Followers play an essential role in the determination of how leaders assume their roles. Followers determine the behavior of any leader (Kellerman, 2004). Since leadership is learned, environmental conditions, including the prevailing occurrences both politically and socially, affect leaders' behavior and actions (Concepts of leadership, n.d). Adolf Hitler's administration was characterized by corrupt followership, especially from the members of his Nazi Party. Hitler's leadership can be compared to that of Vladimir Putin of Russia, where Putin's following can be a significant cause of Russia's poor leadership (Drozdova & Robinson, 2019). On the other hand, examples of good followership with good political and social goodwill like Winston Churchill saw great prosperity that can be traced to Boris Johnson's good following. Examining good and bad leadership concepts is essential in future generations' inspiration to avoid or emulate leadership characteristics.
Adolf Hitler and Vladimir Putin have similarities as they thrive following the support they receive from their followers. While leadership concepts indicate that a leader should listen and dialogue with his followers, the two have a leadership strategy that comprises dominance and intimidation. Hitler used intimidation aspects when he was a member of the Nazi party to be elected as the leader (Rosenfield, 2018). Upon election, Hitler took completer charge, changing the constitution to get more dominance and make appointments in Germany. When Putin got into power, he made sure that he could make appointments of the previously elected people, such as governors and members of the lower house, to ensure that he gathered support (Lalande, 2020). The backing of the Nazi party in Hitler's leadership can be equated to the support that Putin has had following his individuals' appointment to higher posts. Having support from the leaders around, whether in a political party or the neighboring countries, is a political strategy that has helped Putin and Hitler's prosperity.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Bad leaders ensure that they have the support of the military for the successful propagation of their policies. Hitler took control of the army since he had been a former army soldier. Through his leadership, the military helped to execute the minority groups that Hitler did not like. Hitler's administration executed minority groups in Germany, especially following antisemitism propaganda (Frankel, 2019). Hitler would not have managed to out the execution of the Jewish Europeans because it was not for the support that he was offered by the individuals who were loyal to him. The leadership of Putin has also targeted the minority groups in Russia (Raeside, 2014). Putin targets the minorities to ensure that he continues to enjoy the Russian people's exploitation with the fear of revolts from the minority groups. The minority group's exploitation is notably done by the forces loyal to Putin, showing how bad followers escalate lousy leadership (Lieven, 2018). The use of the army and other police forces is the principal medium for the persecution of minority groups.
Putin and Hitler's bad leadership is associated with violence to get to power and infringe democratic rights. When Hitler was getting to power, there was numerous loss of lives both in the execution of Jewish Europeans and other individuals that were against Hitler (Frankel, 2019). Besides, Hitler's dominant characteristic ensured that he controlled the entire country and all the government departments. Hitler gained increased familiarity because people believed that he was useful, and he had the Germans' support (Rosenfield, 2018). In Russia, the elections and Putin's rise into power have also been characterized by violence, leading to people's submission giving Putin complete domination. Elections in Russia in 2003 were exhibited with numerous losses of lives (Michael, 2016). Besides, violence is demonstrated by the claim by Putin that Russia a tremendous nuclear power leading to conflicts with other countries such as the USA.
Countering bad leadership like that of Putin requires an informed public. As a basic concept, leaders develop depending on how their followers perceive them. Therefore, if a good leader has to help people resist bad leadership, there is a need for education of the public on what good leadership entails (Kellerman, 2010). As noted in Putin's administration, when he came into power, he denied the people the right to elect governors. The denial of the right to democracy gives a leader the chance to manipulate the followers by nominating individuals who are loyal and close to him to help thrive the wrong leadership agenda. Having the people resist the initial stages of leadership that involve the change of constitution, such as in the case of Hitler and Putin, is a significant milestone in countering bad leadership (Kellerman, 2004). However, it is essential to note that resisting bad administration is a collective responsibility involving all followers and other leaders.
Boris Johnson and Winston Churchill have similarities, especially in the way they practiced conservatism leadership. In conservatism leadership, Churchill was cautious about bringing peace and avoiding conflict (Hassan, 2018). His leadership during the second world war was critical as it helped Britain counter Germany. Churchill believed that the instability in Germany was also a threat to the people in Britain. A striking factor about Churchill's struggles is that the people did not recognize them, and therefore, the measures failed to yield, leading to Chamberlain's blame (Hassan, 2018). However, Churchill chose to defend Chamberlin due to his aspect of conservatism leadership. The leadership of Johnson also exhibited conservatism and the need for peace (Murphy, 2018). Boris's coming to power did not involve war and death, which is a similar characteristic to Winston's coming to power, which was non-contested, showing the people's acceptance.
