From the information presented in "The Odyssey" by Homer, it is evident that Odysseus is both an admirable leader and a poor leader.
Odysseus is obviously a leader worthy of praise. For instance, Odysseus states, "...as for myself I took my twelve best fighters and went ahead" when describing how he investigates the Cyclops. He is brave enough to look into any situation, no matter how dangerous it may seem. He has the sense to take his twelve best men along, no matter how confident he feels. In addition, Homer writes that Odysseus often prays to the gods for safety and other blessings. His religion is a major factor in keeping Odysseus's outlook optimistic. He is able to stay within the gods' favor when it is absolutely necessary. Therefore, Odysseus can often be an excellent leader.
On the other hand, Odysseus is capable of being an unsatisfactory leader.
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ODYSSEUS karnavires 60For example, it is written in the text that Odysseus declared in lines 124-125, "Yet I refused. I wished to see the caveman, what he had to offer...". Odysseus's curiosity can easily overrule his better judgment at certain times. Even the best men feel greed. In addition, Odysseus's actions in lines 230-232, leaving his starving men alone with Helios' cattle to pray in solitude, clearly backfires on him. While having strong faith can be a good attribute, it may also present problems. Absolutely nothing, no matter how imperative it may seem at the time, should be able to tear him away from keeping his men strong. So obviously, Odysseus has his problems with being an exemplary leader.
From the data presented in "The Odyssey" by Homer, it is clearly evident that no matter how impressive a leader Odysseus is said to be, he has his weak points as...