Leadership Qualities and Styles of Leadership George Washington, one of our nation's greatest leaders is now revered as a tactical genius and a literal textbook example for qualities in leadership, has historically been severely underestimated, simply because of the many battles he lost. However, he had a talent for turning small losses into net gains. Upon closer inspecting the history, it becomes clear that Washington constantly worked to refine his strategic knowledge against his opponents, always finding ways to relevantly apply new information he gathered (especially from his losses). With "extraordinary stamina", he tirelessly pushed forward and, despite countless setbacks during the American Revolution, managed to claim victory. It was Washington's fierce ethical and moral values/qualities coupled with his natural ability to lead that makes him stand out as a maverick amongst military leaders (Harvey, 2008). Before his attack on …show more content…
Moreover, he was able to incorporate a “command-and-control system that ensured orders reached the right place at the right time”. By doing so he created a multinational force with the French to further help defeat Cornwallis and siege surrender of the British. This proved to be the pivotal victory that led to America’s independence from Britain (Harvey, 2008 p xlvi). As remarked in the book, both John Adams' and Congress' decision to nominate George Washington to essentially lead the American Revolution might be one of our country's luckiest strokes of fate. Washington's capacity to lead and his ingenuity toward both his subordinates and enemies tremendously helped to ultimately subdue his opposition. He broke the paradigm of limited leadership, historically recollected to have been shifting between several leading qualities depending on what the circumstances were (Harvey,
In the book of His Excellency: George Washington by Joseph J. Ellis, the author introduces Washington, the Father of the United States, in a fresh portrait focused on the characters of Washington. This book is an impressive biography of Washington's remarkable dedication to the United States history. According to the author, George Washington is an omnipresent figure as he was growing up, described as the man in the moon who was aloof and silent. This book focuses on Washington's wartime service which became some of his major contributions to the United States, rather than merely telling the true story of Washington, its main thesis is focusing on analyzing his contributions and how his governorship had affected the American history. Washington's life is divided into three areas in this book.
The American Revolution was a revolt that took place between the 13 colonies against Great Britain, lasting from 1776 until 1783. The 13 colonies won independence from the powerful Great Britain, ultimately becoming the United States of America. George Washington, the commander and chief of the Continental Army, was well aware that he would be unable to defeat the British through only his fighting force. With many people doubting him, Washington realized he had to outsmart the British. In the book “George Washington’s Secret Six: The Spy Ring That Saved the American Revolution” by Brian Kilmeade and Don Yaeger, the authors emphasized how George Washington’s cunning actions through the Culper Spy Ring ultimately led to American independence from Great Britain.
David McCullough, in his Quill award winning book 1776, takes readers on a 294-page journey, which provides a vivid description of how Virginian born General George Washington became the first commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, and led them to victory against the British Red Coat Army commanded by General Howe, in the year of the American’s Declaration of Independence. McCullough, a Pulitzer award winning writer, diverts from his renowned biography writing of major historical figures such as John Adams, Theodore Roosevelt, and Harry Truman, to focus on the war and politics that shaped the most important year in America’s long and storied history in his book 1776. The book 1776 is said to be a companion piece to its predecessor John
It discusses in depth his contributions to the Revolutionary War with George Washington, his actions in the Continental Congress, and his work to establish further support for the Constitution. The author uses a variety of integrated evidence throughout the article, however proper citations are not provided. He references multiple
One of the guiding facets of Washington’s personality which led his character was “an absolute unwillingness to be led astray by personal gain or idealogical distractions”…”Morals integrated him and held his being together, even as they connected with his fellow Americans.” (Palmer 392) Washington was an honest and direct man, “who he was and what he did were the same… the heart of Washington’s leadership was pure character.” (Palmer 392) Washington’s lifelong unwavering loyalty to his principles made him a great leader, one that left such an impact on the country that he will be remembered for all time. Washington possessed all four of the traits that make up a strong character; fortitude, temperance, prudence and
George Washington exemplified the attributes of statesmanship and leadership throughout his life as an American Founding
Secondly, his excellence is one of the other ways that George Washington is a defining character of arete. Even though he lost more battles than he won he employed a winning strategy that included signal victories at the
Looking through the years that the United States has been around the improvement of the country has been greatly positive. Through the troubles, wars, and depressions the leadership qualities of one major individual had the greatest influence on the country. The way that George Washington led the country was a major influence on American History. Through his years as general against the British, to leading the country to victory at Yorktown, to his terms as president, Washington led the country and made a major influenced influence on the modern day government.
The American's presidency tradition has carried onto this very day. Our country had had many great presidents who did great things for our countries. But there is one who started it all. He was the first president of the United States, and also known as the "Father of the Nation". George Washington is indeed one of the best presidents our country has ever had.
When George Washington was offered the role of President he was somewhat reluctant, but his humility towards the situation is one of the things that made Washington such a good candidate for leading
A plethora of modern societies evolved out of societies that were mostly focused on agriculture. This is because in the time before the industrial revolution, males who had high endurance as well as high physical strength translated directly to their political power. For example, General George Washington fought in the war and led men tactically, after the war he was nominated to become president because of his strengths on a battlefield. Women of society were not really allowed to fight in wars and were seen as weaker which can be seen to have a direct link to their political power. On the other hand, the ability to conceive children is the main factor of human existence.
DId you knwo a single woman was able to liberate more than 700 slaves? This person is Harriet Tubman and she was able to do this as a leader with her organization. Tubman 's best leadership quality was her organizational skills. Harret Tubman 's organizational skills was the most essential quality of leadership because it set her up for success. The first example of this quality is when Tubman is when she plans the day of the week to to increase the chance of success.
George Washington had many roles throughout his life: planter, army general, statesman, and husband. In the end, however, his time as President of the United States proved to be his most challenging role. Although Washington had little desire to govern the new republic and continuously doubted his ability, he also knew that he was the only person the American people trusted enough to act as their leader. During his time as president, George Washington encountered many challenges, including establishing a new system of government, facing enormous financial debt from the War of Independence, and disagreement about how to proceed with regards to foreign policy and domestic conflicts.
George Washington is an important character in American history because he had a huge impact on the founding and governing of America. He was known for his political ideas, outstanding leadership style, and revolutionary plans. He was a commander in the American Revolution and because of him, in 1783, America won independence from Great Britain. He assisted in establishing a basis for the modern day US Government and oversaw the Constitution of 1787 being written. Washington was elected president of the United States on April 30, 1789 and remained in office until March 4, 1797.
He had refused to let his people down and reminded them that this-their liberty-was worth fighting for. As a result Washing and his colonial army were victorious, and because of his great leadership we are free. The Articles of Confederation was our first form of government, though it clearly wasn’t successful. The national government had no control over the states; it was very chaotic.