I believe that there's a difference between a GREAT leader, referring to leadership qualities and behavior (what) and a GOOD Leader, referring to moral qualities (how).
For example, Hitler's may be considered a great leader when considering leadership qualities and behavior esp. the use of motivation and influence. He may not be considered a good leader when considering the morality of actions.
What do you think? Provide examples of each type of leader. If given a choice, is it better to be great or good?
2006-07-26 06:44:20 · 9 answers · asked by AILENE 4 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
Clarification-- would you rather be known as a good leader or a great leader (according to description of each already given)?
2006-07-27 07:36:43 · update #1
It is nothing but a hairsplitting in the semantics. I do not see any difference between a good and a great leader. A good leader must be great and a great leader must be good. Who said Hitler was a great leader, because he motivated his people well? He was neither a good leader nor a great leader. He was a megalomaniac, vain glorious and lacking in humanity. He was only a rabble rouser. He never had the qualities that would inspire his people. The people followed him, for they were damned terrified about him; they were brutalised and reduced to mere clogs in the machine. Compare him with Winston Churchill. No doubt, he used all wiles and guiles in winning the war against Hitler. But, remember the underlying patriotism and his sense of pride about being an English man. He was equally oratorical and recall his "beach" speech, while the threat the Germans landing the English shores was imminent.
2006-08-02 21:35:15 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
These are idiosyncratic definitions (that is, they are unique to you, not in the generally understood meanings of these phrases).
Hitler was a strong or effective leader, perhaps, but not great (because not good, and great is a stronger form of good).
For myself, I'm no kind of leader at all. Were I one, I would rather be one who bettered, rather than battered, humankind (in your terms 'good').
Gandhi would be an example of a contrast to Hitler. Thing is, he was both effective and morally good.
2006-07-31 17:03:51 · answer #2 · answered by tehabwa 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are certain pre-requisites for being a LEADER.
I personally believe that although HITLER had these qualities- he used them negatively and caused immense suffering to his people and others around him!
Great leaders are like Mahatama Gandhi, Nelson mandela- who have improved the lot of their people and given us HOPE and freedom!
Don't spoil the word GREAT LEADER by using it for HITLER!
2006-08-03 08:02:49 · answer #3 · answered by Vinny 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Being Good is the first step towards Greatness!
2006-07-26 13:50:58 · answer #4 · answered by Manish Jain 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if given a choice, i would like to be a great good leader!!!!
2006-08-03 13:07:57 · answer #5 · answered by illustration 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
u can get to ' good' stage very often!!!
but to attain greatness is not an ordinary task
its the apex , supreme position.
touch greatness once and people will still worship u even after u fall to the ground !!
2006-07-26 14:07:26 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
good-best-then only -great
2006-08-03 07:29:38 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think this will take about 30 years to answer... So here we go.....................................
2006-08-03 04:09:33 · answer #8 · answered by The Misfit and the Fool 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
great!!!!
2006-08-03 07:19:55 · answer #9 · answered by Princess illusion 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