Qualities of a leader

Leadership plays a huge role in Julius Caesar, a play by William Shakespeare. Each trying to gain power and recognition, the politicians turn their backs on what being a responsible leader truly means.

Mark Antony used his leadership capabilities throughout the play, Neglecting to consent the other politicians, he assumed the authority to offer the crown to Caesar. Also, through his speech at Caesar's funeral he turned the crowd against Brutus, bringing also, whether intentionally or accidentally, the death of Brutus.

Caesar led the defeat of Pompey, and he was so anxious to be crowned king that he didn't listen to Artemidorus's attempt to warn him of the conspirators' plan to kill him.

Caius Cassius had an astounding talent of persuasion. He was perhaps the most influential leader of them all, gathering a group of conspirators including Brutus, one of Caesar's most beloved friends, to murder Caesar.


If the above are examples of poor leaders, then what makes a great leader?

• COMMUNICATION. A good leader collaborates, listens as much or more than he/she talks, and makes decisions with the consent of others, not single handedly.
• RESPECT. Good leaders are bestowed authority by other people rather than assume it for themselves;they do not just take charge and dictate what others are allowed to do.
• HUMILITY. A great leader does not have their position for glory or to benefit themselves. Sometimes a leader is not the person in charge, but a person willing to follow orders instead of give them.
  
• INTEGRITY. Leaders need to recognize when they have made a mistake and have the integrity to fix whatever they can.
  

Brutus may have been the only great leader among them. Even Antony agreed in Act 5, Scene 5 saying "[Brutus] was the noblest Roman of them all." Brutus only took part in the murder for the good of Rome, not for power and personal gain.

Outstanding leaders aren't just world known politicians, army generals, or religious leaders such as the Pope or the Dalai Lama. Librarians, coaches, team captains, camp counselors, teachers, youth pastors, parents, even older siblings, just everyday people are the outstanding leaders
of today.