Every leader must possess specific essential characteristics and qualities that are imperative to be successful. In "The Qualities of the Prince," Niccolo Machiavelli describes the traits and
             nature required, in his opinion, to be an efficient leader. The essay is primarily directed to instruct a ruler or political figure. Still, many of the ideas that Machiavelli presents in the essay can relate to those in leadership positions today. Machiavelli explains that a prince must demonstrate discipline, sometimes through cruel or unjust manners, but at the same time, also show mercy. This may be important to a coach, who must discipline their team to keep them focused and show enough mercy not to hate. According to Machiavelli, a prince should be feared but never despised. A prince must make himself feared in such a manner that he will avoid hatred.
             In one of his most controversial statements, "A man who wishes to make a vocation of being good all the times will come to ruin among so many who are not good" (Machiavelli 45), Machiavelli explains how a
             prince will become ruined if he constantly strives to be generous and good. This is especially important
             to politicians because if they keep trying to be the good guy and make empty promises, they will
             eventually, ruin themselves. Several of Machiavelli's ideas can be applied to modern leaders and political figures today. Machiavelli says, "For ordinary people are always deceived by appearances and by the outcome of a thing." This can be applied to Bill Clinton because the president must deceive the people and appear tobe generous and true, but in actuality, be a great hypocrite and liar. According to Machiavelli, a prince is judged by his qualities and appearances, and they bring him either blame or praise.
             Before Bill Clinton's affair with Monica Lewinski, the Clinton's appeared to be the perfect, traditional family to most voters. But after the affair surfaced, people be...