Both Churchill and Boris show high patriotism levels and believed in the nation's greatness other than focus on oneself. As a leadership concept, leaders ought to be ready to learn, exploit an organization's capabilities, and ensure the distribution of tasks to proper instructions to make the lessons easy and manageable (Concepts of leadership, n.d). Winston Churchill exhibited great management concepts, especially during World War II, and put his country in front of all his needs. He was ready to die to save Britain. Besides, Churchill believed that his country deserved better. Through his speeches and writing, Churchill portrayed himself as a fighter who wanted nothing but the best for his country (Hassan, 2018). Patriotism involves being a critic of acts that do not promote a country's values or a state. Boris Johnson was a persistent critic of Mary that saw her stepping down as prime minister and subsequent ascension of Boris into power as the prime minister. Boris has since managed to gather massive followership both in Britain and worldwide (Murphy, 2018). However, it is essential to note that Johnson's leadership concept has slightly deviated from Churchill's recent past.
Both good and bad leadership are remembered depending on the impact made on people. Notably, good leadership is recognized for helping people solve their problems by listening to individuals and patriotism cases such as that of Johnson (Murphy, 2018). The future generations learn that leadership is not an individual approach but rather a collective responsibility entailing all people. However, as earlier mentioned, in the recent past, Johnson has been characterized by a lack of compromise in making economic decisions and other political decisions, leading to minor absolutism in his leadership. Inability to compromise can be one of his significant undoings as a leader in future generations. On the other hand, Putin will be remembered for his rule like that of Hitler, advocating nuclear actions and disturbing the minority groups in Russia. The acts of violence, mostly during elections, cannot be emulated in future generations.
In conclusion, leaders become shaped by their followers. Bad leaders in the world like Adolf Hitler were propagated by their followers, like the army and the Nazi party. Hitler resembles Putin in their leadership roles, beliefs, and concepts, such as violence to attain power, pragmatic leadership, and prosecution of minority groups. Winston Churchill and Boris Johnson have similarities as they both had significant aspects of leadership, including patriotism, advocating for peace, and minimum followership in the initial stages of their leadership. Depending on the impact made on followers, leadership is encouraged or discouraged in future generations.
References
Concepts of Leadership. (n.d.). https://ramergroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Ramer-Resources-CONCEPTS-OF-LEADERSHIP.pdf
Drozdova, O., & Robinson, P. (2019). A Study of Vladimir Putin's Rhetoric. Europe-Asia Studies, 71(5), 805–823. https://doi-org.proxy-library.ashford.edu/10.1080/09668136.2019.1603362
Frankel, R. E. (2019). An Exceptional Hatred? Re-Examining Antisemitism in Germany and the United States in a Time of War and Upheaval, 1914-1923. Antisemitism Studies, 2, 191. https://doi-org.proxy-library.ashford.edu/10.2979/antistud.3.2.02
Hassan, G. (2018). Why Churchill still matters: the power of the past and the postponement of the future. Soundings (13626620), 70, 67–81. https://doi-org.proxy-library.ashford.edu/10.3898/SOUN.70.05.2018
Kellerman, B. (2004). Bad leadership: What it is, how it happens, why it matters . https://www.vitalsource.com
Kellerman, B. (2010). Leadership: Essential selections on power, authority, and influence . https://www.vitalsource.com
Lalande, J.-G. (2020). Crime and Punishment in Russia: A Comparative History from Peter the Great to Vladimir Putin. Canadian Journal of Sociology, 1, 75. https://search-ebscohost-com.proxy-library.ashford.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edsgao&AN=edsgcl.622718662&site=eds-live&scope=site
Lieven, A. (2018). The Dance of the Ghosts: A New Cold War with Russia Will Not Serve Western Interests. Survival (00396338), 60(5), 115. https://search-ebscohost-com.proxy-library.ashford.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edb&AN=131859810&site=eds-live&scope=site
Michael, G. (2016). Putin vs. Putin: Vladimir Putin Viewed from the Right. The Journal of Social, Political and Economic Studies, 1, 118. https://search-ebscohost-com.proxy-library.ashford.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edsgao&AN=edsgcl.452290212&site=eds-live&scope=site
Murphy, D. (2018). Castles Made of Sand: How London lost on Boris Johnson's extravagant pet projects. World Policy Journal, 35(2), 3. https://search-ebscohost-com.proxy-library.ashford.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edb&AN=130468376&site=eds-live&scope=site
Raeside, C. (2014). Putin and Russia: Crazy, Fascist or following the blueprint. Flinders Journal of History & Politics, 30, 51–57. https://search-ebscohost-com.proxy-library.ashford.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edo&AN=101694845&site=eds-live&scope=site
Rosenfeld, G. D. (2018). Who Was "Hitler" Before Hitler? Historical Analogies and the Struggle to Understand Nazism, 1930–1945. Central European History (Cambridge University Press / UK), 51(2), 249–281. https://doi-org.proxy-library.ashford.edu/10.1017/S0008938918000420
