The following presentation on the 21st century leadership will observe key elements of this New style of leadership, which won India its independence, paved the past for an African American to become a President in the United States.

1. Masters in leadership MLDR 670
21ST CENTURY LEADERSHIP
Assignment 7.1
By: Samanga Amarasinghe

2. INTRODUCTION
 The past decades which following fall of holy
roman empire in 1456, world moving away from
its stagnation due to man’s desire to expand
beyond the capabilities, was compelled to
experience various changes, in the 14 hundreds
the age of discovery compelled the man to expand
natural territories and establish themselves
throughout the known world. Following this
between the 17 and 18 century AD, the key
challenge was the man attempt in keeping these
territories occupied while further establishing
them as independent nations became a primary
concern. 2

3. INTRODUCTION CONT.
 However, with the new nations being
established soughing out the internal
and external differences presented a
challenge to these nations, the demands
of the citizens and the differences in
opinion among other nations led the
world to various conflicts as the World
Wars, Cold war, Civil rights and the
liberal movements of the 60’s began
shaping the world. Nonetheless,
following all these calamities the
influenced the world, the scholars who
observed these changes, began to notice
the key players whose decisions, which
caused these changes in the world. 3

4. INTRODUCTION CONT.
 These observations on the leaders led to
subject analysis in the field leadership,
being something as a genuine smile, a
kind action, or a firm finger of a father
all being observed as leadership, the
manner in which the leaders influenced
the follows also had changed and shaped
through the years. The tough Gen.
Patton and Himmler “suck it up” type
leadership mentalities observing their
downfalls in obtaining an everlasting
love from the followers as well as the
long growth of their causes began to
adopt a gentler and deep form of
mentoring to sustain and endure the 4
results.

5. INTRODUCTION CONT.
 This paved the way for observation of the
21st century leadership, a finer tune of
leadership where the leader becomes the
servant than the master did, where the
leader is a mentor who empowers than a
boss commands tasks to be completed.
The following presentation on the 21st
century leadership will observe key
elements of this currant style of
leadership, which won India its
independence, paved the past for an
African American to become a President
in the United States. 5

6. WHAT IS THIS THING CALLED
LEADERSHIP?
 By definition of what leadership is through an expert
observation is.
 According to Peter Northouse (2010), “Is a Process where
by an individual influences a group of individuals to
achieve a common goal” (p. 3).
 Therefore it is a process which involve many actions
and feed backs negative and positive, furthermore it is
an action of a individual who by the way of utilizing
the process influence one or more individuals to
accomplish a goal or a task which impact the leader
and the once being led.
 The fight for Sri Lanka’s colonial oppression, which was a
common to many who wanted to be ruled by the local monarchy,
thus the process where leaders as Monarawila Keppetipola
influenced the masses was through the Sri Lanka’s rebellion of
1817-1818.
6

7. DO WE ALL HAVE IT OR IS IT A GIFT THROUGH
BIRTH?
 Leadership is not a gift from birth but
something one can leader or be taught. Any
individual with cognitive thinking can be
taught to become a good leader, but in being a
good leader on must bare the ability to
understand, listen and then utilize what was
learned into practicality.
 Mahatma Gandhi, who was an Indian
Lawyer residing in South Africa during the
British rule between 1893–1914, experienced
the segregation of Indians in South Africa.
Having ample opportunity to except the facts
and continue the way of life, instead embarked
in resisting the unjust law of the British which
created the boundary, by means of none 7
violence, none compliance in fighting back.

8. DOES DESTINY CHOSE A LEADER?
 Leadership is a process, therefore anyone can
possess it, yes destiny plays a part it but a good
leader can always shape their destiny by the
actions and reaction which influence their followers
and impact the future.
 Adolf Hitler, An idler wondering the streets of
Vienna became one of the most powerful leader in
Germany from 1933 to 1942, bringing war torn
Germany to a world power. This was accomplished
through his ability in choosing the right people,
communications and encouraging the philosophies
of the German people at the time.
8

9. WHAT IS 21ST CENTURY LEADERSHIP?
 Being a subject of great depth and broadness,
one cannot explain in a simple sentence what
is 21st century leadership, however based on
expert observations.
 Definition, 21st century leadership is the ability of
a leader to create an exact vision of what they
want to achieve same way believes that they will
succeed, and then create the steps in achieving
this goal (Latchem & Hanna, 2001, p. 53).
 Furthermore, 21st century leadership also
indicates that the leader should poses the
ability to motivate and inspire the followers
to think beyond the given attributes in
achieving what is necessary, desirable and9
possible (Latchem & Hanna, 2001, p. 53).

