Martin Luther King Jr.: The Qualities Of A Great Leader

Throughout the history of human existence, there have been numerous leaders who have rose above the rest to follow their beliefs. Some of these individuals include Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and Gandhi. Although these people were fighting different issues and had their own beliefs, they all shared the same traits that made them great leaders. Some of these traits include communication skills, motivation, passion, and integrity. However, the most important trait that these leaders all possess is confidence. Today, around 85% of people are not confident in themselves which makes confidence a very important characteristic (Bennett). Without confidence, these leaders would not be able effectively communicate their morals and beliefs
He believed in equal rights for all people of color. At the time, African American citizens were severely segregated against in the United States. If Martin Luther King Jr. did not have any confidence his movement to end segregation would have gone nowhere. Darcy Eikenberg, a leadership and workplace coach, stated that, “if you don't believe in yourself, no one will” (Farrell). If Martin Luther King Jr. was not as confident in his vision of a world where all people were equal, he would not have found the followers to back him and support his dreams. Another way Martin Luther King Jr. displayed his confidence for the world to see was during his famous “I had a dream” speech in Washington D.C. He spoke to over 250,000 people in attendance about his vision and hope for the future of America. Looking back on Martin Luther King Jr’s speech today, Clive Webb, a professor at the University of Sussex, claimed that, “King's speech resonated not only throughout the United States but across the world” (Mason). Martin Luther king Jr. was so confident in what he believed in. His confidence and courage inspired people across the country and around the globe to follow him on his journey to freedom. Confidence is a very important trait among leaders because without confidence many leaders would fail to accomplish their goals as an individual and a leader
He was the commander and chief of the continental army during the American Revolution. During the American Revolution, general Washington was fighting against the odds. His army’s lacked food, ammunition, and training which made defeating the British seem like an impossible task. However, due to Washington's confidence in his men and the drive and determination in making the United States a separate nation he managed to achieve his goal. During the Revolution, a journalist reported that Washington, “did not just lead his men into battle, his calming presence rallied his men to victory in the battle of Princeton in January 1777 and at Monmouth the following year” (Reiss). Washington was such a confident leader that his mere presence would rally men around him to fight for the same goal of freedom. Washington’s confidence rallied the nation together to help fight one common enemy and thus freeing the United States from the grasp of the