George Washington And The Art Of Leadership

Excellent leaders display an array of common traits. They epitomize courage, intelligence, knowledge, decisiveness, honesty, flexibility, confidence, discipline, empathy, toughness, sensitivity, realism, and justice. They understand psychology, especially what can motivate others to do things that they would rather not do, to believe and act contrary to their inclinations. They exude confidence that infuses confidence and diminishes fears among followers. They openly admit and rectify their mistakes and ignorance.George Washington arguably was America’s greatest leader, as its key founder, its indispensable man. Without Washington, the Americans likely would not have won their independence struggle against Britain. Without Washington, the Americans likely would not have established a constitution that transformed thirteen weak, squabbling individual states into the United States with a sovereign and republican government that has endured through today._George Washington and the Art of Leadership_ captures the essence of the man who was crucial for America winning independence and developing a republican government and a united nation. In doing so, it lifts Washington’s stern mask to reveal his keen intellect, diverse interests, deep beliefs, stifled passions, and, above all, brilliant leadership skills as a military commander and president. Washington’s great fear for America’s future was not from foreign enemies but from enemies within: ‘Our cause is noble. It is the cause of Mankind! and the danger to it, is to be apprehended from ourselves.’ In the concluding chapter the author considers how far America has developed toward realizing the Declaration of Independence’s ideals and the Constitution’s democratic political system, and what current and future threats exemplify Washington’s darkest fears for his nation.