At this stage, one would like to make specific comments on a few more recognised heroes, who will also be remembered by future generations:
Nelson Mandela, during the transition from Apartheid to relatively peaceful democracy in South Africa. About twenty-seven years of his best years were spent in prison. Yet, he has not shown bitterness against the rich, white minority. He has been statesmanlike, with a focus on nation building. He has presided over a much more stable and ethnically tolerant South Africa that is respected in the community of nations and enjoys great influence in the African continent. It is no surprise that Mandela won the Nobel Peace Prize. Now, he richly deserves a "Nobel peace prize for unselfishness" by not hanging on the presidency.
Colin Powell: One believes that General Colin Powel is a fine example of a born leader, whose potential was fortunately recognised by his superiors in good time. We should also give credit to his mentors, who helped groom him into an outstanding leader. It is worth quoting Powells simple rules:
1. It aint as bad as you think. It will look better in the morning.
2. Get mad, then get over it
3. Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your ego goes with it.
4. It can be done!
5. Be careful what you choose. You may get it.
6. Dont let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision.
7. You cant make someone elses choices. You shouldnt let someone else make yours.
8. Check small things.
9. Share credit.
10. Remain calm. Be kind.
11. Have a vision. Be demanding.
12. Dont take counsel of your fears or naysayers. Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.
Winston Churchill (1874-1965): Although Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill kept flunking Latin in school, he was truly a brilliant man of destiny whose impact was felt around the world for several decades. From his young days Churchill displayed leadership. He belonged to a line of famous Dukes. After his initial grooming at the famous Harrow Public School, he attended the Royal Military College at Sandhurst. Quite soon he showed his fearless qualities in the battlefields of colonial India and the Sudan. Later, in 1898, as a war reporter in the Boer Wars, the Boers captured him. But, this spirited man escaped and returned to London to a heros welcome. It is an achievement for anyone to become a legend in his still youthful years. To cut a long story short, Churchill became Prime Minister of Britain twice in its most critical periods. His cigar chomping personality was always present to rise the morale of his people whether they were soldiers, nurses or civilians. I would like to quote one of his oft-quoted speeches that revealed the great leader in him: "We shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be - We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight on the fields and the streets, we shall fight on the hills, we shall never surrender." Churchill was made a Knight of the Garter by Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, and was later awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in recognition of his fine books and great speeches. Churchill had great intellect, a deep understanding of history, a personal feel for the life on the battle fronts, a tremendous patriotic spirit, a great sense of humour, capped with his inspiring personality. He was able to put this charisma to good use, especially during the World War II, while the Nazis were bombing Britain, before America joined the war. While Churchill is one of the finest examples of a born leader, I hasten to add that environmental factors and historic challenges of monumental proportions worked to heighten his legendary leadership skills. (This comes back to the earlier debate of whether leaders are born or made - it must be a combination of both factors, while the weightage may defer from person to person.)
Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658), could be described as largely a courageous, conformist leader, with principles. As a member of the English Parliament, he was strongly opposed to the tyrant King Charles Is move to abolish major rights of the Parliament. Cromwells belief in the principles of power through Parliament made him join the Civil War against his own king. As a result of this backlash, the tyrant king was forced to flee from London. Crowells character was such that his belief was firm in religion, firm in government and powerful in battle. Due to Cromwells military exploits, discipline and fair governing principles, he was subsequently named Lord Protector of the Commonwealth covering England, Scotland and Ireland. He was respected throughout the western hemisphere, and loved and admired at home. Cromwell is, in my mind, one of the great and historic examples of power, people and principles. He had the rare courage of conviction and leadership to unite common people to preserve those principles and exposed himself to personal peril for his great causes. He was also flexible at critical times, which may also be sometimes deemed as compromising his ideals. John Bucham delicately but aptly describes the enigmatic Cromwell as follows: "A Devotee of law, he was forced to be often lawless; a civilian to the core, he had to maintain himself by the sword; with a passion to construct, his task was chiefly to destroy..." This kind of description earned him the appellation man for all seasons.
People like Bill Gates and Andy Grove have enriched their colleagues and shareholders and enriched the concept of leadership - tough but great examples to emulate!
Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) was a born genius and principled leader. Franklin became a colonial leader to protect the British colonies in North America against the French, who were supported by some (Red) Indian tribes. Subsequently, he was sent as a representative of Pennsylvania to the Mother Country, England, to argue for fair tax payments from (rich) people who lived in England but inherited huge land holdings in Pennsylvania. These taxes were needed urgently for the defense of Britains colonies in America. The British respected him for his scientific work, humour and principles, and his mission was successful. Some years later, following the Boston Tea Party thirteen of the colonies wanted to break away from Britain, for which they could only turn to the French for help. Again, Franklin was the one entrusted with the job to elicit support in France. It was his great character, personality and principles that ultimately helped him win French support, in what became the America War of Independence. The final testimony to this man, one of the greatest sons of America, is that he is the only person to have been involved intimately in drafting and signing the four most important documents in American history: (i) the Declaration of Independence in 1776, (ii) the Treaty of Alliance with France in 1778, (iii) the Treaty of Paris in 1783, and (iv) the American Constitution in 1787.
In essence, one would say that this man was so richly endowed with intellectual power; a burning desire for freedom with responsibility; a profound belief in God, balanced with a sense of secularism; adherence to fair play and equal opportunity, and sincere preference for peaceful negotiations, instead of war. It is difficult to imagine that one human being could have all these coveted qualities and enjoy such genuine charisma, popularity and public trust. History acknowledges that Franklins principle based leadership is a very, very unique and a tough act to follow. Small wonder that his face appears on American $100 bills (notes). If we were to rate Churchill, Cromwell and Franklin, we would, indeed, give them all very, very high marks. However, in ones humble opinion, Franklin scores somewhat higher points due to his humane spirit.
|
