Name a famous person that you feel was an excellent leader and why you felt that
ID: 360675 • Letter: N
Question
Name a famous person that you feel was an excellent leader and why you felt that they were an excellent leader. Be specific about their traits or behaviors to support your belief.
Name a famous person that you believe was more of a manager than a leader. Why do you believe this...again use an example to support your assertion.
What traits or behaviors do you believe that you have that would make you either a good leader, a good manager, or both. Again be specific and provide details if possible.
Explanation / Answer
Famous person that i feel was an excellent leader - President Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln was an American statesman and lawyer who served as the 16th President of the United States from March 1861 until April 1865.
Below are the traits or reason I feel he was a great leader:
Lincoln surrounded himself with people, including his rivals
President Abraham Lincoln appointed the best and brightest to his cabinet, individuals who were also some of his greatest political rivals. He demonstrated his leadership by pulling this group together into a unique team that represented the greatest minds of his time.
Capacity to Listen to Different Points of View
Lincoln had the capacity to listen to different points of view. He created a climate where Cabinet members were free to disagree without fear of retaliation. At the same time, he knew when to stop the discussion and after listening to the various opinions, make a final decision.
Shared Credit for Success
In response to concerns expressed by friends about the actions of some of his Cabinet members, Lincoln stated that the "path to success and ambition is broad enough for two". When there was success, Lincoln shared the credit with all of those involved.
Willingness to Share Blame for Failure
When contracts related to the war effort raised serious questions about a member of his administration, Lincoln spoke up and indicated that he and his entire Cabinet were to blame.
Channelize Emotions well
Lincoln treated those he worked with well. However, he did get angry and frustrated, so he found a way to channel those emotions. He was known to sit down and write what he referred to as a “hot letter” to the individual he was angry with and then he would set the letter aside and not send it. If he did lose his temper, Lincoln would follow up with a kind gesture or letter to let the individual know he was not holding a grudge.
Get in the field amongst people
During the Civil War, many soldiers died and there were many ups and downs. Lincoln established lasting connections with the troops by visiting the battlefield and hospitals, which also helped bolster morale.
Lincoln also spent time talking with members of the public, taking ‘public opinion baths’.
Strong mindedness
In the summer of 1864, said Kearns Goodwin, the war was not going well for the North. Members of his political party came to Lincoln and said that there was no way to win the war and he might need to compromise on slavery. Lincoln held firm on the issue of slavery and turned away from this advice.
Ability to Communicate Goals and Vision
Lincoln had a “remarkable ability to communicate his goals to his countrymen.” He made concepts simple and communicated with an understanding of the concerns of the citizens.
When the war ended and he won reelection, Lincoln did not focus on his achievements said Kearns Goodwin. Rather, in his second inaugural speech, Lincoln focused on bringing the country together as expressed in the following excerpt. “With malice toward none, with charity for all, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation’s wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may
Famous person that i feel was an excellent leader – Mahatma Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi was a prominent Indian political leader who campaigned for Indian independence. He employed non-violent principles and peaceful disobedience. He was assassinated in 1948, shortly after achieving his life goal of Indian independence. In India, he is known as ‘Father of the Nation’.
Reason why I think he was more of a manager than a leader because he never held any position in but was leader of an extremely diversed country at the time of Indian Independence. The country was divided in many states, provinces and Gandhi was crucial in keeping them held together. He had to manage a country where there were uncountable languages, beliefs, religions which required exceptional managerial skills.
Below are the traits I feel he displayed of a brilliant manager
Turnaround specialist:
When Mahatma Gandhi returned to India in 1915, India Independence struggle had already started. There has been an attempt in 1857. Independence struggle was not cohesive, was singular and very fragmented. Within few years, all then existing freedom struggle leaders realized Gandhi is the person who can lead it and shape it into a movement.
Creating an organizational Structure: Mahatma Gandhi never held any office-bearer position in any party, not even in Congress. And though he led freedom movement under Congress banner. Irrespective of the background of a freedom struggle leader, he / she was always aligned with Mahatma Gandhi’s vision & direction.
Communication:
In spite of language constraints, Mahatma Gandhi could connect all across India. He knew how to communicate and when. He ensured that he has local prominent leader in all public appearances and speech. It shows his strength on creating an organization and leveraging it for communication for the common cause and objective.
There are so many instances during life journey of Mahatma Gandhi, where his management skills came in forefront and turned around the situation. Don’t forget, he was a great negotiator – agreement with British government during IInd world war, which laid foundation to India Independence in 1947.
For the third answer you could always look for traits of a leader or a manager and try to figure out which of them you possess in yourself. Describe and analyze whether you have more triats of a leader or manager or both
Best of luck and let me know! :-)
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