A leader always has strength, but it is what the leader does with the strength that makes him or her great. In the epic poem, The Odyssey, by Homer, Odysseus leads his men home after the Trojan War and during his journey, many conflicts occur. Odysseus is a good leader because he is motivated and has strong communication skills that help him to control his men, but also convince the crew to keep going so they may reach home.
Odysseus’ motivation to return home is evident throughout many circumstances.
Odysseus explains to Calypso one of the reasons why he must return home: “Yet, it is true, each day I long for home, long for the sight of home” (The Odyssey 119-20). Homer creates an image of Odysseus longing for home which readers see as a sign of motivation. The sadness of not seeing his beloved wife turns Odysseus into a stronger man who wants to see himself and his crew reaching the one place there is longing for. Odysseus has a plan to defeat the Cyclops and is in the process of completing the mission while leading his men, “And cheered my men along with
…show more content…
Odysseus speaks with such clarity and efficiency that his men can follow his orders. The loyal men represent the ears of all who hear Odysseus’ words and follow him as a leader. When the men arrived at Helios’ island, Odysseus said, “’Old shipmates, our stores are in the ship’s hold, food and drink; the cattle here are not for our provision or we pay dearly for it’” (The Odyssey, 335-38). Odysseus tries to protect his men from harm by warning them about the cattle. Odysseus cares about what happens to his men and his communication skills saves himself and them from danger. Communication skills are one of the key factors to Odysseus’ good