Traits of Frederick Douglass' Leadership Essay

Introduction

Leadership has many outstanding qualities and attributes. These can be seen in the actions and decisions they make and their influence on their followers. Frederick Douglass, February 1818 - February 20), was an American. orator , writer He was a social reformer and political leader who displayed strong leadership qualities and attributes. His leadership enabled him to defeat slavery in the United States.

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Frederick embodies the main character traits of self-confidence and emotional stability. This paper will discuss three leadership traits displayed by Frederick.

Self-Confidence

Fredrick was an American slave, but escaped from slavery by boarding a train. Havre de Grace, Maryland After three unsuccessful escape attempts, his leadership qualities began to be more visible to the public. His efforts to free the slaves from the oppressions of their masters show a man with self confidence.

He was a leader and he founded the abolitionist a movement and began writing materials to counter the advocates of slavery and slave trade. His willingness to challenge and demand the rights of his followers is evident from his first move. He stood firm against those who believed that slaves were incapable of thinking. He used his eloquence and wit to defend slave rights when he presented his augments through human rights meetings and antislavery writings.

Slavery was legal at the time and any slave who argued against it was considered an enemy of the state. However, using his charisma, self-confidence, and boldness, he stood up against the claims to defend the rights of staff members.

His self-confidence and belief that all races, Native Americans, Blacks, and Females are equal was a sign of his leadership ability. equality This was during the time when the Americans had special rights that could override others. He was not arrogant when addressing people, whether they were Northerners or slaves. Instead, he made sure that he got the message across. Many referred to him as a man of humility (McFeely 31-78). He was not discriminatory on the basis of race but advocated for equality and respect for all people.

His first book, "The Narrative Of The Life of Frederick Douglass: An American Slave", is one of the most interesting historical materials. He describes how he tried to escape but failed. It portrays a leader who was motivated by self-confidence and the desire to try again.

Decisiveness

Fredrick's success was due to the timely and strategic decisions he made at different times. He was making sound decisions and was applicable in the context in which he was operating at that time. It was clear that Fredrick had high moral standing, and clearly understood the decision he was making at a given time.

He was so amused by the book that he worried that he would be forced to return to slavery because of the flaws he showed in American life and the way he managed to fool them with his attire when he boarded a train to escape.

The most memorable speech he delivered on July 4, 1852 at an American independence day was composed. He used words that showed high intelligence, high quality decisions, as well as stability to condemn the lords of using the system for oppressing slaves. He was confident enough not to give a similar "negative" speech, or one that differed from the expectations of his invitees (political leaders).

He was able move crowds when he gave a speech and was able command respect and followership. He could talk about serious things with humor and emotional intelligence so that even those he was attacking felt appreciated (Gates 23-67).

Selflessness

Fredrick used plans to escape from his masters. He lived in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and New York. All of these new places were new to him and he needed friends to help him when he faced oppression in the economy.

Fredrick was a leader because he had to have the support of the people he represented. His selflessness and desire for service was what kept him going.

He was determined to get an education, which was more limited for African-Americans than it was for slaves. He attended the Abolitionists' meeting, signed up to William Lloyd Garrison’s weekly journal, The Liberator. This was a demonstration of determination, hunger for knowledge, self improvement, and working for the common good. You can see his selflessness in his speeches and books. He spoke out on matters that threatened his life, but did so for the benefit of others. Warkeoczeski 12-89. He was ready and willing to give his life for liberty and freedom for the majority.

Works Cited

Gates, Henry. Narrative of the life of Frederick Douglass, an American slave. New York: Forgotten Books, 1999.Print.

McFeely, Williams. Frederick Douglass. New York: Norton, 1998.Print.

Warkeoczeski, Hornsby. New roles for leaders: A step-by-step guide to competitive advantage. Franklin: Hillsboro Press,2000.