Worth Following

Worth Following addresses one of the most demanding transitions in a Marine officer’s career: the moment a newly commissioned lieutenant assumes responsibility for leading Marines—many of them older, more experienced, and already tested under pressure. Authority may come with rank, but credibility does not. This book is about how young officers earn it. Written by Major Ted Powers, Worth Following is a practical guide to professional development and leadership for aspiring and newly commissioned Marine officers. Drawing on his experience as a platoon commander, instructor, and mentor—as well as close observation of Marine leaders across the force—Powers focuses on how junior officers can develop themselves, establish trust, and lead effectively from their first day in command. The book addresses the realities officers encounter early: making decisions with incomplete information, building productive relationships with peers and seniors, exercising authority without eroding trust, and maintaining high standards while demonstrating genuine care for Marines and their families. Powers approaches leadership not as a personality trait or abstract ideal, but as a set of skills and habits that must be practiced deliberately and consistently. Organized around a progressive model of leadership development, Worth Following begins with personal responsibility and self-discipline, then moves outward to influence, trust, and team performance. Throughout, Powers emphasizes that leadership credibility is never permanent—it must be re-earned through everyday actions, judgment, and example. Clear, grounded, and directly applicable, Worth Following distills hard-earned lessons into practical guidance junior officers can use immediately. While written specifically for Marine officers, this book contains insights that extend to any young leader stepping into responsibility early, where expectations are high and experience is limited. Powers shows how to become the kind of leader others choose to follow—because trust has been built, standards are upheld, and responsibility is taken seriously.