Citizen Leaders Essay

As many countries developed over time, changes have occurred that benefited the citizens of each nation. However, there is one important element that is needed to establish laws, peace, and harmony in each country. This element is known as leadership. Leaders around the world have contributed to the success and evolution of all of our nations, proving to be a huge responsibility. Residents are dependent amongst leaders, who are in charge of protecting their citizens at no cost. Without the presence of them, chaos and corruption would establish, which could ruin relationships and trade with other nations. In history, great leaders have been praised and admired. The characteristics of three great leaders, who are Suleiman, Nelson Mandela, and Queen Elizabeth I, have exhibited the qualities of being a great leader. These traits include causing admiration and inspiration, demonstrating intelligent knowledge, and guiding residents and themselves to solve conflicts that may cause death.

Being a leader is not considered a job or position. Becoming a leader is not a talent, job or position. Although, leadership can be rewarding and difficult at the same time. In today’s society, “the kind of leadership necessary to move social movements forward is very different from the type of leadership required in a military setting, especially on the battlefield. A more sharpened focus on leadership processes versus individual leader traits and behaviors deepens our understanding of the complexities and interactive nature of leadership” (Komives, Lucas and McMahon 2013, 46). My goal is to understand how to face the complexities in life as a leader to communities, universities, organizations, the workplace and the world. As a leader,

As many countries developed over time, changes have occurred that benefited the citizens of each nation. However, there is one important element that is needed to establish laws, peace, and harmony in each country. This element is known as leadership. Leaders around the world have contributed to the success and evolution of all of our nations, proving to be a huge responsibility. Residents are dependent amongst leaders, who are in charge of protecting their citizens at no cost. Without the presence of them, chaos and corruption would establish, which could ruin relationships and trade with other nations. In history, great leaders have been praised and admired. The characteristics of three great leaders, who are Suleiman, Nelson Mandela, and Queen Elizabeth I, have exhibited the qualities of being a great leader. These traits include causing admiration and inspiration, demonstrating intelligent knowledge, and guiding residents and themselves to solve conflicts that may cause death.

Leaders are a vital instrument in the orchestra of how the world turns today, but often times the responsibilities of leaders are misconstrued. However, there are several texts out there that explain fully what a leader’s role is. Two of these texts are The Odyssey by Homer and “Farewell Address” by George Washington. The authors of these documents were very wise and respected in their times, one being an eternally famous philosopher and the other the very first President of the United States. The Odyssey by Homer and “Farewell Address” by George Washington display clearly the loyalty, unity, and humility a leader should have.

In the article, “The Impact Of a Good Leader and Good Leadership In Society”, Patrick Alain points out “When a society is led by a powerful, positive and forward- thinking leader, one of the main areas of focus is people’s professional development. Good leaders are those that take all factors into consideration” (2). Most do not understand how fortunate it is to have a vigorous dominant figure knowing the correct punishments and prioritizing the nation’s future. “Society is not limited to a few defined goals” (1). A nation is influential enough to shape the human beings living in it and know the limit of the people’s choices. Either the nation is rebellious and out of control, or the ruler dictates many with no say. Stability between the two can “[achieve] social change. Whether it was for abolishing social norms, overcoming social evils or modernizing history, social change has been impossible without the right kind of leadership”

Leaders have been around since the beginning of history in which their decisions and actions molded today’s society. From George Washington’s command to victory during the revolutionary war to the triumph of Martin Luther King Jr.’s nonviolent equal rights movement, there have been leadership qualities that have been evident throughout history. Society depends on the abilities of leaders in order to progress in the right direction and finish a specific task. There are many forms of leaders in which different skills are required. Each person has a different view of what a leader and leadership is, however, everyone is influenced by the leader they choose. An efficient leader is someone others turn to for guidance, direction, and inspiration in order to complete a goal. One who possesses leadership qualities is able to influence and persuade individuals in order to attain a desired end. Everyone has the power to be a leader and make a difference in their community. The leaders on Long Island are an important aspect of society because they influence the futures of teens and help them to discover their abilities.

I think a leader is a person who can stand up for what they believe in. They don’t give up. If someone or something discourages they they will take a stand. Or if his/her friends, acquaintances, or anyone in general, they will take a stand in what they believe in. They don’t call people names or betray them behind their backs, they try to stop that. Leaders try their best. They believe everyone can do anything if they at least try. When a leader gets a chance to do good, they will.

Leadership many times can be misinterpreted by many individuals. Leadership is an ability that not everyone is meant to have nor develop. In fact, many can be called, “leaders” but that does not imply that their leadership role plays a positive impact on others. At times, some people seek leadership in a form to only obtain power and abuse it for their own self-interest. While there are others that create great influences to following generations. For instance, there are those like Plato and Thomas Jefferson who have established philosophical thoughts that for past centuries, have revolutionized many people’s ideals. Through their principles many people have identified, what they consider can exemplify, true characteristics that make someone have successful leadership qualities. In their own way, they have influenced others, with the purpose to communicate a foundation of important ideals which have helped guide many. Whether it is one or a group of individuals. Many people should consider in practicing and adapting to those philosophical principles, manifested in Plato’s, “The Allegory of the Cave” and Thomas Jefferson's, “The Declaration of Independence” essay who illustrate certain ideals and aspects of leadership in their own unique way.

To be a leader there are multiple characteristics that makes one leader better than another. In 1469, an aristocrat by the name of Niccolo Machiavelli was born. Machiavelli was born in an unfortunate time when Florence was unstable and was wrongly convicted which led him to be imprisoned. He later wrote a book by the name of The Qualities of the Prince which listed his thoughts and ideas on what characteristics a prince should have to be a successful leader. Today, we have leaders that guide us through tough decisions and keep order in the state, widely known as the politicians. Politicians are people who are involved in politics as a job and usually are in an elected office. We also have in that group a sub group known as the Governor. The

It seems we hear a considerable amount on the topic of leadership today. Moral, business and particularly political leadership gains attention on our national news, personal conversations and even appearing on posts within social networks.

Throughout my short life, I have come to realize that a leader does not necessarily, although they may, maintain a defined position of leadership. A leader is one who will rise to the challenge even when the odds in opposition. A leader will tackle any barrier that stands in the way of the goal. A leader is willing to be hated and face criticism for doing what is right. Leaders come in all different forms, but a leader is the one who is always willing to make the difficult decisions.

Robert Greenleaf argues that a leader is a servant. For one to be a leader, he must be willing to serve the others. Service to man is a natural feeling that is self-driven. It is the human consciousness that aspires people to become leaders. (Greenleaf, & Spears, 2002).

This report reviews and examines the theories behind leadership; identifying and analysing the concept of leadership and leaders from an analytical perspective. Some of the key points will focus on areas I have particular disputes with. Areas such as:

“enhancing self-awareness, recognizing values of ‘congruence, unconditional positive regard, and empathic understanding’, self-responsibility, understanding one’s feelings, awareness of one’s own perspective, being open to experience, being rational, living a fuller life, positive life-direction, acceptance of one’s and other’s uniqueness, prizing one and others, and living a moral and ethical life” (pg. 343).

The key components of this definition are that leadership is based on influence, not power or authority. Leadership requires followers, but