George Washington Leadership Qualities

What is a leader? A leader is someone who leads a group, whether it be a small company or a large country. But in reality, leadership is a set of skills many successful people have. When the topic of leaders appears, a variety of people come to mind: Steve Jobs, Nelson mandela, and Martin Luther King Jr., just to name a few. But the most prominent is George Washington. Although Washington’s pursuits may have changed over the years, he was always destined to be a leader. George Washington had many qualities that made him well-suited for a leadership role. Over the years, Washington also became a symbol during his military career. Firstly, there are many qualities of leadership. Ambition, integrity, and the the ability to delegate are all examples of leadership qualities. George Washington had all of theses qualities and more. Maria Kimberly, Research Assistant for The Papers of George Washington, states that “...Washington learned to navigate political spheres and began his lessons in statecraft.” At the time Washington was serving in the Virginia House of Burgesses. Compared to others Washington was not an outspoken burgess, nor did he introduce innovative or expansive legislation. Washington was also ambitious, which is an …show more content…
In his letter, to his wife Martha, Washington states that “... I have used every endeavor in my power to avoid it (CITE). Washington did not want the responsibility of the Continental Army, but because it was what his country needed of him, he accepted. Although generalship was probably the last thing he wanted, Washington eventually grew into his position. According to Marquis de Lafayette’s letter to George Washington, “...will again urge the necessity of providing what you have Recommended.” Washington had become a very capable leader to the point that he had begun requesting things so that he would have the