What is an essential quality that the board looks for regarding teamwork?

The board looks for the ability to foster collaboration within a unit as an essential quality of teamwork because it emphasizes the importance of working together effectively to achieve common goals. In a military setting, particularly in the Marine Corps, collaboration enhances unit cohesion and ensures that all members are aligned in their mission objectives. This quality demonstrates not only an understanding of the value of teamwork but also the capability to lead and facilitate communication among team members, thereby increasing efficiency and morale within the unit.

Fostering collaboration means actively creating an environment where ideas can be shared, teamwork is encouraged, and all members feel valued. This leads to improved performance and innovative solutions to challenges, which is vital in high-stakes scenarios encountered by Marines. The emphasis on collaboration reflects the core values of the Marine Corps, where collective effort is paramount to success in operations and missions.

The other options diverge from this essential quality by emphasizing independence, taking command without seeking input, or competition among peers, which may undermine unit effectiveness and the spirit of cooperation necessary in a cohesive team environment.