As a Mercerian, what do you consider the most importasnt leadership quality and why - Essay Example

The Most Important Leadership Quality Leadership is a critical asset among the numerous traits that one could have.In this discussion, leadership is considered as an influence relationship with the intent of achieving real outcomes and changes reflecting shared purposes (Daft 5). In order to influence others to follow a common vision, then, one ought to possess relevant qualities. From numerous studies and postulates, qualities such as specific physical traits, confidence, sociability, communication skills and being trustworthy have been fronted as necessary qualities in a leader.

As an American, I consider intelligence as the most important of all the leadership qualities.Intelligence appeals to me as the core leadership quality because it arouses and supports all the other requisite qualities for successful leadership. It is out of intelligence that a leader would be able to communicate sense to the audience, understand the desires of the followers and appeal to their support for the intended course. It is intelligence that would give a leader the confidence to communicate to with followers and earn confidence in whatever decisions made.

Indeed, intelligence could be attributed to the success of many leaders be it in political, social, professional or religious circles. For example, Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple Inc., a leading international technological company, was endowed with intelligence that not only enabled him innovate the most marketable technological gadgets but also appeal to employees of Apple Inc. to live to the vision of the organization. It is the intelligence of Nelson Mandela, the first president of independent South Africa, which saw the country attain independence from colonialists and in addition unite the people of South Africa after apartheid regardless of their background.

Therefore, I am certain that intelligence is the most important leadership quality.Work CitedDaft, Richard. The Leadership Experience. 6th ed. Stamford, CT: Cengage Learning, 2015. Print.