![]() Machiavelli pays attention to morals and personal values of the Prince. Machiavelli describes this using the example of hate: “As Princes cannot escape being hated by some, they should, in the first place, endeavor not to be hated by a class failing in which, they must do all they can to escape the hatred of that class which is stronger” (Machiavelli, 1984 ). Good leaders must be able to cope with complex changes. It means that a leader should have substantial knowledge be able to resolve difficult tasks. This argument is the most important one, which underlines the importance of the book in general. Nevertheless, the statement that leadership may also be exercised through greater knowledge or expertise reflects the qualities of a contemporary world leader. This was impossible five centuries ago, but there were some leaders who had been chosen informally. Today, a leader may be imposed, formally appointed or elected, chosen informally, or emerge naturally through the demands of the situation or the wishes of the group. Effective leadership means successful functional behavior and the achievement of group goals. ![]() It is more than eliciting mechanical behavior which results from a superior-subordinate relationship in a hierarchical structure. This example shows that leadership is more than just adherence to a formal role prescription. In contrast there come princes who cannot command “because they do not have forces that might be friendly and faithful to them” (Machiavelli, 1984). ![]() In “The Prince” Machiavelli describes that successful leadership is when influence brings about behavior and results that were intended by the leader. Machiavelli shares the same opinion supposing that not all princes are leaders: “like all other things of nature that are born and grow fast, cannot have their roots and connections, so that the first adverse circumstances extinguish them” (Machiavelli, 1984). On the other hand, leadership is also focus on the role of the leader in terms of the relationship with followers and the adoption of a particular style of leadership. A person can have inclination to lead other, but naturally, leadership skills are developed through life experience and training. In reality, no one is born a perfect leader. This view of leadership gives rise to the question of ‘born’ or ‘natural’ leaders. Leadership may also be based on the personal qualities, or charisma, of the leader and the manner in which authority is exercised. A prince is also esteemed when he is a true friend and a true enemy, that is to say, when he comes out in favor of one against another without hesitation.” (Machiavelli, 1984). “…above all a prince must scheme to give himself the fame of a great man and of excellent judgment in every action. Leadership is related to motivation, interpersonal behavior and to the process of communication. It is also viewed in terms of the role of the leaders and their ability to achieve effective performance from others. Present day leadership is based on a function of personality. In his book, Machiavelli states that the main criterion for the Prince is to be outstanding personality. At the beginning of the 21 st century, recommendations and pieces of advice given 5 centuries ago are still of vital importance, because the qualities of a leader are universal and cannot be influence by regime, freedom of rights or political situation. “The Prince” includes theoretical interpretation of the role of a ruler, and gives practical advice how to keep power and maintain strict control. This work is a kind of a textbook for those who want to maintain power and gain control. It was written in 1513 Florence, Italy, but published only in 1532. “The Prince” by Niccolo Machiavelli is a historic work dedicated to Lorenzo de’ Medici, the former ruler of Florence.
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