I remember it like it was yesterday – the day I met the “Gunny.” His name is Jorge Sosa.
When I was a young Marine infantry officer, I was impacted most by his leadership when he was my Infantry Company Gunnery Sergeant. He was known by all as “Gunny Sosa.”
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A native of Ecuador, he was not a tall man in size, but his personal stature and integrity was legendary. Even without being tall, he did present a strong physical force as well. As a former gymnast, he had arms the size of many a young Marine’s legs. He was a decorated Marine with experiences serving and leading in many conflicts and geographies. He taught us all very clear lessons on leadership that resound within me to this day.
The top two leadership lessons that I learned from serving with him are:
- It Is All About Expectations
- Accomplish the Mission and Support the Commander
Expectations
Gunny Sosa was all about expectations. This was my first lesson in leadership from him. No matter your rank or responsibilities, if you did not measure up, he would always be there to challenge you. As one of the key leaders in our infantry unit (3rd Battalion, 8thMarines), he was the driving force behind the morale, discipline, and effectiveness of our team. He had high expectations for all Marines, but particularly for leaders.
Although he was keen on the responsibilities of all leaders, he was particularly focused on the front line small unit leaders – the Corporals and Sergeants who were truly leading “where the rubber met the road“. He was very demanding and always led by example, never asking or expecting anyone to do anything that he had not already done or was not able or willing to do himself. He was always crystal clear in articulating in the most direct and “colorful” language (even with his heavy Ecuadorian accent) what he expected.
As you might imagine, no one, regardless of rank, wanted to fail to measure up to his expectations. Some out of fear, some out of duty, but all out of respect. The mandates were simple: “Accomplish the mission and take care of the team.”
Mission & Support
The second lesson on leadership I learned from Gunny Sosa’s example was to always, always accomplish the mission and support the commander. Regardless of the task, you knew that with his leadership and influence at work that the mission would get accomplished, no matter what. The esteem and respect that he earned came from this unyielding commitment to getting the job done while never sacrificing his integrity and always with the best interest of his men at the top of his mind. His support of the commander was not a blind loyalty, but a mutual bond based on relationship and commitment.
He unwaveringly supported the military structure and chain of command and acknowledged the special trust and confidence endowed to Marine officers commensurate with the great responsibility of leading Marines. He was a vicious defender of his leaders and always supported the unit commander.
I still reflect on the lessons I learned from the sterling example of this great leader. I have not met another leader who truly “walked the talk” in so many ways.
Have you been impacted deeply by a truly outstanding leader? We would love to hear stories of leadership who have been great examples or sources of leadership lessons in your own life. Are you the “Gunny” in someone else’s life? Will other leaders remember lessons they learned from you?
Semper Fi –
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Bryan Stewart is a senior healthcare marketing and sales executive with a global leader in medical technology.
He can be reached at [email protected]
Image Source welcomehomeandrew.com
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