Flame, Glass and Ink are Poems, essays, and reading notes by Stefania Joori Suh

prompt 83

Written by

Stephanie Suh

in

,

What makes a good leader?

A good leader is not only knowledgeable but also patient and understanding. The Homerian virtue of Arete was a combination of military finesse with personal integrity, which applies to today’s prompt topic.

But in reality, there are a few good men and women in leadership. Many women on the leadership level are afraid of showing traits of feminity and behave overtly professionally, berating other women whom they regard as too gentle or quiet. It is not an overtly manipulated air of aggressiveness that commands respect or attention, which the pretenders mistake.

It reminds me of Queen Elizabeth I’s Tilbury Address: “I may have the body of a weak and feeble woman, but I have the heart and stomach of a king.” You can be both gentle and firm, and that’s called wisdom. It makes a good leader.

Comments

6 responses to “prompt 83”

  1. Marie-Gaye Barton Avatar
    Marie-Gaye Barton

    Gentle and firm is a good combo. Far more effective.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Stephanie Suh Avatar
      Stephanie Suh

      So it is. I see Jane Eyre was like that. So were the Brontë sisters. And Queen Elizabeth I and II.

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. Marie-Gaye Barton Avatar
        Marie-Gaye Barton

        Exactly so. I was thinking that with Queen Elizabeth 2nd. Strong leadership can be delivered in a gentle manner = soft power.

        Liked by 1 person

  2. Kevin Avatar
    Kevin

    A lot of leaders fall into the “kindness is weakness” trap. When I first started out, I fell into that category, but it didn’t take long to realize it got almost zero results. There’s a time and a place for the iron fist, but 99% of the time, one needs the velvet glove.
    One of my colleagues once told me I was a hell of a diplomat. I wasn’t sure if I should be flattered or pissed. 😄

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Stephanie Suh Avatar
      Stephanie Suh

      Being a good diplomat is a compliment, which is also a leadership character. I am sure your colleagues meant it well 😃

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Kevin Avatar
        Kevin

        I’ve also been told I’m a good politician. That one I really don’t take as kindly too. 🤣

        Liked by 1 person

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