Alexander the Great and Wellington - Essay Example

They are expected to deliver the outcome that is positive to the society, thus enduring a formidable character to mange troops of soldiers to ensure that the outcome is achieved. Alexander and Wellington are among the historical leaders that go down in the generalship of armies as men with distinct character and personalities, leadership qualities and distinctive military philosophies. Both Alexander and Wellington, possessed personal leadership skills, which was exhibited by their superior bravery, broader knowledge, faster initiative and a better readiness to acknowledge responsibility, within the battle field.

It is because of their superior courage that they were able to overpower their nemeses relentlessly until they achieved victory in the battle field. Because of their extraordinary courage they inspired their soldiers immensely and led by example while in the battle field. Their immense courage was displayed in the war at Trye, located in contemporary Lebanon reducing the strongest and influential port in the Mediterranean in a battle that lasted for seven months and witnessed a mass slaughter of natives of the port, in the case of Alexander and the war at waterloo in the case of Wellington (Keegan, 26).

The two leaders were also had a commendable understanding with their soldiers. They were more of companions as witnessed when for instance; they shared meals together as pals. They had trusted friends, who were mostly private companions that they associated with, all their life, and rarely exhibited self doubt, even when faced with difficult challenges. The two leaders did not misuse or mistreat their soldiers. They understood that they were humans and treated them as such to accomplish cooperation, respect as well as inspire.

This enabled them to attend to the wounded and compliment exemplary work. They understood and accepted the weaknesses of their soldiers, their fears and selfishness which inclined toward the easier way and strived to counter these difficulties and ensure that their troops were on track and ready to fight. Leadership qualities Through their courage, the two leaders led their soldiers through inspiring and placed themselves, in the forefront of the battle line. Alexander inspired and bound heroic ideal by situating initially frightfully close and eventually in the forefront of the battle line risking his life, comparatively Wellington also commanded his army from close at hand thus inspiring them.

These exhibits how these generals were risk takers. Speaking to his army Alexander said “I have no part of my body in front at least that is left without scars; there is no weapon, used at close quarters, or hurled from afar, of which I do not carry the mark. I have been wounded by the sword, shot with arrows, struck from a catapult, smitten many times with stones and clubs — for you, for your glory, for your wealth (homepage.eircom.net, 1)." These indicate what he went through as a leader of the soldiers.

The two generals exhibited their leadership qualities as they managed to unite their troops and successfully manage them during the war. They managed their army in a considerably practical and psychological sensitivity. They ensured that their armies were well fed, entertained, flattered, well rested, rewarded and punished when they had to punish them. This ensured that they maintained the command of the army as well as outlined