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According To Bethel University (2011), Leadership Is An

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According to Bethel University (2011), leadership is an evolving interaction between the leader, the followers, and the situation. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s leadership role in the civil rights movement represents a great leader. In addition, his leadership vividly portrays the dynamic between the leader, the followers, and the situation. While Dr. King’s dream for racial equality lacks fulfillment, interracial relations and equality have substantially improved as a direct result of Dr. King’s leadership. The qualities that made Dr. King a great leader and the impact on his followers represent the leadership process. In order to understand the importance of Dr. King’s leadership, one must examine the situation. In Dr. King’s, “I have a …show more content…

The radical change Dr. King led is part of the characteristics that make up a leader and follower situation. Bethel University (2011) claims that leaders actively challenge accepted norms, like racial injustice. Moreover, a leader views a situation broadly; therefore, adoption of a long-term approach over short-term results occurs. Dr. King’s stance against acting out in violence reflects a long-term view, thus enacting change through peaceful demonstrations.
For example, Dr. King said:
But there is something that I must say to my people, who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice: In the process of gaining our rightful place, we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again, we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force. (1963, para. 8)
While violence may tempt followers, the catharsis effect will fade and unhinge long-term progress. Dr. King was a leader and visionary that knew the process of racial equality would take a strong and steadfast approach. According to Edwards, “Dr. Martin Luther King, inspired a shared vision of hope, justice, and equality” (2010, p.43). Dr. King’s

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