Mr Lim's Task 1

Growing up, some of the first television shows we watched are likely to be cartoons. The truth is that these fictional animated characters inspired us in many ways- the stoic X-men, the adorable Carebears, and that incessantly cute Hello Kitty are but some examples of our childhood idols. Even to this day, these evergreen icons are still around, and for me, I grew up wishing I was a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, specifically Leonardo, the double katana wielding leader with the blue headband. Leonardo's leadership, loyalty and discipline were and still are inspiring traits that made me want to be green.

The evolution of Leonardo over the years

According to the comic books and cartoons, Leonardo was the undisputed leader of the Turtles, appointed by their father and sensei, Splinter the rat. The eldest of the four siblings, Leonardo was also the most mature. Decisive and calm in most situations, Leonardo is able to come up with a plan even in the most tense situations. In the first three instalments of the TMNT movie franchise, Leonardo was the one stepping up to give directions and a clear plan regardless of the situation. His ability to rise up and take lead shaped my desire to be a leader.

Despite being the leader, Leonardo was also loyal to a fault. He was willing to lay down his life for his brothers, demonstrated in almost every cartoon series and movie. In the 2007 cartoon movie, Leonardo was willing to obey his master, Splinter, to go on a two year training stint in Brazil to be a better leader. In the first movie for TMNT, Leonardo kept a bedside, or rather, tubside vigil over Raphael out of guilt. His loyalty to his brothers and master was evident also when he gave up his weapons to save his master in the 2014 movie. Such submissiveness is hard to come by, and it exemplified the love Leonardo has for his family.

Last but not least, Leonardo is by and large the most disciplined of the four turtles. He is constantly portrayed as the meditative one, the one who trains the most, and the one with the best techniques and ninjitsu skills of his four brothers. "Practice makes perfect" is probably the most appropriate phrase to describe this hard-shelled leader, and he also expects the same discipline and outcome from his fellow brothers. He draws a clear line between work and play, and is not afraid to take his brothers to task firmly when needed.

I will never be a green turtle, nor will I ever be a sword wielding, somersault flipping ninja. However, Leonardo's examples have left an indelible mark on me, and have shaped my perspective of what a leader entails. Leonardo has taught me that a good leader is someone who leads by example, is committed and constantly improves himself in whatever field he is assigned. Thank you, Leo, for the important childhood lessons that moulded my leadership journey.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MkdbJQSlAI