During a previous discussion this semester, the topic of Adolf Hitler was raised, and whether he should be considered a great leader or not. This prompted me to consider further which leaders should be viewed as a positive example for mankind, and which should be highlighted as ones not to follow. In this paper, I will delve into the core values of impactful leaders, their ability to change the lives of those around them, and how distorting those values can lead to dire consequences.

What are the defining criteria for a great leader? Is it high intelligence, charisma, sociability, courage, or a combination of these qualities? Is it better to be an extrovert or an introvert? Should a leader be ruthless, as Niccolò Machiavelli suggested in his treatise “The Prince” in 1513? Or are morally sound leaders the best? Perhaps the answer comes from Laozi, who wrote two thousand years ago: "The country is governed by justice, the war is waged by cunning." Alternatively, does the personality of the leader matter, or is it based on the social characteristics of their environment, such as family composition, education, occupation, etc.? Furthermore, can leadership qualities be learned and developed, or are some born with them?

One of the classic theories on leadership is “the Great Man Theory,” which postulates that certain character traits make a good leader, regardless of the situation they are in. The supreme example of this theory is a charismatic leader who inspires others to follow them.

Peter Northouse points out that leadership and power were once thought to be synonymous, but this has changed in the last 40 years. With technological advancements, followers have gained access to vast amounts of information, making leaders more transparent, and shifting power to the followers.

Leadership involves psychological qualities that encompass knowledge, values, skills, and behavioral characteristics. A leader has a clear understanding of the ultimate goal and knows how to achieve it. They maintain their vision of the goal even in difficult conditions, acting with purpose and passionate faith in success. A good leader directs their actions and the actions of their team towards achieving the goal, inspiring others to believe in success.

The concept of leadership encompasses several stages of personality development for a successful leader. The first stage is being a leader of oneself, where discipline and motivation are necessary, along with taking responsibility for their own actions and forming the skills to set and achieve goals. The second stage is being a leader in a situation, where a person takes on leadership functions in an extreme situation where the context of necessity has forced them to take responsibility. The third stage is being a leader in a team, where a person forms their team and motivates its members to achieve goals, with constant initiative and responsibility for the quality of their team's work.

The inherent qualities of a leader are widely debated, whether they are innate attributes or developed skills. However, it is undeniable that a true leader possesses basic psychological and personal characteristics that set them apart from others.

Honesty is a crucial quality for a leader to establish trust with their followers. They do not manipulate beliefs for their own benefit or spout false promises. Openness to new ideas is also important, even if they do not align with traditional ways of thinking. A great leader not only listens to someone else's idea but also introduces new approaches. This allows mutual respect and trust between the leader and their followers and fosters freedom of expression.

Creativity is an essential quality for a leader to tackle challenges in unconventional ways. Unlike most people who may have a narrower perspective, leaders' creative nature allows them to discover new paths that their followers cannot see. They have the ability to consider alternative ideas and make wise decisions.

Confidence is a crucial attribute for a leader to direct the team towards a common goal. It is not aggressive behavior but clarity and certainty about what needs to be done. It is an assertive approach that champions all team members to put in their best efforts. Also, humor is an essential characteristic that can ease tensions and hostility within the group, establishing a cordial atmosphere.

Enthusiasms inspire and motivate followers. Leaders who are passionate and dedicated to their work emit strong positive energies that encourage people to buy into their vision. They should also be willing to get their hands dirty, removed from their role, and work shoulder to shoulder with their team towards success.

A good leader should act decisively while confronting uncertainties. Every team goes through challenges on their journey toward their objective, making it essential that the leader exhibits a strong front to show a sense of direction and safety. A leader should be able to think analytically and segregate the situation into parts to get a nuanced understanding and develop actionable steps to achieve the goal.

A willingness to embrace change is critical for a leader to stay relevant and compete in today's world. Leaders who accept the inevitability of change and proactively anticipate new opportunities tend to succeed. They understand that doing the same old thing in the face of changed circumstances will only lead them to disappointment.

Leadership comes in many forms, and each leader has distinct characteristics that embody their style. However, the previous qualities mentioned above are essential to becoming a competent leader.