Characteristics Of An Objective Leader

In society people depend on there leaders to make decisions that support the accomplishment of a common objective. Based on this notion, to some degree one can evaluate the success of a leader through the quantity of their followers. But I realized that the amount of followers does not constitute a great leader. Their can be instances where a leader is excellent in communicating to their followers things that they want to hear, which keeps them connected. However, at times leaders do not actually mean or do things that are expected of them. To a great extent this has to do with the individual traits of a leader. For example, a leader who is not genuine will not have a true purpose for leading; instead they would make decisions that benefit

Leaders should accept their faults and weaknesses, if not they will look for ways to conceal their true-selves. Furthermore, according to Bill George, authentic leaders should encompass the following criteria; understanding their purpose, practicing solid values, leading with heart, and establishing connected relationships, demonstrating self-discipline (George 18). It is essential for a leader to understand their purpose of leading because it serves as a guide or direction towards the difference they want to make. When leaders clearly identify what they are working toward and the purpose behind it; they will then understand their present needs and know what steps need to be taken to reach their goals. Leaders should also practice solid values that represent their personal morals and character, such as integrity. This will allow them to make decisions that are solely based on their values such as communicating the whole-truth to followers rather than concealing the negatives. Proceeding, leading with the heart is important because leaders are willing to render themselves to their followers demonstrating that they are truly devoted into inspiring their followers towards that common objective. Lastly, leaders should establish relationships with their followers because it would make their followers feel like they are prioritized in reaching the goal

However, despite the criticisms he did not change his methodology of reaching his objective; instead he defended his position. For example, in A Letter From Birmingham Jail, he responded to the criticism of 8 prominent clergymen who classified his actions in Birmingham as extremist. He responded with the following, “I was initially disappointed at being categorized as an extremist, as I continued to think about the matter I gradually gained a measure of satisfaction from the label. Was not Jesus an extremist for love: "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you" (King 7). Given this quote King basically challenges the clergyman to view him as an extremist; however, an extremist who acts on the purpose for the overall good. To substantiate this he compares his endeavors with Jesus; who is a religious figure the clergymen praise. Kings purpose of this comparison is so that the clergymen reexamine their perceptions of his actions in a positive light. King knew that Jesus is a figure who values the equality of all people despite their differences, evident in the chosen script. Therefore, he did not only mention this script for the reexamination of his acts from the clergymen; but because the values that define Jesus and his followers; are