Turning Average into Exceptional: Lessons from the Marines

If you’ve spent time around business owners, you’ve probably heard this phrase: “It’s hard to find really good people these days.”

In many ways, that’s true. Some of the brightest and most talented workers are choosing nontraditional career paths. They may freelance, start their own ventures, or work in flexible arrangements that don’t involve a typical employer-employee relationship.

But here’s the part that often gets overlooked: there are still plenty of capable, hard-working people out there who may not seem like “top talent” at first glance. With the right leadership, guidance, and training, they can become exceptional team members.

Think about the United States Marine Corps. The Marines are not famous for recruiting only the most highly accomplished individuals. Many who enlist are average by typical measures. What sets the Marines apart is their unmatched ability to transform that raw material into one of the most cohesive, disciplined, and loyal teams in existence.

Their process works because they focus on building qualities that turn average recruits into extraordinary contributors:

1. Loyalty – Marines develop a deep commitment to each other and to the mission. That bond creates a sense of responsibility that drives performance.

2. Camaraderie – They build trust and unity by sharing challenges, victories, and even hardships. This shared experience creates an unbreakable connection.

3. Bravery – Courage is not just about facing danger; it’s about stepping up when the team needs you, even in uncomfortable or unfamiliar situations.

4. Discipline – Standards are clear, expectations are high, and accountability is non-negotiable.
   

These traits don’t appear overnight. They are shaped through intentional leadership and consistent reinforcement.

In the business world, we have the same opportunity. We can take individuals who may not be “perfect fits” on paper and, through consistent coaching and a strong culture, help them grow into some of our most valued team members. That requires leaders who are willing to invest time, energy, and patience into developing their people.

Here are a few ways to start:

• Set a clear mission so everyone knows what they are working toward.

• Create shared experiences that build trust and unity.

• Model the standards you expect in professionalism, communication, and problem-solving.

• Provide structured feedback to help team members grow.

• Recognize progress to encourage continued effort and improvement.
  

The Marines don’t wait for “perfect” recruits. They create exceptional results by shaping, training, and inspiring the people they have. We can do the same in our businesses.

Finding the “best” people may always be a challenge. But finding the right people and then leading them well is within reach for any committed leader. Like the Marines, our job is to take what we have and turn it into something extraordinary. That’s the path to a team you can be proud to lead.