A Look at Leadership in Homer's Odyssey

Those who aspire to be great leaders must first have a few specific qualities if they are to excel in the real world. The ability to make quick, yet well-assessed decisions is very important when every second counts. It is at times like these when a truly great leader confirms why he is in charge. A leader must also be able to set clear goals for himself and his followers, and convey this information distinctly to all. Indeed, clarity of direction will determine the fate of the party in the long-run. For a leader to accomplish this, he has to know what he is doing. Knowledge and the ability to use it effectively are necessary if any goals are to be accomplished. The most important trait of a leader, though, is self-discipline. Not only must he act appropriately in all situations, it is essential that he remains humble, even when his party appears to have the upper hand.

Odysseus exhibits many of these qualities, as well as others, in The Odyssey. He is like a god in most regards, with capabilities surpassing those of most mortals. This makes for a great leader, with the quick thinking necessary to get a party out of any situation. Odysseus did make some decisions, though, that weren't necessarily the best for considering the circumstances. He did, however, take responsibility for his bad choices, and tried to fix his errors while keeping his fellow companions safe. Take, for example, the visit to the land of the Cyclopes (Book IX). Considering the eventual outcome of the encounter with the Cyclops, it probably would have been wiser for Odysseus and his men to pilfer what they could before the Cyclops noticed them, which is what his men originally urged him to do (Lines 224-7). He chose not to listen, mistakenly thinking that the Cyclops would act considerately to his party. This was probably his worst decision yet, considering the future events that would destroy his crew and leave him stuck on an island for many years, which could all be traced back to the choices he made in the land of the Cyclopes.

Once Odysseus realized that the Cyclops wasn't as gentlemanly as he expected, and the Cyclops had spotted them, his courage kicked in, and he attempted to reason with the monster (Lines 259-71). This was his second mistake. If he had properly assessed the situation, he may have gotten everyone out alive and safe. He knew the blame was on him for the party's current condition, though, and that he would have to correct his mistakes. He was at first tempted to make a hasty attack on the Cyclops, but realized that they would then be unable to move the rock door and get out (Lines 299-305). This was the first time he truly used his quick decision-making skills by stopping himself from ultimately killing the whole party.

After the night and dawn had gone by, and the Cyclops took his sheep out, Odysseus quickly went into action, devising a long-term plan for escaping, as well as all the steps in-between that would involve members of the crew. When the Cyclops came back that evening with his sheep, Odysseus commenced with the plan (Line 345). This is when his knowledge and cunning are put to the test. If he hadn't clearly explained his plan to everyone, it could have resulted in some of his comrades being left behind, or possibly a complete failure altogether. Possibly the most brilliant part of his plan was calling himself "Noman" (Line 366). It is only later, when the Cyclops is finally blinded, that the reader realizes what purpose this had (Lines 408-12). It seems unlikely that Odysseus and his men would have escaped the Cyclops if not for his skillfully laid out plan.

Once free of the Cyclops, Odysseus makes a terrible choice. Instead of quietly sneaking off, he foolishly decides to give away their position by taunting the monster (Lines 475-9). Had the Cyclops been a better aim, it might have resulted in the deaths of Odysseus and most of his crew. Instead of realizing his bad judgment, as his companions tried to help him do (Lines 494-9), his ego inflated even larger, and he once again arrogantly shouted at the Cyclops. Like a child who lacks any self-discipline, and is inclined to get in shouting-matches, he foolishly revealed his true name to the monster (Line 504). This was the final, devastating blow. If only he had remained modest to the very end, he might have spared the crew their lives and himself several years of torture.