Differences Between Good And Effective Leaders

Are effective leaders always good? This question is prominent throughout all aspects of leadership, and many assume that the words “good” and “effective” can be used interchangeably. Contrary to popular belief, this is false. Good leaders are almost always effective; effective leaders, on the other hand, are not always good. One way that a good leader can be distinguished from an effective leader is that the followers of good leaders tend to strive to better themselves. By delving into the meanings of the words “good” in comparison to “effective”, and examining people in history who attribute these qualities, one may better understand the differences between good and effective leaders. To fully understand the importance of good leadership, …show more content…
Two current examples of such leadership pertains to Malala Yousafzai and Pope Francis. Malala Yousafzai, although being shot in the head, neck, and shoulder at the young age of fifteen, continues to advocate for human rights around the world. After enduring months of surgeries and rehabilitation, Malala returned to school and later received the Nobel Peace Prize. Her perseverance and perpetual fight for ethics and morals prove that young people can be good leaders. Furthermore, Pope Francis is a perfect example of good leadership, for he says, “Human rights are not only violated by terrorism, repression or assassination, but also by unfair economic structures that create huge inequalities…You cannot be in a position of power and destroy the life of another person”. These words perfectly epitomize the meaning of good leadership and prove that the basis of good leadership is ethics and morals. The Pope's recent visit to Israel and Cuba, the welcoming of Palestine president, Mahmoud Abbas to the Vatican, and his address to the U.S. Congress all demonstrate that he is a pope unafraid of international diplomacy. Pope Francis, although being leader of the Roman Catholic Church, speaks his words of wisdom to humans of all walks of life throughout the world. Concerning himself with not only his followers, he strives for the good of all people. A truly ethical leader does not shy away from crisis and debate but embraces them …show more content…
Leaders in history such as Hitler, Stalin, or Charles Manson prove that such effective leadership is not always good. Although each having a goal and attempting to accomplish that goal no matter the consequences, Hitler and Stalin collectively, deliberately massacred over seventy-one-million people. As Pope Francis said, “You cannot be in a position of power and destroy the life of another person”, which enhances the argument that Hitler was not a good leader, considering the vast number of people’s lives he destroyed. Charles Manson, who was an American criminal, spearheaded a murderous campaign with his followers. His followers, notoriously known as the Manson Family cult, would make him one of the most infamous figures in criminal history. Manson was able to brainwash his followers into committing brutal murders, resulting in the deaths of many. Known by many for his ability to manipulate and his capacity for evil, Manson was an undeniable effective leader, but cannot be defined as good. When some say that these people were good leaders, they are often uninformed of the differences between good and effective