Concepts of Leadership
Concepts in Leadership Term Paper
Leadership is a lofty purpose to which many aspire. Many have tried to succeed in leadership and most have failed. True and great leaders are a rare breed, a blend of charisma, vision, and determination. They are determined and focused. There is a sense of resolve and sound judgment. Leadership is about choices, and a leader must use their intelligence and their charisma to make the right decision at the right time.
While there have been a number of effective leaders in the past, most have been men. In this paper, the idea of women as effective leaders, both in the past and in contemporary times will be explored. This will be achieved through the analysis of two great female leaders of the past, Elizabeth I, Queen of England, and Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt. However their leadership styles can still provide lessons to be used today as demonstrated by former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Margaret Thatcher.
In choosing Elizabeth I and Cleopatra, there are several components to effective leadership addressed. Elizabeth, the strong and ever vigilant leader, lead her people through trying times without allowing herself to marry. Cleopatra, the seductive and complex leader, used all of her skills in order to achieve her objectives. These cases not only provide an overall guide to effective leadership, they exemplify all of the qualities that a female can use to succeed in leadership. Margaret Thatcher, through her steely resolve and determination in today’s time, became the “Iron Lady,” pushing the United Kingdom to retake its place in the world.
Case Study #1:
Elizabeth I, Queen of England
Background:
Elizabeth I became Queen of England in 1558, a time when women were not often to be leaders of powerful countries. The last remaining heir to the throne Elizabeth had no choice but to keep the throne at all costs. A Protestant, she was forced to deal with the ramifications of a religiously divided country, which was caused
Leadership is a lofty purpose to which many aspire. Many have tried to succeed in leadership and most have failed. True and great leaders are a rare breed, a blend of charisma, vision, and determination. They are determined and focused. There is a sense of resolve and sound judgment. Leadership is about choices, and a leader must use their intelligence and their charisma to make the right decision at the right time.
While there have been a number of effective leaders in the past, most have been men. In this paper, the idea of women as effective leaders, both in the past and in contemporary times will be explored. This will be achieved through the analysis of two great female leaders of the past, Elizabeth I, Queen of England, and Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt. However their leadership styles can still provide lessons to be used today as demonstrated by former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Margaret Thatcher.
In choosing Elizabeth I and Cleopatra, there are several components to effective leadership addressed. Elizabeth, the strong and ever vigilant leader, lead her people through trying times without allowing herself to marry. Cleopatra, the seductive and complex leader, used all of her skills in order to achieve her objectives. These cases not only provide an overall guide to effective leadership, they exemplify all of the qualities that a female can use to succeed in leadership. Margaret Thatcher, through her steely resolve and determination in today’s time, became the “Iron Lady,” pushing the United Kingdom to retake its place in the world.
Case Study #1:
Elizabeth I, Queen of England
Background:
Elizabeth I became Queen of England in 1558, a time when women were not often to be leaders of powerful countries. The last remaining heir to the throne Elizabeth had no choice but to keep the throne at all costs. A Protestant, she was forced to deal with the ramifications of a religiously divided country, which was caused
Cited: “Constructing Charisma: Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt.” Hartwick Classic Leadership Cases. Hartwick Humanities in Management Institute, 1994. “Elizabeth I, Queen of England.” Hartwick Classic Leadership Cases. Hartwick Humanities in Management Institute. 1995. “Falklands War, 1982” The Margaret Thatcher Site. 2001. copyright: www.thatcheronline.co.uk website: http://www.thatcheronline.co.uk/revolution/falklands/index.html Greene, Robert. The 48 Laws of Power. USA: Viking Books, 1998. “The Glass Ceiling Biographies– Margaret Thatcher” 2000. TGC Communications http://www.theglassceiling.com/biographies/bio34.htm T2001 www.ThatcherOnline.co.uk “The Miner’s Strike” The Margaret Thatcher Site. 2001.copyright: www.thatcheronline.co.uk website: http://www.thatcheronline.co.uk/revolution/minersstrike/index.html Navigation Links