Alena Vedernikova A critical review on How to be a leader

Michael Korda in his article How to be a leader states that a president and a leader are not the equal notions. Not every president is a leader, but every time we elect a president we hope for one. He also asserts that we have an image of an ideal leader we expect our presidents to correspond. First of all, a great leader offers a simple and potent message, appearing at the right time in the right place. We even recognize the physical signs and expect our leaders to stand out a little. They shouldnt be like ordinary men, though we reject them, if they are too different. For example, Adlai Stevenson was too cerebral, Nelson Rockefeller - too rich. A leader should have an unforgettable identity, instantly and permanently fixed in peoples minds. Besides, a leader must know how to use power. He has to be able to project firmness and know how to appear relaxed and confident. What is not of a less importance, he should have a good sense of humour. More than that, Michael Korda emphasizes that a true leader understands the deepest yearnings of his people. His purpose must match the national mood. His task is to focus the peoples energies and desires, to inspire. The author touches upon a very significant issue saying that a great leader never comes when people are not ready for him, for the leader is like a mirror, that he is merely the sum of us. I would say that it is hard not to agree with the author as he expresses his ideas clearly and the whole article is full of profound reflections on the role of a leader and peoples conception of a great leader. I appreciate much Michael Kordas vision of a leader as a mirror of peoples desires, aspirations and dreams. To my mind, in general people tend to blame others for their failure, the Russians are not an exception. Besides, the great Russian soul is always looking for a great person to be led and encouraged by, for us a leader is an object of worship and admiration, so he must have really hight standards of conduct and a remarkably outstanding personality. In the light of the recent events in Russia a wave of national awareness is observed, so some people try to find the way out of the current political stagnation, taking an active part in different political gatherings and rallies, some express their discontent, others prefer to keep silent and support the reigning tsar for they are being afraid of changes. However, I guess all of them crave for a great leader but only few understand that he is merely the sum of us and he will not appear until we are ready for him. Therefore, the best way to find a genuine leader is to develop each and every individual in the country and be the change you want to see, as Mahatma Gandhi said.