Examples Of The Core Competencies Of Martin Luther King Jr

The ability to lead others, develop oneself and subordinates, and accomplish missions are core competencies that every leader should strive to perfect (Dept. of the Army, 2019). Each of these competencies describes a category of actions that leaders take. Leaders are able to identify their strengths and weaknesses by assessing their ability to perform the actions. Great leaders are masters of all three categories. One such leader was Martin Luther King, Jr. His leadership in the civil rights movement serves as a perfect example of how a great leader acts. In examining his actions, the core leader competencies are clearly present. This essay seeks to paint a picture of what leading, developing, and achieving look like in practice. Martin Luther

It takes a lot of time and effort to develop one’s own abilities to the point of mastery. However, it is necessary to be able to pass on knowledge and experience to subordinates (Dept. of the Army, 2019). Subordinates look to leaders to answer their questions and to guide them through the unknown. It is the responsibility of leaders to have the answers or be able to find them. This does not mean that leaders should perform tasks in place of their subordinates. Leaders help subordinates develop by showing them how, without doing it for them (Dept. of the Army, 2019). Struggle is necessary for growth. Leaders must find a balance between providing help and allowing subordinates to struggle. The end goal is for the team to be able to function without the leader.

Passing on knowledge to followers was Martin Luther King, Jr.’s specialty as a preacher. Through his speeches, he educated his followers on the right way to effect change for the future. His foresight in understanding the importance of remaining peaceful came through his self-development. In one instance, he visited Mahatma Gandhi’s birthplace, inspiring his faith in peace (Carson & Lewis, 2023). After his death, his influence continued to make an impact as the civil rights movement continued in his wake. In other words, the team continued to function without its

of the Army, 2019). The first step to becoming a great leader is identifying strengths and weaknesses. The core competencies show where leaders need to be proficient. By leading effectively, leaders and subordinates become a team that works together toward a common goal. In developing themselves, leaders prepare to develop others and relay knowledge and experience to improve the team. Leaders put the team and mission first by setting their ego aside to accomplish the mission. The ability to accomplish the mission ultimately determines the success of leaders. If unsure as to what these things look like in practice, look to the great leaders throughout history like Martin Luther King,