What are leadership abilities? Do I have them? How can I get them? Is Leadership about being an extrovert? Someone who is a great talker, or is it about being an introvert? Someone who likes to sit quietly and observe others, speaking only when they find it necessary. Is leadership about the clothes you wear? Wearing a business suit, a uniform, or bright colors? Maybe having a lot of money can make you a leader. It was money that 'transformed' Robert Gould Shaw "from 'an ordinary mortal' to a compassionate and selfless leader who 'laid down his life' for his men and 'for a race.'" (geocities). Or was it?
At 23, Robert Gould Shaw did not choose to become a captain, nor did he train or study to become a leader. At this time, it was money that talked, and those who had it became the captains and generals (leaders), for the northern states during the war between the northern and southern states of North America.
The Storming of Fort Wagner, the most famous battl...
Memorial to Robert Gould Shaw and the Massachusett...
English: Memorial to Robert Gould Shaw and the 54t...The southern states however, having the majority of the army bases in their area, selected their army's leaders because of previous training and proven leadership abilities and qualities. Which of the two leadership selection processes is the best for finding great leaders?
It was not Shaw's wealth that was recognized by the governor of Massachusetts. It was something about Shaws' character that made the Governor offer him the position of Colonel to the 54th Massachusetts Infantry, the first colored army.
Confidence became an attribute of Shaw's personality as he matured into his position of leadership. "Self confidence is an attitude which allows individuals to have a positive yet realistic views of themselves and their situations."(couns.uiuc). People with confidence have a sense of control in their lives and believe that within reason they will...