NationStates Jolt Archive

What are the qualities of a good leader? Do they follow the day to day wishes of the people or do they use their own judgement? Should they be compromising or unbending?

I tend to believe a good leader, once elected should do their damndest to ignore popular opinion and do what they think is right. They should then be held accountable for those choices when they come up for reelection. Also, all leaders should be chosen by the people of their nation. I do not believe a non-elected leader is legitiment (spl?) and I believe they should not be recognized by the world community.

(how's that for naive idealism?)

Social Conscience. The rest really does not matter. How they get to be a leader does not matter. What matters is that their actions are carried out with the welfare of the entire nation in mind.

I think the Philosopher King of Plato is the ideal leader. Wise, ascetic, moderate, strong, virtuous, patient... His greatest desire is wisdom and philosophy, not power. Perfection!

Impossible, too.

One who stays the hell out of everyone's way.

What are the qualities of a good leader? Do they follow the day to day wishes of the people or do they use their own judgement? Should they be compromising or unbending?

I tend to believe a good leader, once elected should do their damndest to ignore popular opinion and do what they think is right. They should then be held accountable for those choices when they come up for reelection. Also, all leaders should be chosen by the people of their nation. I do not believe a non-elected leader is legitiment (spl?) and I believe they should not be recognized by the world community.

(how's that for naive idealism?)
I don't think it's "naive" at all! I happen to agree. If the people want a "leader" who will cater to the latest opinion poll, they could simply do away with the leadership and have instant plebiscites via computer, with government functionaries to simply implement their decisons.

I also think honesty is of vital importance. Not honesty via government transparency, but honesty to ones own convictions and the courage to carry them out.

What are the qualities of a good leader? Do they follow the day to day wishes of the people or do they use their own judgement? Should they be compromising or unbending?

I tend to believe a good leader, once elected should do their damndest to ignore popular opinion and do what they think is right. They should then be held accountable for those choices when they come up for reelection. Also, all leaders should be chosen by the people of their nation. I do not believe a non-elected leader is legitiment (spl?) and I believe they should not be recognized by the world community.

(how's that for naive idealism?)
On any level, a good leader has to earn respect and inspire his subordinates. He needs a clear vision of what he wants to do and he needs to communicate it to those who will do his bidding.

Popular opinion only counts when you're trying to make friends. And probably only in high school, at that. A leader is going to do what's needed to achieve his vision. If he's any good, he will have gotten the "troops" to buy into the vision and give everything they have to see it accomplished.

The ability to sell crazy ideas and get the people buying it.

A good leader is one who leads the people to the ends of the world to conquer hell. :p

WMD's anyone? BUsh is a good leader. :)

Unless your talking about 'good' in ethical and virtuos.

The ability to sell crazy ideas and get the people buying it.

A good leader is one who leads the people to the ends of the world to conquer hell. :p

WMD's anyone? BUsh is a good leader. :)

Unless your talking about 'good' in ethical and virtuos.

Is it possible, even a little possible that we can have a discussion without bringing George Bush into it? I like the man but I do not eat, sleep and think the man.

The good leader needs to be...everything.

Yes everything!

As in well-rounded! As in everything! Good and bad qualities!

Human...The best leader is someone who is human, and is capable of connecting with fellow humans, understanding their own positives and negatives.

(BTW is is late...and I'm running off of baked ziti...If I sound kinda zen...then there's your reason...Need sleep.)

Is it possible, even a little possible that we can have a discussion without bringing George Bush into it? I like the man but I do not eat, sleep and think the man.

Okay. Lets switch it to Hitler. :)

NO denying that mans a good leader right?

read The Prince by Macheavelli

Okay. Lets switch it to Hitler. :)

NO denying that mans a good leader right?


And of course, if you have mentioned Bush, you feel it is funny and showing of good wit to mention Hitler. ha ha, yes yes, we all get the reference, tired and sad as it is. Talk about the qualities of a leader, please. Not how was a good leader.

Well okay.. basicly to me, a leader is one that can convince nearly everybody to do things no matter how crazy for them. Lead them to the ends of the world into Hell.

Because there are many different types of leaders with many different types of leadership styles. You can say that Montgomery was a good military leader, with his think tank approach to things and don't take risks. Whereas theres the Patton all guts and glory type of leader.

Then there's the Hitler's, with their mad ideals and fiery determination, to the thinking leader like urghh... whats the brits name.

SO for me, the only real quality that makes a person to be a leader is the ability to lead people, fanatically the better.

What are the qualities of a good leader? Do they follow the day to day wishes of the people or do they use their own judgement? Should they be compromising or unbending?

I tend to believe a good leader, once elected should do their damndest to ignore popular opinion and do what they think is right. They should then be held accountable for those choices when they come up for reelection. Also, all leaders should be chosen by the people of their nation. I do not believe a non-elected leader is legitiment (spl?) and I believe they should not be recognized by the world community.

(how's that for naive idealism?)
Knowing whe to say no.
Standing up to Supperiors to save your men.

Well okay.. basicly to me, a leader is one that can convince nearly everybody to do things no matter how crazy for them. Lead them to the ends of the world into Hell.

Because there are many different types of leaders with many different types of leadership styles. You can say that Montgomery was a good military leader, with his think tank approach to things and don't take risks. Whereas theres the Patton all guts and glory type of leader.

Then there's the Hitler's, with their mad ideals and fiery determination, to the thinking leader like urghh... whats the brits name.

SO for me, the only real quality that makes a person to be a leader is the ability to lead people, fanatically the better.

ah, leadership that justifies itself through its own ability and accomplishments. Not a bad arguement.