Leadership Essay

This is an essay I did for English I.

Humans throughout history have sought guidance from others. They look for a leader who can teach them to carry on as a society. An effective leader can do this with ease, persuading and directing people to complete tasks in the most efficient manner possible. There is a difference between an ethical and effective leader, such as Adolf Hitler, yet a leader can be morally just, like Martin Luther King Jr. In both cases being inspiring and influential are two essential qualities for a great leader.

Martin Luther King Jr. brought revolutionary change for the African American race, which was heavily discriminated at the time, without threats or violence, but with effective leadership. He gained a position of power with his belief that, "A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus." His words inspired many in his quest for equality which was grandly displayed in his famous I Have a Dream speech as people rallied with him. King's inspiring leadership skills allowed him to gain a permanent place in history. Many believed and followed his principles, and many continue to look up to him today, after his death, hearing his inspirational words and bringing change to the world.

In contrast to King's admirable deeds, Hitler used his influential leadership for appalling acts of cruelty. Moral boundaries people build for themselves are thought as a sturdy wall, permanent and unmoving. However persuasive people can shake the supposed "wall," bringing it crumbling to the ground. Hitler, the internationally infamous leader from World War II, influenced people so greatly moral codes were snapped in half. As a result masses of people were slaughtered by ordinary citizens under orders. Hitler influenced peoples minds, emotions, and morals, proving him to be one of the most effective leaders in history.

As shown by King and Hitler what you are inspiring and influencing can be as different as day and night, but they are two key elements for being a pronounced leader. Leaders are needed to guide the citizens of society.