George Washington: A Visionary Leader

What makes a person as prodigious leader: personality, leadership, integrity, or something else? A great leader has all of the following expertise and more. A leader is someone that can command a group without overriding them. Someone that is caring but hard, strong but weak, tough but gentle. The best leaders are those who can adapt to any situation and thrive. George Washington was one of the best leaders we have ever seen. He not only led the fight in many wars he shaped the United States by creating and passing countless acts that are still around today.

To be great a great leader you need to be able to organize and teach large groups of people. "Leadership is something that many aspire to, but few achieve in full measure. It

Richard C. Stazesky, in his article entitled, “Gorge Washington, Genius in Leadership”, wrote that Washington had the qualities of a visionary leader. When defining a visionary leader, Stazesky states, “. . . In brief, the visionary leader has a vision into the far future, can develop an effective organization and can attract others to strive also for the attainment of his/her vision so that it becomes a shared vision and they all work together in an organization that sustains the vision, its beliefs and its values.” One of many examples of Washington’s visionary leadership was his commitment to the concept that, in a republic the military must always be subject to civilian control. Even when he disagreed with Congressional decisions, he led the military to act in accordance of congress’ decisions. Furthermore, Washington rallied his troops for a common cause even under the worst

George Washington felt it was his duty and moral obligation to help his country. He was not out to prove to anyone that he was “the best”. He had strong beliefs in his cause and he was convicted to making his vision for our country a success. Bob Cordery, in his article, “George Washington-the greatest leader of all time?” explains that “Leadership is something that many aspire to, but few achieve in full measure. It has been defined as being a combination of charisma, integrity, determination, flexibility, resourcefulness, creativity, self-confidence, a sense of responsibility, the ability to communicate, and consistency. George Washington had all these qualities, and it is therefore somewhat ironic that although he was truly a great leader, he never aspired to be one.” He states that there are many writing from others that over and over again testify to the fact that George Washington had personal character traits and skills of trustworthiness, organizational and administrative skills, excellent commination skills and compassion. On June 15, 1775 the Continental Congress admired Washington to such a high degree that all the delegates unanimously elected him to command all the continental forces for the defense of American