The Qualities of a Great Leader

In the Themes in World History textbook, it explains that an effective leader is "both intelligent and charismatic- he knows what's best and he can convince the average person that he is right." Though everyone may have a different idea of what an ideal leader is, I believe that these qualities are not the ones that make leaders great.  Instead, I believe that an ideal leader is someone who is almost selfless; willing to take risks that can jeopardize his own life or career.  A leader can listen with an open mind to the people he/she represents, and whether the leader knows how best to do so, the leader is always trying to bring its represented population the best lives they can live.

A leader must be willing to make decisions for the benefit of his/her people even if it jeopardizes his/her own career. Before the times of advanced military technology, the best military leaders such as George Washington, would lead their armies into battle from the front lines rather than the back. In current times, I believe that when a leader needs to make decisions that will greatly affect the world, he/she must make the right choice even if it defies the opinion of the individuals who voted the leader into power.  These kinds of decisions may make an individual very unpopular and even voted out of office, but it is a risk that a great leader must take.  This demonstration of leadership shows bravery and selflessness.

The second quality that a great leader must have is the ability to listen open-mindedly to the people he/she represents.  If a leader has his/her own agenda, the decisions made will most likely not be beneficial to the people he/she is supposed to represent.  A leader must always have the best intentions of the people in mind and in order to know what they want, he/she must listen to them.  This is also vital to a great leader because in order to hold his/her power, the leader must maintain a positive relationship with the individuals he/she represents.  By keeping close tabs on what the represented people need, the relationship will ideally stay strong. 

The last quality that a leader must possess is the motivation to do what is best for the people he/she is representing or the greater good of the world.  Often times, leaders make decisions not for the benefit of the represented population, but for their own good.  For example, Napoleon Bonaparte invaded Russia because he wanted more own power and fame.  Invading Russia was not necessarily what his country and his people needed, but he thought it would be beneficial to his power and fame.  This is an example of a self-interested and therefore horrible motivation.  Leaders’ motivation must always be to bring its represented population the best lives they can live.

Of course, qualities like intelligence and charisma help leaders accomplish their goals, but without the three main qualities stated above, I believe a leader can never be successful.