10. WHAT IS 21ST CENTURY LEADERSHIP?
CONT.
 Therefore in observing the description of
21st century leadership and its
characteristics, it can be defined as
transformational leadership also known
as servant leadership.
 According to Peter Northouse (2010), “ The
process where by a person engages with
others and creates a connection that raises
the level of motivation and morality in both
the leader and the followers” (Northhouse,
2010, p. 177).
 Being the most abrupt form of leadership
which include humility, compassion,
understanding as well as determination,
and courage. The 21st century leadership
has shown the world that its driving force
is not intended to be the leaders but the
followers who in becoming leaders
themselves complete the goals at hand 10
through intrinsic motivation.

11. TO BE OR NOT TO BE UNASSUMING
 The definition of unassuming according to Merriam Webster (2011),
“Not assuming: modest”, (2011, p. n.p) based on this definition
unassuming leadership is the leadership which involve modesty, or
servant leadership.
 In observing the contrasting point of actively avoid being seen as
“unassuming,” a leader as stated by Machiavelli must maintain a
balance of being a lion and a fox. A lion to scare the wolves, and fox to
avoid traps (Machiavelli, 1985), thus a immodest leader being a lion
to an extent would become pray to the enemies flattery, back
stabbing etc. A too modest leader would also become a problem, as
they would constantly be running from the wolves, which render
obstacles to their goals as well as to their followers.
11

12. SKILLS OF A 21ST CENTURY LEADER
 Flexible
 Values people for their diversity
 Unite People
 Dedicated
 Mentor followers than stating facts
 Respect follows beyond the task environment
 Risk Taker
 Value none task related needs of the followers
 Bold in facing the consequences of their action
 Great thinker and scholar
 Distribute power than keep it
12

13. FLEXIBLE
 An old Sri Lankan proverb states that “One
regardless of its strength, must be a bamboo tree
than an oak.” in explaining the wisdom, a
bamboo tree in spite of being a weaker tree is
very flexible, hence when strong winds strike, the
bamboo tree surviving retaining minimum
damage always bend to the wind. But an Oak so
mighty and strong due to it being such, gets up
rooted by the strong winds.
 In an ever changing world with a diverse
humanity a 2st century leader despite being well
prepared to accomplish their goals will always
leave room for errors or sudden changes.
13

14. VALUES PEOPLE FOR THEIR DIVERSITY
 A leaders greatest asserts are his or her
followers, it is a great assert due to the
diversity it presents. Each has
something positive to contribute an
unique talent which is engulfed with in
them, a 21st century leader will value
and utilize this ability in humanity to
“Castro and Mandela post liberation of Angola” the maximum capacity while compelling
From AFROCUBISM:
An old transatlantic love story the individuals to exceed their normal
capabilities which enables a bigger
diversity.
 The continent of South America, present
a vast diversity of people, personalities
and beliefs, Ernesto Cheguevara who
spear headed the Cuban revolution of
1953-59 through his travels inside the
south American jungles utilized these 14
diversities it presented.

15. UNITE PEOPLE
 The success of any organization or a
group relies not on the tools, finances
or the leaders but the unity of the
diverse people who belong to the
organization or the group. Because it
is the people who are delegated in
doing different tasks which makes the
organization function or the task be
“life’s work”
Moammar Gadhafi with the leaders of the completed. Therefore a 21st century
African Union
Colonel6’s Blog leader will focus on making sure that
the followers are united among
themselves and as a collective to the
organization.
15

16. DEDICATED
 In leadership, facing the obstacles which prevail a
given task or a goal, dedication of the leader can be
observed as a vital capability. 21st century leaders
show exceptional abilities in their dedication to a
organization or the group which they belong. They
will first obtain great knowledge in the subject matter
at hand become the first believer of the organization
or the groups mission and goals then begin to employ
them accordingly to the followers
16

