Adolf Hitler was a great leader. He was able to convince millions of people that genocide was thing that must be done. He alone started World War II and was responsible for the death of millions of people. According to John Locke, people base their decisions on two things: Surviving, and not harming others. What could have Hitler possibly done that made his people cast aside that second obligation? He didn't pay people or threaten to kill them, he just was a very influential leader. So what does it mean to lead someone?
According to dictionary.com, the definition of the word Lead is: to go before or with to show the way; conduct or escort; to influence or induce; cause; to guide in direction, course, action, opinion, etc.; bring. There are several other definitions, but these three accurately describe the word in this context. The definition of the word “lead” includes various accounts of what the word can mean and doesn't leave anything out. It is neither to narrow nor to broad. The definition itself uses different words that “lead” to describe it, and “lead” can often be replaced with the word “guide”. I think that this definition accurately describes the word “lead” and needs no adjustments or changes.
Let’s now put the definition against the theory that Hitler was a good leader. Firstly, the definition states that “lead” means “to go before or to show the way”. Hitler got up in front of his people, and lead them into World War II and Holocaust. He showed the German people the way to believing that everything that happened in WWII was a good idea, when we know that it wasn't. The next part of the definition states “conduct or escort; to influence or induce; cause” Hitler conducted himself in such a way, that people gave their faith and support to him. When you watch Hitler talk, his speeches are filled with such emotion and suspense. It wasn't that mustache that drew people in, but the way that he influenced people into believing the things that Hitler told them. The last part of the definition states “to guide in direction, course, action, opinion, etc.; bring” Hitler surly guided his people into a course of action even though it was a horrible thing to do. It is obvious that Hitler was a great leader because he made people do great and terrible things.
Hitler is just one example of a great leader. People that know how to lead properly have an effect on everyone around them. I am on staff at a National Youth Leadership Training that takes place every year in June. Before the participants arrive every year, we take an oath to serve them by leading them to what they want. I was asked to come forward and give a small speech on what this oath meant. Unfortunately, I did not know about this speech before hand, and I had to make it up on the spot. After some quick thought I said the following, “When you lead someone, you are influencing them. They are looking to you with hope and expecting you to guide them on the right path. Even if you think you are only leading 6 boys this week at camp, you are wrong. They will take what you have taught them, and pass it on to others, who will then pass that knowledge onto others as well. You are leading hundreds to thousands of people in this one week you will be here. Use that time wisely.” When I gave this speech, I did not know what the definition of “lead” was, I just spoke with my heart. I take great pride and caution in the ability to lead people, because you only get one shot. Don't think using brute force is the way to make people follow you either, because an alliance built on hate is fragile at best. As Dwight D. Eisenhower once said, “You do not lead by hitting people over the head - that's assault, not leadership.”
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