Aeneas and Leadership

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making is far more about accumulated wisdom but rather a social system which builds a climate of openness, candor and accountability” ([70] Sonnefield, 2002).

Aeneas makes numerous sacrifices in order to follow through with the plans that are set for him by the gods. He gives up his homeland so he can set out to build up a new empire in Troy. He gives up his everyday life, and puts it behind him. Aeneas also gives up his identity. He takes on a Roman identity, and leaves behind his old identity of a trojan. Another major sacrifice for Aeneas is that he sacrifices his love for Dido. According to the article by Rizzo,Frank L.he says “ When Cupid’s arrow pierces her heart, Dido, too, realizes the power of love and falls for Aeneas, who succumbs to her formidable and obsessive force”.( 1) He falls in love with her but eventually leaves her because she is not his destiny, finding the city of Troy however is. Good judgment, tempered by flexibility and situational awareness, may significantly influence performance. According to the article by Ahn, Mark J., Larry W. Ettner, and Amanda Loupin it says “ What makes the character of Aeneas so compelling is his struggle to be moral despite temptation.“For example, in Aeneas’ passion for Dido "his sin lies not in his love, but in the abandonment of his god-given mission" (115).Rizzo,Frank L. says in his article that “ He leaves Dido so heartbroken that she ends her life in a pit of flames as a series of desolate lovers follow her unto death”.( 1)

Aeneas overall shows what it takes to be a great leader. Aeneas has a goal and never gives up on what he is destined to accomplish. According to the article by Ahn, Mark J., Larry W. Ettner, and Amanda Loupin it is says “A compelling vision, larger than any individual, is necessary for organizational success and sustainability. Virgil uses fatum to "justify the ways of God to men" and establish the divine providence through which the mighty Roman imperium was to be established” ([55] Miller, 1928, p. 29). Aeneas’ steadfast vision to find a new home for his displaced people, while overcoming a series of obstacles and sacrifices, is an arching theme throughout the epic. Aeneas devotes to his mission, his crew, destiny, and also to the gods. He makes many sacrifices along the way, and does everything that it takes to reach Rome. Aeneas has integrity, which helps him succeed through these trials. In the article by Ahn, Mark J., Larry W. Ettner, and Amanda Loupin it says, “Integrity was defined as the steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code and is central to modern leadership studies”. That is one major attribute to his success. Aeneas is an excellent example of how a leader should be. Aeneas is devoted, brave, wise, and will make any sacrifices that are necessary to fulfill out his destiny and those around him.