17. MENTOR FOLLOWERS THAN STATING
FACTS
 21st century leaders will instill empowerment than
the rule of conduct. A manager will always rely on
the facts, the laws and by laws on how and why
things need to move the direction they need to. But a
great leader of a 21st century leader will leave all
these behind and encourage change and
empowerment for the followers to chose the manner
in which the task is to be accomplished.
 Eugene Kranz: The original mission of the Apollo 13
was to explore the Fra Mauro formation, however
199,995 miles from earth , due to an rupture in the
Oxygen tank, the plans needed to be changed.
Having no way to complete the mission the
Astronauts James A. Lovell, Jr., John L. Swigert,
and Fred W. Haise, Jr. were compelled to return to
Gene Kranz in 2007 earth. But due to the damage endured by the service
module the return trip to earth was also next to
Obtained from Rotary National Award for Space Achievement website
impossible. But flight director Eugene Kranz
through his exclusive leadership and empowerment
abilities coordinating all the teams which included
the scientists, the flight control teams, politicians
managed to get the boys home safely.
17

18. RESPECT FOLLOWERS BEYOND THE WORK
ENVIRONMENT
 The work or professional environment of a
person is just one part of their life, thus in
seeing the true humanity one must go beyond
the professional environment. A 21st century
leader known the line in between work and
normal life, also he or she has the capacity to
move between these lines among their the
followers.
 Ernesto Cheguevara was well know to many by
Ernesto with his Family, author obtained this his short name ‘El Che” this short name was
image from his private collection
given to him by the people of Argentina because
of his personality, the word Che is used by
Argentineans as a colloquial slang to “Friend”.
That was what Ernesto was to everybody he
came across a Friend not the great El Che.
18

19. RISK TAKER
 As a 21st century leader on must be willing
to think outside the box, and take the
chance, no goal can be accomplished with
great success without taking a risk. Many
of the 21st century leader became successful
because they took the risk of success at the
cost of failure.
 Benazir Bhutto, nominated as the prime
minister of Pakistan, broke the record of
being the first female head of government
Benazir Bhutto in a Islamic state, furthermore until her
Obtained from obit life death transition website
assassination on 27th December 2007 she
consistently worked developing programs
for health, social welfare and education for
the underprivileged. Which many a times
put her life at risk (Bhutto,2008).
19

20. VALUE NONE TASK RELATED NEEDS OF
THE FOLLOWERS
 A 21st century leader will understand that the
followers have a life beyond the work or task
environment, they will observe and respect that family
life, and personal needs of the followers.
 General Denzil Kobbakaduwa, he was a true
gentlemen and soldier, Gen. Kobbakaduwa, always
loved by his followers and superiors for understanding
of humanity and conduct. Personal recall of Gen.
Kobbakaduwa was that each time he head to the
frontlines, he would request that his wife would make
various traditional sweets to take to the boys ( soldiers
under his command), furthermore he always ensure
Gen. Kobbakaduwa on the right with Brig. that the “Boys” were well attended to, this included
Vijaya Wimalarathne in 1991 , author
obtained this image from his private their family matter as the death, or sickness of a loved
collection one if found out by Gen. Kobbakaduwa, one could
assure a visit from him or his Aide de camp to ensure
the soldier and his needs were met.
20

21. BOLD IN FACING THE CONSEQUENCES OF
THEIR ACTION
 Despite being bold and collective in making
decisions some of them will have dire
consequences, thus a leader must be prepared to
face such with the same boldness as making
them.
 Keppetipola Disawe, was a Sri Lankan leader,
who rebelled against the British for their wrong
doings after the Udarata Treaty of 1815. Upon
the British capturing him, and before he was to
beheaded, he calmly requested two wishes one
to clean himself up to pray, then requested the
executioner to cut his dead with one stroke.
 According to M.D Saldin (2009):
Keppetipola who conducted himself with great
firmness and self possession, and was greatly
surprised at the pusillanimity of his fellow prisoner,
in the most dispassionate manner observed, that
Madugalle acted like a fool. He then, in a firm and
collected manner shook hands with Mr. Sawers, and 21
bade him farewell. (P.N.P)

