This week we learned about different models of leadership though historical and modern examples.

One of the historical leadership examples was the speech by Henry V, depicted in a movie clip called Band of Brothers. In this example Henry V exhibits heroic leadership as a figure who everyone looks up to for direction, motivation and leadership.  Sadly in this case they were heading to war and most likely slaughter. However the speech Henry V made encouraged his soldiers to participate in a fight they were outnumbered in with pride and vigor. He also made it clear that anyone who is not fully committed to anything but hypothetical victory against much stronger enemy needed to step away and abandon post. The speech was inspiring and uplifting. But it didn’t allow for anyone to contradict, offer different ideas or solutions.

Fast forward to end of week assignment when we read and watched modern day leaders, authors and biographers of modern day leaders. It was much more inspiring to see and hear about some of the big names in our history. Mandela, a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, politician, and philanthropist who was jailed for his activism. He was later freed after 27 years to rise and lead his nation as a president and end apartheid. Mandela was known for saying to change people’s minds you had to win their hearts. Then there was mention Desmond Tutu, another South African figure who was the first black archbishop of Cape Town. He spoke of leadership qualities Mandela, Mother Teresa and Dalai Lama all share. The quality of selflessness and sacrifice for those they serve. Sir Richard Branson spoke of his journey through life and success. He came from a loving supportive family which helped him overcome his biggest challenges (one of them being dyslexia). Today he’s one of the most inspirational and motivational leaders who is in business of people. He exemplifies a self-driven leader who has he innate ability to attract top talent and empower them to make best decisions and flourish. Just like described in the article Leading Clever People.

Lastly, there were two leader figures here at home.  President Barak Obama often compared to Mandela for his ability to calmly resonate sense and Madeline Albright who I am equally a big fan of. She is an immigrant just like myself and was named the first woman Secretary of State. Her interview about women in leadership position is humbling and inspiring at the same time.

The major difference between all of the above mentioned leaders is that Henry V was a classical leader. That hero figure everyone looked up to. All of the other modern day leaders were Transformational Leaders. Some of them came to rose to power in time of struggle and social distress. Others, came at peaceful times from a place of social responsibility and need for change, especially Obama and miss Albreit. But all of them challenged norms, fought for rights of others, equal representation and opportunity on global platform.