Reference no: EM133254421

Question 1. In my opinion, the most admirable quality of Sundiata as a leader is his emotional intelligence. It's easy to overlook the empathy of a person, because showing emotions is generally received as having a weakness; however, being able to empathize with others means having the ability to put yourself in others' shoes, which allows one to be strategic. For example, it's easier for a person with high emotional intelligence to figure out their enemies' future plans and moves because they have higher understanding of what their enemies current situations make them think and do. Also, having emotional intelligence means you're humane. It hinders one from being cruel toward others, which allows people to respect the leadership of one. To conclude, because emotional intelligence allows the leader to be empathetic, strategic, and humane, it is the most admirable quality of Sundiata.

Question 2. A leadership trait of Sundiata's that can be seen as the most admirable is his wisdom and noble leading. He rely's on his intelligence and skillful tactics to defeat his enemies rather than his physical ability. We see this trait in action in his battle with Soumaoro. Sundiata uses Soumaoro's tana or weakness against him to defeat him. In the epic we read that if Sundiata hadn't found this weakness he wouldn't have had a chance to defeat his enemy. Sundiata knew his opposer had the power to appear and disappear as he wished which would've made a physical battle much too difficult for Sundiata. We read in the epic that Sundiata realized that, "in order to defeat Soumaoro, it was necessary first of all to destroy his magical power" (ibid.: 56). Sundiata used Soumaoro's antidote to defeat him by taking away his powers. This is evidence of Sundiata's admirable leadership trait of wisdom, through not relying on strength alone but also intellect and skill.