Dominick paced the side walk for a few minutes, pondering a few thoughts that had plagued his mind from an earlier read. He'd nod a few times as he shifted an empty box onto the curb and stood on top. A smile curled at the corners of his lips as he'd toss out a few coins, here and there to attract some attention, surely some would stick around for the conversation, too!

There has been a spur of conversation about how street presence is lacking among leaders and those who are housed by them. It's evident that the majority of people would rather endorse a leader who has a reputable presence in The Streets than one who doesn't show much face. However, assuming a leader makes time in his schedule to show up to a few street events and even share thoughts on a topic, is that all it would take?

I stumbled across some notes from a previous speech about two typical leaders and it never rang truer. What's your opinion on the characteristics of the leaders about now, or better, what is the sort that would really be appreciated and successful? Is The Silent Colossus over played and a growing norm for future leaders?

An old philosopher, Machiavelli had laid out a handful of characteristics to lead a successful reign. How practical are these characteristics?

Being a good, happy, and completely truthful is wholly detrimental to your reign just as being the opposite. So where's the happy medium? How can one be loved and feared, also, is it really what we'd admire of a leader? Take a moment to think of our history, notable tyrants and groups who held power and stomped on those on the rise. Utter destruction set upon cities because a leader or many, hell bent on maintaining their rule without a possibility of another to take their reigns.

All in all, my question to the masses is, what makes our leaders so great? The ones that have their stories told time and time again. The tyrants we all hated but loved. How does one attain such status? It's possible for just about anyone to reach such heights. 

We'll make a leader of you yet.

Sal stood quietly, watching a couple passer-byes scrambling for coins being tossed seemingly for the sole purpose of drawing a crowd, although once retaining said coins, they continued on their merry ways, completely oblivious to what the speaker had to say, or just unwilling to throw their two cents into the pot.

Sal on the other hand, was greatly interested in the topic, and after waiting quite a while, and digesting fully what Dominick had to say, and seeing no one else had yet responded, decided this was not exactly a topic that should be overlooked, and stepped forward to share His thoughts on the matter.

First of all, thank you Dominick, for speaking on this, as I think this is an important topic, and I had nearly started to speak on it Myself, when I overheard you here. Rather than pull up My own soap box on the corner across from you, let's see if we can draw more attention here.

You ask what makes our leaders so great. I'm not quite sure whether you mean our current crop of Bolds, or general leaders that have made impact on our world, in one way or another. I'll speak about leaders in general, and about what I would like to see, rather then what I have seen, since to be brutally honest, there hasn't been many that have stood out to Me in the last while. There are a couple I could mention, but I don't think this needs to turn into a popularity contest, and I think I'll speak more on what is needed, and not so much on what we currently have, or have had.

Sal sparked a cigarette and took a few long hauls, pausing briefly before continuing, taking a slow gaze around the area, seeing a few other people start to join them to listen.

 First of all, we really need some leaders, not followers. Whether someone gets auth to wear the flashy Bold suit or not, does not make a leader. If they step into a position of authority, just to follow everything they are told to do, like a puppet, they are still following. It may be hard for some to work hard to get into a position like that, then realize they need to walk on egg-shells and do everything exactly like the person that authed them, just to keep the position.

Secondly, having the balls and initiative to do things differently and possibly raising the standards some, wouldn't be such a bad thing right now. I may just be putting Myself out on a limb here, but hearing time after time people bitching about standards, and that they were much better before, but those same people not having the balls to try to change that,  it makes Me wonder how they got into the position they are in, when it only takes one person to bring about change.

Self-preservation seems to be the number one reason why shits become slack lately. Having leaders that stand for something and put themselves out there, willing to make hard decisions and possibly piss some people off, that's what we need, before shit gets more stagnated than it is now. Whether you agree with them or not, you have to respect and appreciate a leader that takes his/her own principles and values and absolutely stands by them and backs them up, and is not afraid to go against the grain of popular opinion or mob mentality (pardon the pun). 

Sal took a breath, looking around once again, realizing, even if no one else spoke, people were definitely going to hear this, for better or for worse. He finished the last couple drags of His smoke and dropped it to crush it under His heel before continuing once more.

 I will say that one of the best things I have seen lately, was Godfather Kyubey, and the Godfather counsel, coming forward and not only making known the rules and policy's they have been working on, but allowing  the regular members of "this thing of ours" to comment or question said decisions. I cannot begin to express how badly needed that was, and I hope they continue to bring those things to the masses.

