Qualities of a Good Leader

“And so, my fellow mental patients: ask not what your institution can do for you- ask what you can do for your institution”
Had McMurphy been a great speech giver like John F. Kennedy, I believe he would have said something like that. Americans loved and respected John F. Kennedy, just as the mental patients love and respect McMurphy. He was their leader through the rough times and encouraged them to step up and gain confidence. In fact, he had the seven qualities of a good leader
A good leader should...

1. Strive to achieve an ideal character-- Okay, so in the real world, McMurphy was a lazy sexaholic. He did not want to work and created many disturbances. However, in the ward, he has all of the qualities that the mental patients lack. He shows them how to stand up for themselves and inspires them to take action on their own. During a time where “survival of the fittest” ruled society, he teaches them how to become stronger in their own way--- for their sanity and survival
2. Be sincere and dedicated to his work-- Although McMurphy almost gives up at one point, he powers through with passion and dedication. I think that passion is one of the most important qualities a person can have; it fuels their life and gives their goals a purpose. McMurphy relentlessly rebels, even though he must suffer EST treatments as a punishment.
3. Be confident-- McMurphy definitely does not lack confidence. He “gave [the Nurse] a pinch that turned her face as red as his hair” (290). He has faith that the other patients will support him with his plans, no matter how crazy one is, and always follows through. He can get a bit cocky, but in this oppressive environment, cockiness is a nice change. In fact, he needs the extra confidence to actually affect the patients.
4. Stay organized and ensure proper management-- McMurphy does not excel in this aspect particularly. But mental institutions can create quite a lot of chaos, so he does a reasonably good job keeping people together. For example, he organizes the fishing trip and gets people to vote on the game room.
5. Stay calm and composed-- McMurphy shines at this. He can stay composed while he slyly mocks the nurse. Yet he acts out discreetly; he never does anything that completely pushes the limit unless absolutely necessary. (For example, he defended George with a necessary fight)
6. Possess an analytical bent of mind-- McMurphy always stays one step ahead of the Nurse. He can quickly come up with creative, yet logical excuses, such as: “That glass window was so spick and span I com- pletely forgot it was there” (201). He analyzes her response ahead of time, using verbal irony to innocently hide his true purpose.
7. Strive toward excellence-- He continuously strives to remain one step ahead of the nurse. Because of this dedication, he wins frequently and emboldens the other patients.