Here is a timed essay I wrote in my first year of university for my English class. Originally, it subtly appeared to be slightly left of center but I have made the necessary revisions to better reflect my views of the qualities that I believe a national leader must possess. I will point out that I believe there are more than just these three qualities but these are just the ones that came to the top of my head a couple years ago.
I believe there are at least three qualities that a national leader must possess to lead a nation to prosperity and social justice. These are leadership, a mind for the best interest of the country and good judgment. Without such qualities, a national leader will not last long enough to see his country reach the ultimate goals of prosperity and social justice.
Leadership gives citizens confidence in their national leader. With leadership, the person will have a goal and devise a plan to reach that goal. In order to achieve prosperity, the goal, there must be a plan. Leadership has the necessary tools to make this plan, provide direction and lastly, carry out the plan. Citizens will and do notice this and support their leader. Leadership gives society confidence and peace that their national leader knows what he is doing.
The leader must have a mind that will choose what is in the best interest of the country. To have a mind that thinks only for itself is destructive to the image of a national leader and destructive to the country. The citizens lose their trust of the government and leader. Morale of the country would also dwindle. With a mind for the country’s best interest, the leader provides the necessary funding to various programs and the correct establishments so that prosperity and social justice will be evident. Some programs are essential to the function of government and a nation that seeks to be prosperous. Social justice issues must be reviewed and resolved to reflect the nation. If people believe the system is failing them, it lies solely on the government and its leader’s shoulders. A national leader must have a vision that betters the country.
Good judgment is also a key quality for a national leader to have. It allows a leader to choose his advisors well. A leader needs advisors who will not directly oppose his ideas, but who will suggest the necessary revisions. These advisors must also have the best interest of the country and not thrust their personal views or agendas upon the leader. Conflict of interest runs rampant in government because of the massive influence and authority that government possesses. Sound judgment is an important quality that must not be overlooked.
All these qualities go hand in hand. Without all of these qualities the country risks not being successful in attaining its goals of prosperity and social justice.