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Defining a Leader...

Dictionaries may define leadership vaguely as the ability to lead, but experience reveals that leadership is far more than this; experience reveals that leadership is the ability to inspire. Of course, this definition, and perhaps any other, is far too simple for the deep, abstract notion of leadership. Thus, rather than defining great leadership, it is more useful to discuss what traits constitute a great leader.

Before I begin depicting an ideal leader, a popular myth on this subject must be addressed and dispelled. This myth is the merger of authority and leadership. It seems inevitable that the mere mention of leadership should bring some fleeting image of a triumphant general or a renowned world leader to mind. While certainly inspirational, they come to mind primarily because modern society wrongly associates authority with leadership. Some proof that leaders do not need authority can be found in the substantial influence of authors like Harriet Beecher Stowe and Rachel Carson. Their books started and expanded abolitionism and environmentalism respectively. Furthermore, another author named Upton Sinclair was able to start the public outrage that led to the creation of FDA. And yet all of these massive movements were started by leaders with no formal authority. On a much smaller scale, a good friend or a favorite professor might also be a poignant example of a good leader who has no real authority. These unconventional leaders may influence fewer people, but with leadership, as with most things in life, quality takes precedent over quantity.

Alas, now I can discuss the quality of an ideal leader. One major factor in determining the quality of a leader is precisely how they lead, by compulsion or by motivation. In other words, do people follow a leader in concurrence with their own principles and to help themselves or do they follow because they fear the consequences of resistance? Anyone can rule with an iron fist, but it takes a good leader to lead with inspiration. And thus, inspiration is found to be a key attribute of a great leader, though its form can vary slightly. Most common perhaps, inspiration takes the form of a moving speech such as FDR's fireside chats or Winston Churchill's speeches during World War II. It is simply amazing how mere words can bolster confidence and give a whole new conviction to listeners. But words alone are not enough for actions speak louder. And to reference yet another famous leader on this subject,

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