Leadership and management are often interrelated. Deming, who shaped the main concepts of leadership in its modern interpretation, distinguished nine features of leader. However, in spite of these postulates, ever individual has its own interpretation of leadership and leaders characteristics. In my opinion, is a perfect example of a leader. Woodrow Wilson was the 29 th President of the United States. He tried to reform national strategy of America and had a strong desire to focus attention on issues of internal policy (Brands 2003).
During his first years of presidency he tried to avoid involvement of the United States into a world conflict. His policy seemed to be so effective that he was re-elected in 1916 due to his stand for peace. From the very beginning of his career Woodrow Wilson had reputation of pacifist. However, the war started by Germany forced him to enter the conflict in 1917.
Wilson proclaimed the war as the war to stop all wars. It is interesting to notice that Wilson, who hardly had an experience in war actions, showed himself as a talented and competent leader of wartime (Brands 2003). He rarely argued with generals and admirals, but made all his efforts to get American economics headed toward the direction of war. When the war was over, Woodrow Wilson decided to transform world policy by means of democracy and new international institutions. So, what are the main leadership traits of Woodrow Wilson? Wilsons phenomenon of leader consists of three main components: – Traditional authority; – Official or legal authority; – The authority of unique personality or charisma. Charisma is a component that is quite difficult to identify.
It is, actually, an individual who is able to inspire people and to make them follow his example. Charismatic leader is characterized by high ethical and moral standards. We can also distinguish such features like competence (including knowledge, intellect, ability to appoint appropriate people) and trust. Woodrow Wilson had talent to convince people of the truth of his words. When he pronounced speeches or spoke to his subordinates, he tried to generalize the main aspects of discussion. In such a way, his interlocutors didnt loose the thread of conversation.
Wilson clearly expressed his opinion. He masterly convinced people in his rightfulness and forced them to agree with his point of view.