Finally, and this is just My opinion, although I am quite sure it is shared by some, that any great Leader MUST  have a Street presence, and put themselves into the spotlight. They need to make themselves available, and show that they can string more than a couple sentences together. This, along with care when inviting and promoting associates, and protecting their crew, district, and city to their dying breath, is what makes a potentially great leader. Someone who can then go on to promote changes where they are needed. To have the balls to say, things could be done better than they are right now, and I'll make the first step, rather than everyone waiting for someone else to move.

<font color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)">Sal finally took a step back and lit another smoke, wondering just how many people would listen, or care, but knowing He had just kept it real, and He would continue to do so, whatever the </font>consequences<font color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)">. </font><font color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)"> </font> 

 Walking in the streets, I see Dominick and Sal speaking about Godfathers and what makes them great. I stop for a bit , listening to what they had to say. Now, I really did not know any godfathers, per se, but what they both said, had merit. I had heard the speech about the new rules within the council, which I thought was a great idea. I remembered Sal's speech about change, and felt if there was change to be needed that would make things better, why not? 

I was not sure if the Godfathers was like this secret society, or that I just really didn't know any of them. I was all for them being out and about and to make themselves known to everyone. The position of Godfather seems like a big deal to me, and shouldn't be taken lightly. (not saying there are people who take it lightly, as I don't know of any Godfathers) This will make an interesting debate I think, so i decided to hang around and see who else would speak up, and what was said. Thank you, Dominick for starting this speech in the streets.

Shay sauntered along the sidewalk ...watching the scatter of coins hit the concrete and hearing the low timbre of a man's voice speaking from a platform of sorts...her interest peeked, she stopped a while to listen...the man was talking of Godfathers, Leaders, and Bosses...

Her own thoughts rumbled through her head as she listened closely to what was being discussed and she wondered to herself....

who wants a bunch of "cookie cutter" leaders? ...those that would be completely alike whether it be of their own ideals...or those that they were agreed upon, to follow because  a "higher order" insisted on it....those type of situations in her opinion were boring and removed the opportunity for originality and the chance to choose a crew that more closely "fit" each person as individuals....

That was just her thoughts on the subject, but she was very much interested in hearing what others had to say in the matter...so she propped against the brick wall of a nearby business and prepared to settle in for a bit, anxious for others to step forward. 

First off, I will say well done to you Dom. I think this is a fantastic speech and a great question.

I will start this off by saying I do not think you need a "big street presence" to be a great crew leader. Many moons ago my bloodline worked under Don Zalitz, a Crew leader in the West Side of Chicago. The wee kitty never spoke in the streets at all. I don't think anyone knew who he was outside of our tight knit family in the West Side, and you know something? That was fine. My bloodline was promoted to be his RHM and my ancestor still has journal entries about "Who is Zalitz bloodline wise?" and questions like that. Zalitz was a fantastic leader, he held one of the largest guns in the entire world at that point in time. He was a great person to speak to and would help you any time you would need it.

But at the same time; having street presence does not mean you're a good leader either. I do find leaders that have good street presence are good ones.. But I've seen in the past that doesn't mean everything. I've seen plenty of leaders speak in the streets but then otherwise go off and do stupid shit. I think the whole thing about being a leader is to do the best you can within your capabilities.

I do not come to the streets often as many can plainly see. I do listen to a great many of speeches however but I just don't give my input always. Does that make me less of a leader? I would certainly hope not!

What makes leaders great? I think it just how they act to the public and in private. I always wanted a leader that was active and spoke a lot to their family. A leader who will speak to the new members regardless of rank or stature. I wouldn't join a leader who can't defend there own either. I think a leader with good speaking ability, activity, good gun prowess, and a strong defense of their family are the best leaders.

My bloodline has led several times now but I don't really know the answer for the question. I've always tried my very best to meet people, family or not, because I think being social as a Godfather is fantastic. (OOC: IRC/The new G1/G2 chats). I have met a lot of people I probably would have never met otherwise.

What makes people great? I think the actions they have done or rather not done, would make them great. I have not done anything of major value in my short life here so I wouldn't consider myself even close to being a "Great" leader. There are some fantastic leaders out there I would consider great however.

Godmother Amethyst has been a kind face to the community since day one. She is one of the more social Godmothers and has helped out a lot even when she didn't need to. She is a good example of one I would consider a great leader.

