Niccolò Machiavelli was an influential Italian politician and theorist who gained great popularity for his leadership perspective. His philosophy, personal attributes and qualities became celebrated as The Prince . Machiavelli believed that leadership could be attained through ethical practices and pleasant values. His recommendations and advice to the prince were acquired through various rhetorical, techniques, weapons and statements which exhibited wisdom and genuine applicability in many contexts. In aspects of military matters and prince’s responsibility, Machiavelli taught useful ground tactics in understanding geographical features and enhancement of individual responsibility to own and defend their country. In one occasion, Machiavelli advised on the importance of mental preparation and proper war analysis, “But as for the exercise of the mind, the prince must read histories and in them study the deeds of great men; he must see how the conducted themselves in wars; he must examine the reasons for their victories and for their defeats in order to avoid the latter and to imitate the former; and above all else he must do as some distinguished man before him has done” ( Machiavelli, 2008) .
Secondly, Machiavelli recommended generosity as an important attribute to enhance reputation while refraining from lavish and excessive displays which may influence him to become a miser. The virtue of generosity is intended to protect the poor and teach good morals and behavior to the rich or those in high political and social statuses. “Nevertheless, a prince must be cautious in believing and in acting, nor should he be afraid of his own shadow; and he should proceed in such a manner, tempered by prudence and humanity, so that too much trust may not render him imprudent nor too much distrust render him intolerable”, these was Machiavelli’s perspective on moderation and avoidance of too much cruelty or mercy in order to achieve trust and respect ( Holler, 2007) .
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According to Tarcov (2013), Niccolò Machiavelli believed that every leader should keep his word and rule by moderate policies which will prevent him from being hated or despised. Integrity and responsibility are essential attributes which should be maintained by leaders to their subordinates, troops and citizens. Maintaining these essential qualities enabled Machiavelli to acquire Florence’s control over its militia and affairs. He was not deterred by his young age (appointed as Second Chancery leader at 29) and was focused in ensuring that the Italian Renaissance was upheld once again. He also believed that religion and its relative aspects should not hinder leaders from pursuing and utilizing proper justice methods which would effectively propel the society and prevent violence or chaos.
Even though his initial political life ended in an unfortunate way, and he was jailed, Machiavelli redeemed himself from historical readings and writing literature. Through the readings, he studied past leaders, their influences, success and failures and translated this knowledge into poetry and other writings. The Prince is the most phenomenal work Niccolò Machiavelli wrote and it consisted of leadership attributes, quotes and guidance to princes and ways of maintaining their subjects. Leadership strategies by Machiavelli have a long-lasting effect and maintain their applicability even in the 21 st Century. His universal idea of personality and behavior outdoes other renowned leader’s perspectives and moderates attitudes to comply with the subjects’ needs or preferences. Even though Niccolò Machiavelli failed in this leadership reign, he later acquired relevance and continues to do so through his leadership ideologies and literary works.
References
Machiavelli, N. (2008). The prince . Hackett Publishing.
Holler, M. J. (2007). Niccolò Machiavelli on Power. Beiträge zur Wirtschaftsforschung Working Paper , (149).
Tarcov, N. (2013). Belief and Opinion in Machiavelli's Prince. The Review of Politics , 75 (4), 573-586.
