Leader. Noun. A person who leads or commands a group, organization, or country.

Lead.Verb. To go before or with to show the way; to influence or induce; to cause.

As of late, the leadership of this country and of the world as a whole has been a hotly debated topic. What makes a good leader? What qualifies a person to become a leader? Or, more often, what disqualifies a person from becoming a leader? Unfortunately, the line is a blurry one. The criteria established over time have included everything from experience in the field to popularity, determination to public speaking skills. The importance of these particular criteria is general agreed upon by most, particularly for those in diplomatic positions. However, there is one particular criterion that some consider to be more important than any other, while others feel it is negligible. Morality, or understanding the distinction between right and wrong.

It could be argued that morality takes a backseat to experience or intelligence. Some people would rather have a leader who shows no mercy than one who coaxes their followers through a tough situation. Morality is more than just kindness. It is the root of desire to make change. It is understanding that something is wrong and wanting to rectify it. It is our connection to one another as people and as citizens of the world. Without it, we have no reason to desire change in the world. The alternative would be a sole desire to further one’s own career, and this would violate the very definition of leadership. Without other people to assist, the term is void.

As Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Knowing what’s right doesn’t mean much unless you do what’s right.” In order to do what is right, one must first know what is right. Some may argue that actions of a leader are more important than their thoughts. However, our thoughts guide our actions far more intensely than we realize. A leader’s thoughts influence his or her actions, which in turn influence other people’s thoughts and their actions.

Leaders are allowed to make mistakes. A leader is still a person. Yet, the reason we choose leaders is for that very reason—their membership to the human race. If we wanted emotionless decision-making and crisis management, we would use computers. When the world goes wrong, we need someone who can understand us and who will show evidence of humanity and morality in his or her decisions. When people are killed or our freedom is threatened, we want action. However, even worse than taking no action is taking thoughtless action out of anger or panic. The ability to make decisions with the best interest of people at heart is necessary to successful leadership. The very best leaders in our history have properly exhibited this skill. Can our current candidates offer this? I certainly hope so. All that is certain is if the positive change we so greatly desire is to occur, they must.