Leadership essay

The term ‘leadership’ has no definition, for it is defined different ways in the minds of people. A leader will ingrain a sense of positivity and necessity towards the set goal using the power of written and spoken word. The qualities of a leader differentiate between between each society. At the height of its power (16th-17th century), the Ottoman Empire spanned three continents long. The Ottoman Empire controlled Southeastern Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. It contained twenty-nine provinces and man vassal states, some of which were later immersed into the empire, while others were allowed other types of sovereignty during the course of several centuries. The empire was at the center of interaction between the Eastern and Western worlds for six centuries. With Constantinople as its capital city, and large control of lands around the eastern Mediterranean during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent.

Suleiman overruled the Ottoman Empire from 1520 to 1566. It is remarkable that though in Turkey he is distinguished only as the law-giver (Kanuni), in European history he is known by titles such as the Magnificent. Suleiman had no noteworthy rivals and was one of the most fortunate of the sultans. From his father he inherited a well-organized army, a disciplined army, and a sufficient treasury. Being raised in such a political environment, Suleiman would grow up to be the embodiment of all the excellent qualities of his Father’s talented generals, admirals, and viziers. Suleiman was a generous man even as a child. As a young boy, he befriended Pargali Ibrahim, a slave who later became one of his most trusted advisers. Suleiman believed greatly is his cause of spreading his law based on the Islamic system of law (Sharia).

Suleiman lead his empire with dedication, forward-thinking, and honestly. Suleiman ruled his empire into the Golden Age of Ottoman History. Nelson Mandela is acclaimed as one of the greatest personalities of our times. He belongs to the category of men who have graced our civilization with their personal charisma and incredible contributions. His life long fight for the cause of freedom in South Africa and its eventual success will be written in golden letters in the history books. Mandela is the embodiment of man’s unquenchable thirst for freedom. During the period of his college studies in England, Mandela came in contact with the modern principles of democracy, freedom, equality, and social justice. He was incredibly distressed to see the suffering of his fellow South Africans under British apartheid.

Britain’s cruel oppression of Mandela’s people broke his heart. Infused with the ideas of equality and freedom, he took up the cause of national freedom and joined the African National Congress (ANC). Within a few years Mandela became the leading spokesperson of the ANC in their fight against apartheid. The ANC, under Mandela’s leadership, organized labor strikes and nationwide protests against apartheid. Their efforts lead to cruel resistance, often leading to the bloodshed of many Africans. Mandela and many other ANC leaders were arrested and charged with treason. In 1964 Mandela was imprisoned on Robben Island, where he would spend 27 years. During those 27 years Mandela became the source of inspiration through his writing. Thousands upon thousands of people joined the fight to end apartheid and to release their beloved leader. In 1994 Mandela was elected as the first black African president of South Africa.

Mandela’s greatest achievement was not so much becoming the president but bringing together a segregated South Africa. Mandela lead the Anti-Apartheid Movement tenaciously with self-awareness and a sense of pride. He used the unfaltering power of the written word to rile people against apartheid. Mandela lead South Africa into a new age with persistence and passion. Suleiman the Magnificent and Nelson Mandela lived in different centuries yet their leadership styles are greatly similar. Both leaders used the power of the spoken word to portray their controversial messages in a positive light. Suleiman and Mandela both received a wonderful education, leading them to be more forward-thinking. Both leaders were fearless, strategic, and receptive to their peoples needs. Mandela and Suleiman did have their own leadership styles as well.

Whilst Suleiman had many good attributes he was ruthless, not afraid to take down anybody that got in his way. Mandela was more of a peaceful protester, he fought hate with peace. Suleiman ruled with his people with the power of intimidation, whilst Mandela lead his people through honesty and support. Both leaders were incredible in keeping the sanctity of their nation intact, even though this preservation of sanctity was kept in different ways. I, personally, view myself as in more in Mandela’s mindset on how to lead people. I completely agree with the mentality that you cannot fight fire with fire. I believe the silent leader is the more dangerous one. The soft spoken man thinks more, communicates more complex thoughts, takes the time to view life and create intelligent commentary.

The silent leader needs to be outspoken though in order to get his point across. I do not agree with Suleiman’s tactics in using intimidation to reach his people. Like Mandela, I believe in showing compassion towards the people in order to get them to agree with the message. I am the quiet yet outspoken leader, even though that’s an oxymoron. Both of Mandela’s and Suleiman’s leadership tactics have worked throughout, but I connect more with Mandela’s message of peace. The ideology of power and leadership is defined in many different ways throughout history. The generalization has a common definition but each individual aspect is vastly different for each individual.