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The Marine Reconnaissance Foundation recently posted the photo above with its caption.

In the photo above, a group of Amphibious Reconnaissance Marines and Navy Underwater Demolition Team members (The forefathers of the SEALs) stand on the deck of the USS Perch, a Balao-class diesel submarine.

They are preparing to swim into enemy-held territory to locate and disarm or destroy underwater mines and other obstacles that would inhibit a landing force.

And although each of these men was an absolute professional, probably handpicked for the mission, the leader is taking the time to inspect them.

Not because he thinks that they haven't inspected themselves and each other countless times already, not because he expects to find that one of them does not have the correct equipment for the mission or that he doesn't know what his role in the mission is, but because that is what leaders do.

And that is what professionals expect.

As a young Marine, I took being inspected as just part of the territory, but as I gained a little seniority, I began to resent it.

Why did I need someone else to inspect me when I was perfectly capable of making sure that I and my equipment were ready?

Then I gained a little maturity and understood that not only are our missions too important to leave to chance, but that inspections weren't a sign of a lack of trust, but rather the sign of a truly professional team.

Now I apply that principle to myself every day by keeping track of the habits and tasks that I say are important to me.

I spend a few minutes each morning checking off a list of things I did or failed to do the day before.

This is an opportunity to acknowledge where I'm meeting my expectations and recognize where I'm missing the mark.

John

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