Currently, leadership has many definitions that typically are linked to accomplishment, success, fortune, power, and different personal features. Nevertheless, the majority of people agree that the most distinctive attributes of a genuine leader are unquestionably the ability to assume or share responsibility and zeal for self-development. These characteristics were apparently displayed by many eminent individuals, especially in challenging times and pressing circumstances. Therefore, this paper aims at discussing the essential principles of leadership on the examples of such outstanding persons as John Kennedy, Martin Luther King, and Abraham Lincoln.
Generally, leadership is the form of behavior that can be exhibited by individuals in any environment, including family and work, and does not depend on social, sex, and ethnic affiliations, or age, to some extent. However, this conduct is not inherent to people as an integral quality of their personality but is brought up by diligent work and a firm determination to follow their principles, goals, and dreams. In particular, every true leader possesses the total commitment to their cause based on the deep belief and mature conviction in its significance for many people and even country. This means that when persons decide to achieve a particular dream, they should also be ready for possible failures and even the hostile resistance of the surrounding majority. Regarding this, John Kennedy clearly specifies that “Those who dare to fail miserably can achieve greatly.”
Besides pursuing his aim, Martin Luther King also entirely realized that great leaders do not live in sugar reality but always face various problems and troubles. In his famous speech I Have A Dream, he directly indicated the growing conflict of inequality occurring in the country, thereby refusing to accept the status quo. He was convinced that not only does widespread inequality make black people miserable but also threatens the wellbeing of the nation overall. His actions and words demonstrated his determination, which ultimately cost him convenience and life.
In addition, the role of a leader is compulsorily accompanied with meeting obligations to others. In this regard, John Kennedy stated in general that, “We have the power to make this the best generation of mankind in the history of the world or make it the last.” Accountability for others is manifested not only regarding a nation or country but also in particular cases. In The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien, Lt. Cross, a leader of Alpha Company, who were placed in severe, dangerous conditions, failed to show real leadership qualities and take responsibility to lead soldiers. On the contrary, although he realizes his role as a leader, he continually tries to escape this function, hiding behind standard operating procedures.
Finally, it is worth noting that an essential feature of any leader is self-development expressed through active and intense learning. Concerning this point, John Kennedy said, “Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” For example, Abraham Lincoln learned from early youth, and for this, he even was despised by his father, who considered him indolent and idle. Nevertheless, becoming an adult and beginning an independent life, he was engaged in self-education, passed exams, and received permission to practice law.
However, learning is not only education and books; moreover, it is also the readiness to gain experience from mistakes, surrounding circumstances, and people. In this regard, it is critical to surround yourself with the minds who are smarter than you and who dare to criticize and challenge you. Lincoln and Kennedy managed to assemble an exceptional cabinet team, enjoying their intellectual potential at important moments. In conclusion, it is worth quoting the modern pillar of leadership, namely, Steve Jobs, who said, “Stay hungry. Stay foolish,” emphasizing the importance of being eager to learn and taking life challenges.