True leadership leads by example rather than by command

True leadership leads by example rather than by command

In any society leadership is essential to maintain order amongst citizens. A leader is someone who takes an initiative for a common goal and is looked for guidance or clarification. However, a leader can either use direct command or portray using examples. With these options in mind a leader can be effective when there is doubt amongst followers in any issue. Citizens also have to determine what kind of leader is suitable and what they will accomplish.

Firstly, consider leadership by command. There are certain situations where command is necessary, such as in a country in political turmoil. For example, is Adolf Hitler in World War II. In the midst of Post Word War I, Germany had surrendered to the US and Allied forces after losing consecutive battles, thereby were forced to pay reparations to the Allied forces. This put Germany and other European countries in serious debt. In response to this Hitler, a Polish German, migrated to Frankfurt and after seeing turmoil in his homeland decided to take leadership. He started giving speeches in meeting halls about Aryan white supremacy over Jewish inferiority, which resulted in skyrocketing popularity amongst citizens. As a result, with a strong desire to bring his homeland back on its feet, he used military command through the Gestapo/SS to maintain order and achieve his goal.

On the other hand, not all situations need command and giving examples will suffice. For example, to put a child in the right path the parent will show the correct way to complete a task or adopting good habits. Over a period of time through enforcement, audio or visual, will result in a pattern of development for good habits in the child. For instance showing how to clean up after one self or eating healthy food will make the child develop responsibility in the future. Another example, is Mahatma Gandhi who led a passive resistance movement against the British imperial rule by enforcing non-violence and satyagraha, force of truth. After the British levied certain commodities such as salt and other spices, Gandhi led his followers to the ocean to extract salt from the ocean for themselves. Other such incidents, included the Amritsar massacre in 1933 where thousands of Sikhs organized a peaceful demonstration for unity against the British. Both instances, show that people followed the non-violence movement under a leadership that set examples of how to deal with the situation.

All in all, leadership can either be accomplished by example or command. Neither one is superior over the other. It is the scenario that will determine what kind of leadership is needed. If there is a situation where violence or turmoil is present then command is necessary whereas, if people are working towards a common goal then leadership by example is effective.