22. DISTRIBUTE POWER THAN KEEP IT
 A good 21st century leader understand that the power which
move a vision to action is not within themselves but with the
followers thus they will focus on empowering than becoming
the power.
 President J.F. Kennedy, can be observed a good example for
empowering other, during his presidency Kennedy was given a
big challenge, that was to resist the cold war, and bring the
nation to the next stage in doing so challenged the citizens to
take up the challenge. And as a result the Apollo space
program, the favorable results with the Cuban missile crisis
President Kennedy
granted the nation a good standing in facing the future.
Obtained from John.F.Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum website
 According to J.F. Kennedy (1961):
And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you ask
what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what
America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.
Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us
the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. (p.n.p)
22

23. STORYTELLING SKILLS
 Story is a powerful tool used to engage others
in designing a better future and in creating an
understandable connection with meaningful
action in the present. Storytelling is artful
narrative applied to bring people together as a
result of individualized interpretation of the
story.
 Good example for this skill is president Reagan
using the Irish and soviet jokes in
President Reagan communicating his messages to the people. Due
Obtained from Wordpress website
to this use of humor and storytelling president
Reagan was able engrave his message to his
followers as well as other leaders without
hurting the feelings of other fellow leaders.
23

24. CONCLUSION
 In observing a majority of the key elements of the 21st
century Leadership it can be observed, that the 21st
century leaders are not just an avenger manager who
hold the title of a leader. But the 21st century leaders
are called to much high responsibility than any other
form of leadership, they are called to be the servants
when everybody calls them the masters. Also they need
to be a fox and a lion based on the need of their
followers, same time they are required to live liver
higher form of lifestyle which inspires the followers.
Thus being a 21st century leader one will be asked to
surrender themselves to the better of their cause or the
organization.
24

25. REFERENCE
 Abbott, J. (1901). Julius Caesar. New York: Harper & Brothers.
 Bakshi, S. R. (1997). Mahatma Gandhi: Congress and Its
Leadership. New Delhi: Mehra Offset Press.
 Brown, A., & Shevtsova, L. (2001). Gorbachev, Yeltsin, and Putin:
political leadership in Russia's transition. Wshington D.C.:
Brookings Institute Press.
 Chattopadhyaya, H. (1994). Ethnic unrest in modern Sri Lanka: an
account of Tamil-
 Collins, J. (2001). Good to Great. New York: Collins Business.
 Dalton, D. (1993). Mahatma Gandhi: Nonviolent Power in Action.
New York: Columbia University Press.
 Dalton, D. (1993). Mahatma Gandhi: Nonviolent Power in Action.
New York: Columbia University Press.
 Dāsa, R. (2005). The global vision of Mahatma Gandhi. New Delhi:
Sarup & Sons.
 Fowler, W. W. (1891). Julius Caesar, and the foundation of the
Roman Imperial System. London: G.P. Putnam's Son's. 25
 Gandhi, R. (1991, August). Rajiv's India. (S. Garewal, Interviewer)

26. REFERENCE CONTINUE
 Gandhi, S. (2009, December 08). An interview with Congress president
Sonia Gandhi. (P. Correspondant, Interviewer)
 Ghosh, P. A. (1999). Ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka and role of Indian
Peace Keeping Force (IPKF). New Delhi: S.B.Nagia.
 Greenberg, M. (1989). The buck stops here: a biography of Harry
Truman. Minneapolis: Dillion Press.
 Latchem, C. R., & Hanna, D. E. (2001). Leadership for 21st Century
Learning: Global Perspectives From Educational Innovators. Sterling:
Stylus Publishing Inc.
 Northhouse, P. G. (2010). Leadership Theory and Practice. Thousand
Oaks: Sage.
 O'Brien, M. (2005). John F. Kennedy:A Biography. New York: Thomas
Dunne Books.
 Sarkar, N. I. (2007). Sonia Gandhi : Tryst With India. Delhi: Diamond
Pocket Books.
 Singh, D. (1992). The IPKF in Sri Lanka. Columbia: South Asia Books.
 Sinhalese race relations. New Delhi: M.D.Publications PVT. LTD.
 Speer, A. (1970). Inside the Third Reich: memoirs. New York: Simon 26&
Schuster Paperback.