In his speech at Rice Stadium, president JF Kennedy gave more insights into what makes people good leaders and what are the factors that account for their potential to lead. Given that the ideas and the impact of the speech we choose to go to the moon are still felt to date, it’s apparent that the speech went to a long way to showing Kennedy as a model of a good leader. Through his achievements, Kennedy was known to be a visionary leader who excelled in his work. Close examinations of the contents of his speech show examples visionary characteristics unique to good leaders that account for the leadership capabilities reflected by the former president. In his speech, Kennedy showed great optimism about the future where he believed that while his nation had had a few setbacks in the space race, he still believe that the nation would eventually succeed and reap benefits from space exploration (Laureani et al. 4). John was consumed with making the lives of those he led better and was also never satisfied but always content.
Throughout the speech, it can be argued that the leader was personality bought in what he fought for and was open to accepting and accommodate change. As observed in the speech, Kennedy was a very persuasive leader and excelled in inspiring and motivating people. He was able to do this by first showing that he did not have all the answers, but rather solutions were found through determination and focus. Kennedy also showed the people that it was at times okay when they failed but what mattered was what they did in response to failure. He also taught such virtues as patience in realizing success such as when he observed that success in space exploration might have been far, he showed the people the benefits would one day be enjoyed and it was worth being patient. Lastly, he was an excellent communicator who actively engaged his audience so that they listened to him all along when he was giving his message, motivating and inspiring the people.
Work Cited
Laureani, Alessandro, and Jiju Antony. "Leadership characteristics for Lean Six Sigma." Total Quality Management & Business Excellence 28.3-4 (2017): 405-426.
