Hi excon:
The following is my homework. It takes me a long time, but I have no more better example to support my idea... So the number of words is not enough... :o
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What is the most essential quality of an effective leader? The speaker claims that it is the ability to remain consistently committed to particular principles and objectives. Furthermore, any leader who is quickly and easily influenced by shifts in popular opinion, in his eyes, will accomplish little. In some degree, I support this view, but an effective leader should balance between the two.
Admittedly, throughout history, many excellent leaders, no matter in business, politics, or any other teams, have independence with far vision, and never go with the stream. Otherwise, they will not be outstanding from the mass. Take William Seward, the former Secretary of State for example. In 1867, he made an exchange and bought the land of Alaska, a bare and barren land from Russia, spending 7million dollars. When they reached the agreement, the whole country was in an uproar, and lots of senator accused him, not mention to understanding his decision. However, several years later, that exchange was proved to be an advertise idea. A quite number of natural resources were founded there, such as large energy sources, many gold mines, high level of fish output and so forth. And this discovery at last ended people's debate. If Seward did not remain his principle and dare not make this decision, just following with others, a good chance which can bring huge benefits to people will be lost. This case illustrates that leaders should keep well their own heads sober-mind and not be quickly and easily influenced by shifts in popular opinion.
However, leaders’ remaining their principles does not mean that they can do anything as his own way and not consider other's opinions at all. Anyone cannot consider things thoroughly and on a full scale. Therefore, they should rely on opinions of others to weigh all kinds of alternatives. This is important for a leader to make a decision, especially for governors. A classical example is about an issue about whether the track for Magnetically Levitated Train should be built near the residential area in Shanghai, a city in China. Many residents there disagreed with that project made by Shanghai government, because that track will bring more danger, noises, and radiation risk. Thereby, the leader should take interests of residents into account first rather than benefits of economy brought by that project. Thus, the petition from citizens, voices from residents should be paid more attention. At last, that issue was ended with the abolishment of project. In fact, leaders, especially in politics should listen carefully to the views of public, because the reason why they are elected is that they can serve better for their people.
All in all, the ability to remain his principles is necessity for an effective leader, especially for one of far vision. At the same time, an effective leader should also respect and refer to others opinions widely.
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