Admired

When I grow up, I aspire to be a successful person, in whatever it is that I do. I believe this is everyone’s desire, becoming a leader. Yet, it is very simple to say, but not easy to accomplish. A leader, is made up of many different components acquired through life. One of the most important one, is as they say turning heads, being looked up to.

Many believe leaders are all book smart nerds. Yet, actually most of the leaders in the world, are a more balanced formula. They also have what Heinrich talks about in Chapter Seven and Eight, as practical wisdom. “Practical Wisdom entails the sort of common sense that can get things done.” Meaning it’s not all about the books, common sense can be more important than book knowledge. It is a quality not many people have, for it is harder to acquire, than just same old book knowledge. You basically have it or you don’t , you cant work on getting better at it, therefore it is very unique and valuable trait.

“It’s an instinct for making the right decision on every occasion.” Have you heard when they say that moms have a sixth sense? It basically can be compared to that, it is a vibe you get which helps you make the right decision and almost never fails. This instinct usually doesn’t come with process people. It is more of a flexible people character trait.

“When he led by the following rules, he failed; when he applies his navigational skills to solve a practical problem, he became a hero.” Here is a proof that most leaders or heroes usually are known for practical wisdom, not just book smart. This is a great quality to have, and if you were given it, you should use it, for it is almost never wrong. It is like having a lucky star guiding you.

Yet, don’t get me wrong to be a successful person, you must have a balance of the practical wisdom and the book smart. The advantage of having the practical wisdom, is that the book smarts can be acquired, while practical wisdom is a lot harder to attain. “The practically wise rhetorician seems to have the right combination of book learning and practical experience, both knowledge and know-how.”

You might ask yourself what does a rhetorician and a leader have to with one another, and basically they are made, one for the other. A rhetorician is usually a leader and a leader can’t be a leader without the use of rhetoric. In order to become a leader, people must look up to you, or in other words agree with your point of view. As you gain followers or fans you do it by the art of persuasion.

Yet, when persuading someone it is like acting. You put up a scene in order to obtain your goal. For example, when Heinrich says “While your audience must think you have these noble attributes, that does not mean you must have them in reality.” …“Make it seem you have no tricks.” These two quotes clearly demonstrate that anything counts when you are in the field of persuasion.“Does this seem unethical? Not in the original sense of ethos.” This doesn’t sound to convincing, but it’s the truth. You got to do what you got to do. Life is a daily competition, we must fight in order to survive. So, in order for me to reach my goals, and become a successful leader, I must do everything necessary, yet under logical reasoning. Disinterest is a keyword in this “the appearance of having only the best interest of your audience of heart- even to the point of sacrificing, for the good of others.” Rhetoric’s is the art of playing your cards right. Using techniques, like the ones stated above, in order to reach your optimal goal. There’s more to persuasion than, just stating your point.