Hillary Clinton
I chose Hillary Rodham Clinton as my leader because she exemplifies the five traits that I identified as being most important for a leader to possess. They are orator, passionate, role model, strength and care for others. Although most her contributions have been most visible in the public sector, she has also been highly accomplished in private practice as an attorney and as a law professor. All of her public service appointments demonstrate her passion as a champion of children, families, migrant workers, education and health care reform
Hillary Rodham Clinton was born and raised in Chicago. As a young woman she developed a keen interest in politics. After hearing a speech delivered by Martin Luther King in 1968 she decided to dedicate her life to some sort of public service (“Hillary Clinton Biography,” 2010). Mrs. Clinton graduated with honors from Wellesley College and Yale Law School (“Hillary Clinton Biography”). At one point she was named one of the top 100 most powerful lawyers in the U.S. (“Hillary Clinton Biography”).
Hillary Rodham Clinton has shown resilience in the face of great public adversity. She used a difficult experience to become a stronger person. She focused her efforts on developing a personal and professional plan and set out to achieve her goals. Her leadership style has been described as both visionary and controlling. (O'Toole, 2010). Mrs. Clinton is described as tenacious, strong, intelligent, experienced and compassionate (Abrams) (Kelber). She brings a balanced set of skills needed by a national leader to accomplish the tasks at hand.
References
Abrams, E. (2010). Spotlight On Leadership: Hillary Clinton (January 2, 2008 ed.). The Glass Hammer. Retrieved from http://www..theglasshammer.com/news/2008/01/22/spotlight-on-leadership-hillary-clinton/
Hillary Clinton Biography (2010). Retrieved from http://www.biography.com/articles/Hillary-Clinton-925130
Kelber, H. (2010). The Three Presidential Candidates Display Different Leadership Styles (April 7, 2008 ed.). The Labor Educator. Retrieved from http://www.laboreducator.org/election3.htm
O'Toole, J. (2010). Obama vs. Clinton (February 8, 2008 ed.). BusinessWeek. www.businessweek.com/managing/content/feb2008/ca2008028_331189.htm?campaign_id=rss_... 2/17/2010
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I have always admired Hillary Clinton's intelligence, resilience, and compassion and I also think that she is remarkable because she has been able to sustain her role as a leader through so many difficult situations. As you point out, it takes a "balanced set of skills" to accomplish great things as a leader and Mrs. Clinton surely epitomizes that requirement.
ReplyDeleteHillary Clinton compares to my leader, Micheal J. Fox, because they both channel their determination and compassion in a direction that ultimately strives to benefit humanity. Although Mrs. Clinton champions more causes than Fox, they both realize that a cause is only as good as its leaders and they are both able to make huge contributions. Leaders like Clinton and Fox who focus on public service inspire all of us to do more and to be better leaders ourselves.
Diane,
ReplyDeleteI also feel Hillary is a leader. She has inspired and encouraged so many women. Especially as you mentioned, in "great public adversity". I always saw her as a very strong and outspoken leader. I always find it interesting to see her in a relaxed and informal setting to see the other side of her.
I also chose a First Lady, Michelle Obama. Other than just sharing this role, I feel both Hillary and Michelle share many leadership qualities. Michelle Obama is the third consecutive First Lady to have earned a graduate degree (Hillary Clinton-law degree, Laura Bush - Masters of Library Science, Michelle Obama-law). Both Michelle and Hillary share in a law degree. Each of them also came to the White House concerned about the transition for their family. Michelle was concerned about both of her daughters and Hillary was equally concerned for Chelsea. THey have a balance in their roles in order to make time for family in order to strengthen the values and beliefs they feel are important for their family. Both of these ladies model, inspire and challenge others to lead.