Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Leadership Capacities

Arnold Schwarzenegger represents a kind of solidarity and durability that few humans will ever achieved throughout their entire life. He has taken his star status and used it to do great things. Arnold and his wife are huge supporters in various charities, especially the Special Olympics. He was raised with great morals and has continued to maintain such kindness. His kindness and outgoing personality have given Arnold the opportunity to build strong relationships across various disciplines.

He has been a leader of the fitness trend that is still popular today. He was also recognized by the President of the United States for his knowledge in physical fitness and his unique abitlity to build ideas and share them with America. His leadership in the fitness world is second to none.

His leadership as Governor of California is still being tested. He has a great ability to accomplish tough political issues with ease. He is able to bring on change without a great deal of friction amongst his people. He is as focused as ever to do what is best for his state. There is no doubt he will accomplish his goals. Arnold has always expanded the world's ideas about the limits of what could be done if you have the right amount of determination.

Retrieved on February 10, 2009
http://gov.ca.gov/about/arnold

Krasniewicz, L. and Blitz, M. (2006). Arnold Schwarzenegger: A Biography. Greenwood Press: Westport, CT.

4 comments:

  1. Arnold Schwarzenegger is much like Steven Spielberg in that they both foster a tremendous amount self-discipline, dedication and focus. These qualities are essential for leadership. Governor Schwarzenegger's most gratifying accomplishments are rooted in public service, committing his time, energy and personal finances to charitable organizations around the world. In addition, I admire and recognize his passion for helping kids.

    Perhaps we can learn from him if we pay particular attention to the useful lessons his life example offers, such as, his:

    • Strong moral purpose and commitment to change

    • Responsibility for the fate of our planet

    • Mobilizing more and more grass roots voices to call for and help enact meaningful change

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  2. Chuck,
    Good leaders have good moral purpose and the capacity to build relationships. Arnold Schwarzenegger without a doubt has many good leadership capacities. As I read your blog, the capacities that stuck with me were his moral purpose and ability to build relationships. Arnold’s continuous support of charities, including the Special Olympics, is a good exemplification of these capacities. It is heartwarming to think of the thousands of people that have benefitted from both Arnold’s and Sam Walton’s generosity, despite the fact that Sam Walton was criticized for not “giving his fair share” to charities. In the same way Arnold continues to help the state of California become better for its citizens, Sam believed that helping the standard of living was the best way to help America. It is a blessing to our country when a leader possesses and uses these characteristics like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sam Walton.
    ~Amanda

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  3. Perhaps the two most important capacities a leader can possess are a strong moral purpose and the ability to build and maintain relationships. I believe that Arnold possesses both of these qualities. His strong moral purpose can be found in many of his accomplishments, but most of all in his commitment to the youth of California. His devotion to the Special Olympics and his mission regarding physical fitness for children are prime examples. Like Disney, Schwarzenegger values relationships and works hard to maintain them. Their devotion to their families is evident and their ability to connect with people is a special gift.

    There are many people who have admired Schwarzenegger's work in all areas of his life. The same can be said for Disney. Both men have created a legacy that will be part of American culture long after their lives have ended.

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  4. Hi Chuck,

    As we think of Arnold Schwarzenegger and the life he has lived it is apparent that he has become a leader who made himself versus being born into that role. As the Governor, leadership capacities such as relationship building and understanding change are critical. He needs one to accomplish the other. As he sets about his agenda the role of leader beng grounded in moral purpose is critical.

    Based upon what I read it would appear that Arnold is a promoter at least in terms of his charitable works. He is able to use his personality to bring peole to a common agenda which is part of vision. Having this vision based upon moal purpose helps to build consensus which benefits his work.

    Dave

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