Don Whatsername is also one I would consider a great. She may not be in the streets as much as others; but look at the family she leads. She has bred one of the largest and I would think the strongest family alive at the moment. She is a fantastic leader and in the short times I've worked with her on a personal basis, it was amazing.

Godmother LF is also a leader I would consider one of the greats of our generation. She was actually my family leader when I first came to these shores. She is a family person and she would make sure that every member of her family was doing well every day. She is one of the best family leaders my bloodline has ever worked for.

I could ramble on and on about who I personally think are great leaders, but I could be here for a while. However, I would like to acknowledge Godfather Spunky as the fourth and last great from me! The guy built a massive something from nothing with a lot of problems. He's an active street speaker and is quite a sociable and likable person regardless of rank.

Thanks, Sal for sharing your thoughts. You've really expanded my thoughts and brought up some very solid points. I was speaking of leaders in general, the qualities that have one stand out and remembered through the ages. 

I'd find it hard for a leader to go against the grain, specifically against the grain in his own district and city. Especially a newly appointed one or hell, even an established one. Don't you think? There are many examples of past ones who were forcibly removed because of their extended vacations and lack of involvement of going ons in their respective city. That and well, another example was that of TheTripleDeuce who stood against a handful of other leaders in Philadelphia and in the end, the entire city was wiped because one couldn't and wouldn't conform to the movement. I see what you mean though, and agree but it's extremely difficult when one isn't equipped to handle the blowback, to stand against the current. So it'll be much more of a failure than a success when you stand alone against the tide.

You're completely right about the standards and policies..! How there was a large audience complaining about policies and standards. It wasn't long before Godfather Kyubey had announced policies and standards straight from The Godfather Council. They've certainly done great work for the nation, and this thing of ours.

I've heard a few speeches of self-preservation and how it has created a stagnant atmosphere. I've also heard the response of, rank up and do something about it. Well, we've seen leaders or, ahem.. rogues set up and try to do something about it. Their reigns are short lived but their damage at times, catastrophic. Looking at the big picture afterward, was it really worth it? Not really. Self-preservation is human nature, we all want to survive and many turn into the rats squirming for air when the water's rising and the ship is sinking. It's just going to happen. As far as the scale it has become now, well, things are always happening behind the scenes.. nothing is as every as stagnant as they seem!

I agree with your opinion to an extent. Street presence though isn't necessary, it hasn't been for awhile now and that's ok. There are other means of communication in which these leaders have taken advantage of and they are blooming, and contributing tremendously in these alternative ways. 

Mari , Thanks for coming out here and sharing your thoughts. The majority of the Godfathers and Godmothers of this nation are very open and will make the time to respond to you. All you have to do is, well, say hi! The position is of great importance and holds a heavy voice among others, it really is a tremendous deal.

ShayD , The cookie cutter leaders aren't just mirror images of the last ones or current ones. If you take the time to reach out to them, you'll see they have their own voice and thoughts on things. There's a lot of things happening behind the scenes that these leaders have to handle on a daily basis, the majority of which we never hear about.. but believe it, they're all, well, many of them are quite their own persona.

I really appreciate you sharing your thoughts and journals with us, Godfather Kyubey . You had a point that had me thinking and it never rang truer. Just because a leader is out about on the streets, doesn't make him any more of a stronger, wiser or generally.. better. Rather than any amount of presence his words whether few or many just need to hold a level of substance. Then again, you're right.. They could be scholars in terms of speaking but absolutely sloppy when it comes to his ways around the street and handling people.

It seems that its down to a lineage repeatedly being put into a bold suit, because they simply can. Because they have friends where they need to be, a numerous of decisions really. Albeit, not the RIGHT reasons, but they're reasons.  Doesn't really seem to ne much more thought process involved, really,

Dominick, thank you for taking the time to address each of us individually, however, i believe that i did not make my views clear....the "cookie cutter" statement was in regards to ...

who the hell cares if a previous leader stayed in the backgrounds and never made themselves speak out in the public forums...that doesn't make them better or worse. What we truly need are those leaders who are willing to go outside the box...to make their beliefs and views known and to stand by those beliefs and views...no matter what, say, the "Jone's are doing in their neighborhood"...

I was impressed to see the Godfather rules and regulations posted...it let us all in on a world in which was, before this...speculated on, whispered about, even stressed over...because we seem to worry about the things that are not made clear to us, and seem to be secret. So yes, whether or not a leader has the perfect street presence, or a college degree in speaking...taking the honest, blunt force, in your face truth approach...i think is the way to go. but then again that could be said for each of us.

