Machiavellis The Prince

Machiavelli's: The Prince

According the Machiavelli, what qualities are the most important for an effective leader to possess? Why?

The most important qualities that are essential for someone to be an outstanding leader would include: the ability to effectively delegate, to provide captured territories with local autonomy, follow the example of others throughout history, and have an in depth knowledge of the art of war. When looking at the first principal, the ability to delegate, it highlights how those leaders who will not engage in any form of nepotism and appoint government officials (who are of the people) will be easier to govern. This is because the legitimacy of the government is brought into question, as a select group of people are running the country. Over the course of time, the leadership is susceptible to having outside forces try to eliminate the group that is ruling the country. The citizens (that they are ruling over) are unwilling to resist any kind of outside intervention, because of this perception. However, when public officials are selected based upon merit rather than who they know, there is more legitimate support for the government. As the public believes that the leadership will take into account their best interests. This makes it harder for foreign powers or domestic agitators, to create instability within the country. (Machiavelli, 1988)

The second principal, to provide captured territories with local autonomy, means that a good leader will understand and respect the people's desire for their own self-determination. Where, the conquering country is not attempting to impose their traditions / ideas upon all territories. Instead, they take an approach where they will give the local population control over their own internal affairs. This creates a good relationship between the conquered territory and the mother country. Where the local population becomes more loyal to those in power, this is because they are not attempting to change or destroy their way of life. Over the course of time, this helps to establish friendly relations between the government and the once conquered territory, making it easier to manage because the conquerors are not viewed as outsiders. (Machiavelli, 1988)

The third principal, all great leaders will follow other great leaders throughout history, means that no one is born with the ability to lead. To learn the most appropriate ways to rule requires: studying the tactics that the great rulers throughout history utilized. This will provide all young leaders with the vision and ideas that must be implemented, in order to lead as effectively as possible. (Machiavelli, 1988)

The fourth principal, all great leaders must be familiar with the art of war, means that they will be knowledgeable in a number of different subjects to prepare them for warfare. This is essential, because it allows the leadership to focus on the worst case scenarios, so that they can be prepared for unexpected. An example of this can be found when, Machiavelli said, "A ruler should therefore always be concerned with military matters, and in peace time he should be even more taken up with them than in war. There are two ways of doing this one is by going on exercises and the other is through study." (Machiavelli, 1988) What this means is that all leaders must prepare for uncertainty that they will face. While, the word war is often used, in the modern day setting this means preparing strategies and ideas to effectively deal, with the various challenges that will occur (as part of leading any organization or state). In many ways, one could read between the lines and infer; that Machiavelli is highlighting how there are many great leaders who appear to have all kinds of promise. However, because they are not examining all of the different scenarios that could occur, is when they could be taken by surprise by one of these situations. To effectively maintain and hold on to power; means that all possible scenarios must be accounted for. This will effectively prepare any leader for the various challenges they could be facing. (Machiavelli, 1988)

To what degree did Machiavelli believe that a leader had to be a moral person?

For any leader to be effective, they must set the standard as to how a moral person should live. According to Machiavelli, there are several different characteristics that must be exhibited to include: balanced generosity, compassion, honesty and the ability to listen to only select advisors. When looking at the first characteristic, balanced generosity, this means that a leader can not be too generous with the citizens. Otherwise, they will expect this generosity at all times, the moment that the leadership must increase taxes and have other financial burdens on the citizens, is when they will turn on them. This can affect the stability of the state, where the revenues generated from taxes are used to provide various services to the citizens. During times of crisis, the government may not have the funds necessary to fight wars or other situations that can come out of nowhere. While doing the opposite, being to frugal, will result in resentment from the citizens. This is because of the lack of services that are being provided. Where, such actions will ensure that the government is prepared for various situations that may arise (such as wars or crisis). According to Machiavelli, the key to maintaining popularity and power; is to maintain a balance between the two. Where, you want to be generous enough by providing services that people may require, without having to affect the financial viability of the state. This will help all leaders to be seen as someone who respects the people, but will also protect the state from unexpected surprises that may occur. (Machiavelli, 1988)

The second characteristic, compassion, means that all leaders must keep this virtue in balance. Where, they are compassionate to a certain extent, but are also willing to use fear to maintain order. This dual approach is necessary because giving to much compassion to the citizens will create a lawless atmosphere, as certain people will take advantage of this compassion. Over the course of time, this causes the leadership to be viewed as ineffective, which fuels lawlessness. However, taking an approach of using too much fear to maintain order will create resentment among the citizens. The best way to ensure that a balance is maintained between both is: to use compassion in conjunction with fear. Where, you are compassionate most of the time, yet when the time arises that fear must used, is when you must act decisively. This is how a leader is able to maintain an effective balance between the two. (Machiavelli, 1988)