Lessons to Learn From Political Leaders

Youngsters can learn a lot from the political leaders of bygone years and apply their imparted wisdom in different sphere of life, be it personal, professional or societal. The political space is in a constant flux of clash of interests and claims which need to be managed in both short and long terms keeping in mind that shortcomings are bound to happen. Individuals interested in building a career in political science, generally opt for the Civil Service Exam or aim to set up their own businesses any time soon but the lessons from the lives and actions of political leaders is unmatched even by the best Political Science books. Let’s look at some of the key lessons you can learn from inspirational political leaders.

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Stay Calm in the Face of Adversities

Our very own Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi epitomised calm and tranquillity in the hardest of times during the struggle for Indian independence. But it is easier said than done and exhaustingly draining. Spearheading the civil disobedience movement in 1930 against extremely oppressive British salt rules, he acted with unparalleled defiance but did not turn to violence even when it was a thousand times easier to do so. Shirley Chrisholm, the first female black US Congress member was, in 1969, assigned to the Agriculture Committee in which she did not hold expertise. But keeping her own and with a firm resolve to work for the people. Her works included founding and shepherding of the Women, Infants, & Children (WIC) program, a unique program to provide nutritious food for underprivileged women and children, broaden the reach of the food stamp program and much more. In 1972, she became the first black woman to have run for office after serving 7 terms in Congress.

Find the Middle Ground Because There is Always One

While Roman philosopher Cicero lived in starkly different times, his words were that when circumstances are evolving, beliefs and stands must also mature with it. As is also evident from above, understanding and settlement are the more effective tools. Known amongst the great personalities, Abraham Lincoln once said, ‘A leader should seek reconciliation, not revenge’, bringing society together is a long term goal and living in extremes doesn’t lead anywhere. In 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crisis when the world headed towards another nuclear escalation after the Hiroshima-Nagasaki bombings of 1945 and both US and Russia were a button away from releasing nuclear warheads into each other’s territories, both political leaders Pres. John F Kennedy and Soviet Leader Nikita Khruschev showed restraint and judiciousness, brokered an agreement and avoided a full-blown showdown.

Try to Develop A Picture-Perfect Memory

Memory power in the political realm is more than just an asset. It helps one to shape public sentiment, counter opponents and design more effective plans and strategies. In earlier times, Winston Churchill and Napoleon are hard to surpass when it comes to this. Churchill is known to have memorised entire Shakespeares and songs along with complete speeches which he altered midway and remembered them too. In political leaders of today, The former President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos needed just a glance to remember any text, could recite from the country’s Constitution, forward and backwards.

Empathy

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Strong political leaders understand the nature, behaviour and unique traits of their team or army everything from what motivates them to their fears and weak points. Nelson Mandela said, ‘If you want cooperation of people around you, you must make them feel they are important and you do that by being genuine and humble.’ This is an extremely important lesson from the corporate managers and entrepreneurs of today who aim to build unicorns and giants. Keeping in close touch with your employees and knowing their style of work can positively steer the ship.

Be Adventurous and Experimental

The trait of trying new things and being innovative in resolution of problems can be said to be traits of some of the greatest political leaders. This also speaks of the fact the roads taken by our leaders are not the only one and must endeavour towards developing one’s own plans and strategies in whatever walk of life is of essential.

Thus, we hope that this blog has provided you with incremental life lessons to learn from political leaders. If you are interested in the study of politics and wish to pursue higher Political Science Courses, get in touch with the experts at Leverage Edu by sign up for a free 30-minute counselling session and take a step towards a rewarding career.