Question

True leadership is determined more by character than by intelligence. Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the claim. In developing and supporting your position, be sure to address the most compelling reasons and/or examples that could be used to challenge your position.

Hint:

The prompt explicitly asks you to "address the most compelling reasons and/or examples that could be used to challenge your position." Make sure you dedicate a full paragraph to this. Use transition phrases like "Admittedly," "One cannot deny the importance of...," or "A compelling counterargument is..." to signal that you are directly engaging with the opposition.

Answer 1

This prompt requires a nuanced discussion on the qualities of leadership. A successful essay will define the key terms, take a clear stance, and directly address the counterarguments as requested.
Step 1: Deconstruct the Prompt and Formulate a Thesis

Core Issue: The relative importance of character vs. intelligence in leadership.
Task: Agree/disagree, support with reasoning, and specifically address challenges to your position.
Thesis Statement Example: Although intelligence is an indispensable tool for strategic decision-making, true leadership is ultimately determined by character, as qualities like integrity, empathy, and resilience are what inspire trust and motivate people toward a common good, whereas intelligence without character can be dangerously misguided.
Step 2: Outline the Essay Structure

Introduction: Briefly define what "character" (e.g., integrity, empathy, courage) and "intelligence" (e.g., analytical ability, strategic vision) mean in a leadership context. State your thesis that character is the more fundamental component.
Body Paragraph 1 (Argument for Character as Primary): Argue that character builds the foundation of leadership: trust. Without trust, a leader cannot truly influence or inspire. Integrity ensures ethical decision-making. Empathy fosters connection and loyalty. Use a positive example, like Abraham Lincoln or Nelson Mandela, whose leadership is celebrated primarily for their character.
Body Paragraph 2 (The Challenge: The Necessity of Intelligence): This paragraph directly addresses the counter-argument as requested. Acknowledge that character alone is insufficient. A leader must be intelligent enough to understand complex problems, devise effective strategies, and anticipate future challenges. A well-intentioned but incompetent leader can cause significant harm. This shows you are considering the claim's complexity.
Body Paragraph 3 (Rebuttal: The Danger of Intelligence Without Character): Argue that while intelligence is necessary, it is merely a tool. Character determines how that tool is used. A highly intelligent leader who lacks integrity can be manipulative, self-serving, and destructive. History and business are filled with examples of brilliant but corrupt leaders who caused immense damage (e.g., Kenneth Lay of Enron). This demonstrates why character is the more *determinant* factor of *true* leadership.
Conclusion: Summarize the arguments. Conclude that intelligence and character are both vital, but character acts as the moral compass that directs intelligence. Therefore, in defining true, positive leadership, character holds the greater weight.