The desire to become a politician can be due to a variety of reasons. For example, the desire to change the world for the better, or to improve their material status, or to achieve public recognition. But it is one thing to become an ordinary politician, an ordinary cog in a bureaucratic machine, and it is quite another to become an outstanding leader who enjoys the support of citizens and contribute to historical development.
The very concept of a good politician is quite subjective. Everyone puts their own meaning into this definition. But in its most general form, it is a leader who meets the requirements and expectations of the population and expresses their needs.
In order to become a good politician, it is necessary to have a number of qualities that people attribute to an ideal leader. This image is constantly evolving in the eyes of Russians. Meanwhile, it is possible to identify a number of common features by which citizens characterize an ideal leader.
Power for a politician should not be an end in itself
A politician should be able to prove to the population that power itself is not an end in itself for him. This requirement is embedded in Russian political culture. Thus, the analysis of Russian folklore and fairy tales, which was carried out by Russian political scientists, demonstrates that the positive heroes of the authorities do not harass, and the negative ones are obsessed with a mania of domination. In them, the sacred function of a leader is to protect against the negative effects of extraterrestrial forces, which should ensure stability and social welfare. Such requirements are still present in the political consciousness of Russians and, based on their compliance, real politicians are evaluated. According to modern ideas of Russians, the leader of the state should first of all be happy about the interests of the country and his people, and only then about his own.
High moral standards
An ideal leader should have high moral principles and be guided by them when making political decisions. The moral and ethical component is always present in the political request of Russians. They are extremely intolerant of the dishonesty and selfishness of a leader.
According to opinion polls in 2000, Russians would like to see the leader first of all as fair, honest, humane, caring for people, etc. Now these characteristics also occupy an important place, however, they give way to the parameter of strength and personal activity.
Political Will and Strength
The demand for a strong politician is traditional for Russian consciousness. Personal strength strengthens the attractiveness of a politician. This parameter is characterized through such components as health, age, intellectual resources, psychological stability, the ability to protect the interests of the country and much more. The holder of power is required to guarantee stability.
Today, Russians primarily attribute characteristics such as firmness and rigidity to an ideal politician. He should have been capable, indifferent to his citizens, independent. He is expected to be able to clearly articulate the goals of the country's development and possess strategic thinking.
The Russians are not ready to put up with an indecisive and passive leader. A difficult foreign policy situation only strengthens the prevailing popular opinion that the country needs a strong and decisive leader, pursuing an independent policy and ready to take responsibility for its decisions and actions.
Appearance and Charisma
Inner charisma is one of the foundations of leadership formation. But according to research in the field of the image of an ideal president, Russians are quite tolerant of Russians to the external shortcomings of the politician. They are ready to put up with an unpleasant appearance and lack of charm.
