Leadership Skills of a Great Leader

Introduction

Thousands of articles, books and papers have been written to identify the traits, skills or characteristics that makeup a perfect leader; though, it is best to learn from great leaders in the past, witnessed by the world. What did they do to become the best leaders, how did they ruled and what was exclusive in their characteristics that made them exclusive. World has seen many great leaders in different eras. Among the most prominent of the leaders are Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States of America, Winston Churchill, who saved the United Kingdom from the crisis during world war II as the prime minister and Martin Luther King, Jr. who revolutionized the world civil rights by representing the African-American Civil Rights Movement. In this paper the characteristics that made these leaders the most successful ones, will be identified (Giuliani et al, 2002). After identification of the traits that enabled them to write their names in the list of great leaders the world has witnessed, characteristics and decision making skills that can produce better leaders will be identified (Adcock, 2001).

Discussion

Abraham Lincoln (1809 - 1865)

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States of America served the country from 1861 to 1865, until he was assassinated. Lincoln is credited from successfully leading the US through the worst of the periods that America has witnessed in its history. It was the period American Civil War when America was facing the greatest moral, constitutional and military crisis. Lincoln not only led the country through the crisis but he also ended the slavery, and promoted financial and economical modernization while preserving the Union. Following are some characteristics that enabled him to lead America in this successful manner. The characteristics that made Abraham Lincoln a great leader are: (Adcock, 2001).

Open to Different Point of Views

History tells that Abraham never made decisions without taking suggestions from the cabinet members he gathered. He maintained an environment where no member hesitated to disagree with his decisions and then suggest better ones. It was due to this reason that he was able to rectify mistakes quickly and then make final decisions in a more informed manner.

Sharing the Credit of Successful Decisions

After taking the suggestions, Lincoln was used to make final decisions based on these suggestions. If the final decision was a successful one, Lincoln was used to willingly share the credit with the one who gave that suggestion. This appreciated the cabinet members to work honestly and with full devotion.

Accepting the Credit of Failed Decisions

When Lincoln, failed to make a successful decision, he would readily accept the failure. He would stand and say that the credit for failure is for him and his cabinet and that steps will be taken to resolve the problems.

Ability to Replenish and Relax

Lincoln's abilities to replenish and relax were what kept him running 24/7 for the sake of the betterment of the country. He had a good sense of humor and he was used to maintain a ...