Certain qualities can determine success or failure when a group is trying to accomplish a task. These qualities can be skill, knowledge, and creativity but the most important characteristic of all is leadership. Strong leaders help the team be more productive and efficient. Leadership does not come easy however. Sacrificing time and effort are mandatory when being a leader. The person in charge also has to jeopardize personal relationships with partners in the group because leaders must be impartial. Being fair can often disrupt friendship and lead to negative relations. Great leaders accept the challenges at hand and give their best effort to accomplish the goals their group is trying to achieve.

            There are several great leaders that have taken on the task of directing a collection of people working toward a common goal. A prime example in history is Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln took on the challenge of leading a fragile nation and sacrificed his reputation for the good of the country. Lincoln did not let the union fall apart and took an extra step by freeing the slaves. He knew that by emancipating the slaves he would face animosity from his southern countrymen but he made the right decision anyway. Abraham Lincoln was aware of the difficulties that came with leading the United States in such a hostile antebellum era but he accepted them and led the country in the best way he could. An example of great leadership in the sports world is Ray Lewis. Although I am not a fan of Ray Lewis, his dedication and leadership to the champion Baltimore Ravens is indisputable. Lewis motivated his team to be the best they could be and his leadership paid off when the Ravens were the last team standing in the NFL. Throughout the course of the year Lewis disciplined his teammates even though the players might not have liked his criticism. Ray Lewis knew that he could not go easy on a player just because he liked them and he put all relations aside to make the best possible team he could. Ray Lewis is a great leader who led his group of men to a championship.

            Quality leaders are the foundation of success in groups, teams, or organizations. Effective leaders encourage other members to increase their skill and motivate them to get the best possible outcome. At the end of the day, if the leader can get every person to do the most he or she can, then the group most often enjoys success.