The characteristics of a leader are to be agreed upon by many: intelligence, strong will, authoritative, influential…it takes great focus of mind and strength to triumph over goals and provide examples for followers. We need leaders. We need guidance and motivation, a clear head in the surrounding chaos to depend on. The necessary qualities of a leader will perpetually spark debates, but what can be agreed upon we can break down into three similar elements or categories.
According to the readings, leadership is first and foremost a “group phenomenon”, meaning there can be no leader without a follower, and that leadership will always involve influence and/or persuasion over said follower(s). Second, leadership is “goal directed.” A leader’s actions are purposeful, and center on assisting a certain group to attain specific achievements. Lastly, “the presence of leaders assumes some form of hierarchy within a group.” That hierarchy can be strictly influenced by one commanding officer, or it can be loose and informal, with many voices being heard.
If you Google Colin Powell, words like success, power, and influence appear bold and demanding throughout every page. More importantly is how often the word leadership shines through. Unlike the many other powerful adjectives used to define him, the word leader is apparent in each and every search result of his name.
Powell himself states “a successful leader is somebody who has the ability to inspire followers,” and inspire, he does.
Having been a professional soldier for over three decades, Powell started from the bottom and rose through the ranks, eventually holding leadership positions such as platoon leader, second lieutenant, and general. Despite the many injuries he received while in battle, including a nearly fatal helicopter crash, Powell strived and survived, saving lives of his fellow soldiers along the way.