Although people perceive leadership as rank-affiliated and something they could never do, only actions and effort truly make or break a leader. Simon Sinek and Mark Twain both have strong viewpoints on leadership and the characteristics necessary for leaders. First, they both believe that titles play no part in leadership. Sinek shows this in his leadership talk when he says, “Leadership has nothing to do with rank. I know many people who sit at the highest levels of an organization who are not leaders”(Sinek). Twain demonstrates this view in his story A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court when Arthur wanders upon two knights who completely belittle him, saying “out of our way, peasant”(Twain) all while shoving him to the ground. Twain also…show more content… Understanding the value of this opens doors for others to develop into leaders regardless of their status. Although title does not have an important role in leadership, the effort put in does. When Sinek says, “if you want to be good at something you have to study it”(Sinek) he shows the significance of the effort and time put into leadership. In Twain’s book, A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, he alludes to Peter the Great while recounting Arthur’s experience as king. In the story, Arthur sets off on a journey with Hank. To do so, Arthur must present himself as a peasant instead of a noble. He does not understand anything about the people he rules with, which makes it strenuous for him to blend in. On the other hand, Peter the Great knew his people and knew what they needed. He was an astounding leader because he put the effort in to get to know his people. Knowing these things possesses a great deal of importance. It conveys a strong message towards current leaders or those who have a compulsion towards leadership. Knowing that effort outweighs status opens doors for someone to rise up and become the leader people
