LEADERSHIP
"Who would be the best choice to lead the country over the next four years," is a question that citizens are faced with in order to elect a president- a leader. However, the way in which each individual approaches and comprehends this question depends on their definition of a leader. Some leaders choose to focus on current issues, for example how Barack Obama often addresses the current, pressing issue of our economics and the recession. On the other hand, other leaders choose to focus on how to shape and prepare their nation for the future. Additionally, a leader needs its' followers in all aspects of being a leader. A leader needs people to literally and figuratively follow them in order to be a leader and have authority, and a leader needs followers to believe in them in order for them to believe in themselves. The actions and choices of a leader truly reflect the time period they are living in. When technology is a devouring and overwhelming part of everyday lives, a leader would probably address that issue considering it is popular and a leader needs to be on top of things. Also, I believe a leader needs be fair meaning always considering everyone's voice whether they be black or white, poor or rich, male or female, young or old, tall or short, etc. An ideal leader would have balance between thought and action. Meaning, they would produce and discover ideas and thoughts for their people, and would have a good balance between speaking and then actually acting and making a difference. A few more characteristics of an ideal leader would be one who is a good communicator and persuader, sticks to their values, and takes complex ideas and situations and makes them simple. A leader needs to be willing; willing to listen, willing to act, willing to change, willing to take criticism, willing to accept defeat, and willing to be a confident leader. A leader needs to have a balance of their personal ideas and views, along with facts and knowledge. In other words, everyone has a bias and everyone has opinions, however the way in which you mix those personal beliefs with facts is a vital quality and skill. My personal take on being a leader is complicated and something I will continue to develop throughout being a human on this planet and being a student. For me, both watching other leaders and the choices I make about leadership are what affects my definition of a leader. If I feel like taking action and putting my voice above others in order to get something done, or release an idea, than I am choosing to be a leader. When I want to be, I can be a leader in my family, in the classroom, on my sports teams, in my friend group, etc. The opportunity to be a leader is often a position many individuals over-think, however to be a leader is something almost anyone can be. By definition a leader is a "guiding or directing head," or "one with followers." (Dictionary.reference.com) Personal definitions of a leader affect the way you view leaders and what you look for in a leader. There are leaders, and there are good leaders, but both are hard to fulfill.
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