Which leadership principle can be used to determine when closer supervision may be necessary and when to back off?

• A. Keep your Marines informed
• B. Know your Marines and look out for their welfare.
• C. Set the example.
• D. Be technically proficient.

Answer: (B)

Understanding and applying this principle means you know each Marine—their skills, confidence, experience, and personal situation—and you care for their welfare. With that insight you adjust your supervision: in training or high-risk tasks, closer supervision helps ensure proper technique, safety, and learning. As Marines gain competence and reliability, you back off to empower them, build initiative, and reduce unnecessary micromanagement.

Other options focus more on communication, leading by example, or technical skill, but they don’t directly address tailoring supervision based on an individual’s readiness and welfare, which is why this principle fits best.