recently I wrote about the 11 principles of leadership in the US Marine Corps. Be, Know, Do, rooted in the U.S. Army’s leadership doctrine, supersede the older 11 principles. They apply just as powerfully to business, community organizations, classrooms, and even family life. At their heart, they remind us that leadership is not about authority or titles—i…
- 12 Dec, 2025 *
Leadership can feel complicated. Bookshelves overflow with advice, frameworks, and strategies, each promising to unlock the secrets of influence and effectiveness. Yet, some of the most enduring lessons on leadership are captured in just three words - be, know, do.
Recently I wrote about the 11 principles of leadership in the US Marine Corps. Be, Know, Do, rooted in the U.S. Army’s leadership doctrine, supersede the older 11 principles. They apply just as powerfully to business, community organizations, classrooms, and even family life. At their heart, they remind us that leadership is not about authority or titles—it’s about character, competence, and action.
Be - The Foundation of Character
Who you are sets the tone for how you lead. The "Be" principle centers on values, ethics, and integrity.
"In matters of taste, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock."
— Thomas Jefferson
The notion being that you are your principles.
Authenticity matters. People follow leaders they trust, not those who wear masks.
Character guides decisions. When tough calls arise, values provide the compass.
Presence inspires others. Calm under pressure, fairness in conflict, and humility in success all demonstrate the kind of leader worth following.
In a world where trust is fragile, "being" the right kind of leader often matters more than any technique or strategy.
Know - The Power of Competence
Leadership also requires knowledge - about yourself, your team, and your environment.
Γνῶθι σεαυτόν (Gnōthi seauton)
This famous inscription was carved above the entrance of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi (the Oracle of Delphi) in ancient Greece. It forms the basis for all western pbilosophy.
Self-awareness is the cornerstone of emotional intelligence. Leaders who understand their strengths and blind spots can adapt and grow.
Know your craft. Technical competence builds confidence in followers. Whether it’s understanding market trends or the mechanics of a project, leaders must demonstrate mastery.
Know your people. Empathy and awareness of others’ needs strengthen relationships and foster collaboration.
Without knowledge, good intentions can fall flat. Competence transforms values into credibility.
Do - Turning Principles into Action
"By their fruits you will know them. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?"
- Matthew 7:16 (New Testament)
The best values and knowledge mean little if not put into practice. "Do" is about execution.
Talk is cheap - you can really judge who someone is by their deeds.
Lead by example. People remember what leaders do more than what they say.
Make decisions. Hesitation erodes confidence. Acting with courage and accountability builds trust.
Inspire action in others. Leadership isn’t about doing everything yourself - it’s about enabling and empowering others to thrive.
Action is the visible expression of leadership. It’s where credibility and vision come alive.
Why Be, Know, Do Still Matters and Always Will in Human Interactions
The beauty of these principles lies in their simplicity. They strip leadership down to its essence:
Be - Cultivate character.
Know - Build competence.
Do - Lead through action.
In times of uncertainty, people don’t look for leaders with perfect answers. They look for leaders who embody trustworthiness, understand the landscape, and step forward with decisive action. Whether you’re leading a team of five or an organization of thousands, Be, Know, Do provides a timeless roadmap.
The world changes - technology evolves, markets shift, and crises emerge. But the fundamentals of leadership remain constant. To lead well is not to memorize complex frameworks or adopt trendy jargon. It is to remember, in every moment: