Leadership Comparison of Leadership Styles Research Proposal

Thus, in comparison to King's leadership style of pacifism and quiet strength, Powell's is a style involving the characteristics of confrontation, sacrifice of personal desires for the best interest of the groups, and confidence in the leader. While Powell's leadership style does not make him a better leader than King, it certainly exemplifies the fact that leadership styles must change based on circumstance. King's quiet strength gained him the respect he needed to become a champion of the civil rights movement. Powell's confrontational attitude gave him the motivation and confidence he needed to confront other nations in the name of peace.

Finally, Harriet Tubman's leadership style involved a combination of the styles and characteristics advocated by both King and Powell. Tubman's situation as a slave and eventual leader of the Underground Railroad forced her to accept the confrontational style of Powell to some degree. She displayed both confidence in herself and her understanding that slavery was wrong, contrary to the opinion of the day, and a willingness to sacrifice her own safety for the greater needs of the group -- African-Americans. Her use of oratory, however, mimicked King's leadership style, as she left on a speaking tour in 1860, proclaiming the need for abolition and women's rights (U.S. Department of State's Bureau of International Information Programs, 2007). Thus, while advocating the confrontation and action of Powell, she commanded respect by giving profound speeches instead of entering into passionate arguments, like King. In addition, characteristics of Tubman's leadership were unique to her own situation. For instance, Tubman exemplified characteristics of tirelessness and industriousness.Until her death in 1913 she spent her life working for the betterment of society -- caring for the elderly, looking after orphans, advancing the situation of African-Americans and women, and even serving in the civil war. She managed to use her strengths in a variety of ways -- from speaking to working a nurse -- despite suffering financially in her personal life (U.S. Department of State's Bureau of International Information Programs, 2007). Thus, Tubman's leadership style was a mixture of confrontation, quiet strength, and her own determination and resourcefulness.

Thus, while Martin Luther King, Colin Powell, and Harriett Tubman all exercised expert leadership to make the world a better place for African-Americans, as well as all of its citizens, they did this through different leadership styles. The differences among their leadership styles and characteristics suggest the importance of leadership as a fluid concept, changing to suit the individual leader's ability and circumstance.

References

Ling, P.J. (2003, April 1). Martin Luther King's Style of Leadership. Retrieved March 29, 2009, from the BBC. Web Site: http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/recent/martin_luther_king_01.shtml

Harari, O.A Leadership Primer from General (Ret.) Colin Powell, Secretary of State.

Retreived March 29, 2009, from the HR Chally Group. Web Site: http://www.chally.com/enews/powell.html

U.S. Department of State's Bureau of International Information Programs. (2008, April

27). Harriet Tubman: Leader of the Underground Railroad. Retrieved March 29, 2009 from America.gov. Web Site: http://www.america.gov/st/diversity-english/2008/April/20080427110234eaifas4.378474e-02.html.....