I am glad that you both (Dominick and Kyubey) disagreed with Me, since now, I can expound upon why I think it is so important why "Great" Leaders have a Street Presence. 

First of all, to be perfectly blunt, who the fuck remembers someone they have never heard speak? I certainly do not. I remember Zalitz being a Crew Leader, and that is about the extent of it. Other than the people they may have had conversations with in the coffee shops and other hidden avenues, no one else would know anything more than possibly their name, and what they would have seen as tattoo's when they passed them in the Street.

They may be a "great" leader to their Crew, and their "circle of friends", but are they going to be remembered by anyone else? I doubt it. I am NOT saying Zalitz was not a great person, I actually did not know them well enough to say, but, if you're going to come out her and use them as your example of a "Great" Crew Leader, maybe we have a couple different definitions of that, since "Great" for Me, is synonymous with "Remembered", and most of the time in a fond way, if not a respectful or revered way.

Again, we're getting pretty fucking slack if we do NOT put ourselves out there, in public view. If there are those that have problems with speaking publicly, what traits make up for that, in making them a "great" leader? I will admit, there may have been a couple in our history, but obviously, we only remember them because others that were close to them choose to speak up instead of them, about them, for them.

Again, this is My personal opinion, and not to be taken personally as an attack against the current leaders. We're talking about "Great" leaders, or at least I thought we were. 

DarkAngel, silently walked the semi busy street. A curling stream of cig smoked puffed and trailed behind Her as she headed back to HQ. It had been a long week and she just wanted to rest and take a few days off. She chuckled to herself as a random thought came to mind as she rounded the corner and was greeted with a small crowd of people.

Curiously DA stopped and stood back, glancing the crowd of faces, She spotted, Dominick at the front giving a speech about what makes a great leader. Well, this could defintly be a good topic, She thought, leaning up agaisnt the nearest wall.

Quietly DA stood there, listening to each word Dom had to say. Many answers came to mind, as She stood there and listened.

She stepped forward to speak her thoughts when She heard, Sal's deep voice. Ohhh, damn Hes here! Yeah well, I can wait. She thought and leaned back once more. She listened to each word He spoke, and each rang with deep truth. DA pushed from the wall and stomped smoke before moving to make Her way through the crowd. Making sure to playfully poke ShayD and Mari in each their sides. Getting a squeal, jump and smack out of both of them. DA only chuckled and stood their with them as Sal kept on. She leaned close to Shay's ear and whispered. "Kinda smexy up there isnt He?" Shay quickly nodded head as they both just chuckled softly.

Finally when He was done, and everyone else had their turn, DA cleared throat and stepped forward, making sure to grab attention as She moved forward. She wanted to add to this topic. Seen Sal was momently done with His soapbox and quickly stepped up.

"I dont get out here much and speach on the streets, for this Im sorry. But, I just couldnt pass this up. First off, thank You Dominick for bringing up this topic, which ignored or brushed off half the time" She glanced at Him and smile before turning back to crowd.

"Now, what makes a Leader so great". Well that could be many of things. One, A person who puts themselves before others, A Protector. Takes alot to be called a Great Leader, and Ive seen a few, whos already stepped to that point. Though I wont mention names, so not to upset anyone."

DA turned to Sal with a grin..

"Your words rings true, no one wants to step up and voice anything. Afraid of what might happen, which for the most part is why I never come and speak My mind on such subject. And frankly, thats BS, no one should have fear of coming to these streets and voicing their thoughts."

DA turned back to the crowd and smiled before contining Her little speech..

"Now,Ive only been in this MR world for only about 9 months, and I can count on My right hand, how many Great Leaders Ive come across. Each one had the right makins, the courage, the knowledge to make a crew grow and prosper. Dont get Me wrong, there are alot of Good Leaders out there now, Some, I havent met but heard good things about. And Shay is right about something. There are "cookie cutter leaders" but that dont make them a bad Leader. It just means, they could grow a bit more."

DA stood there a bit longer, took a deep breath and added Her last thoughts on this matter.

"And one more thing I have to add is. Yes You can be a great Leader, but what really and truly makes a Great Leader even better is their Crew members. They are the blood and life line of a Great Crew, You cant have one without the other. But I do think this topic can use alot more learning and wisdom."

She stood there a bit longer, looking over the many faces, just to see if people was really paying attention to Her ramblings. She jumped down and kindly gave Sal His soapbox back before slipping into the crowd to head back and lean against Her previous wall...