What makes a leader

[Aaroneet]

What qualifications make a good leader? And what do you think the best examples are of that quality in an already existing leader? Keep in mind-the term 'leader' takes on a very ambiguous meaning here. It could be a religious leader, the leader of a nation, but it has to be somebody prominent. Let the games begin!

[Aaroneet]

Better yet, you could go on to analyze the faults in other leaders. Were these faults brought about by circumstance, or are they simple human nature? Is our society partially a product of the circumstances that helped shaped the mentality of these leaders? I've heard that history should be looked upon in the perspective of man through the ages, and how he reacts to each action taken by a leader, or by general shifts in society.

Basically, how much we are truly products of circumstance, and how much are we products of our own human nature?

[CptSternn]

Honesty, integrity, and a past history of good works for the people define what a good leader is.

[Circle V]

Rep. Ron Paul has never voted against his principles or the Constitution. He's honest and does good works, but that doesn't necessary make him a suitable leader.

[the-broken-harlequin]

Originally Posted by Circle V

Rep. Ron Paul has never voted against his principles or the Constitution. He's honest and does good works, but that doesn't necessary make him a suitable leader.

The right hat is what makes a leader.
Trust me on this.

[Cappinator]

Well, if we're talking about a democratically elected leader, I'd say making good of your promises is a good trait.

Oh, and also: not stealing the elections.

[raineofblood]

Doing what's best for the people
No secrets
Integrity
Addressing needs of people CORRECTLY unlike some others...coughnochildleftbehindbushidiotcough

[Tismine]

No...you people are adding what a good leader would be in a utopia. It's not that nice in real life. Honesty is a liability, Lies are an enemy.

The ability to manipulate the truth
Intelligence
Connections
Dignity
Honor...but not too much.
Charisma

And more, but I'm too lazy to type them all out.

[Methadrine]

It all depends on what sort of leader you're asking for. A political leader should not have, or rather, he hasn't the same traits as a, say corporate leader or a squadleader in the military has, or even a siteadmin which is kind of a leader too. The only thing they have in common is the fact that they naturally have a talent for getting people to follow them or their ideas (this could be either intentional or unintentional manipulation), and that they invoke the feeling of trust in his subjects.

Unfortunately, this doesn't constitute a good leader. For example, the worlds most hated political leader, Hitler, led a whole country to war without much resistance. With help of his advisors they even drove it to a state of "total war". That's mass-psychosis for you... very effective. Very dangerous. ..and oddly enough the work of "good leaders", although their intentions were all but good.

The squadleader induces faith in his men. If he doesn't show a sign of fear in the heat of battle, then his men won't feel it too. If they do, then the leader can boost their morale with his cool attitude which indicates that he knows what he's doing and that they should trust him. ..or his squadmates can boost it since the leader has, preferably, made the unit trust themselves too. That no man is above any other, that they are equal and they all fight to survive the war/battle. That kind of determination can work wonders.

That's a few examples.

[Circle V]

Hitler was an exceptional leader. His decision to drive the country into a "state of 'total war'" would be considered brilliant rather than "dangerous" had he only succeeded.