In his Iliad, Homer uses the character of Diomedes to personify his definition of effective leadership, often contrasting him with the unproductive and cowardly Agamemnon. Homer believes that the courage to assert one's opinions and the willingness to act independently, even against authority, make for a successful leader. After suffering severe losses and casualties at the hands of Hector and the Trojans in Book 9, it is Diomedes who first denounces Agamemnon's retreat plans and unifies the Achaean forces with words of promise. Later in the same book, following the failed embassy to Achilles, only Diomedes instills hope in the Achaean kings by taking control of the agitated king and ordering Agamemnon to fight on the front lines himself. Ultimately, Diomedes is forced to bravely save the Achaean cause again in Book 14 when he is tempted by Agamemnon with thoughts of surrender and home: he exercises his authority and bravely refuses to retreat, encouraging his companions to continue fighting. Diomedes' effective leadership saves the Achaean forces from Agamemnon's incompetent rule and leads to the fall of Troy. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Homer first explicitly equates courage and independence with leadership as he describes the Achaeans' panicked reaction to the recent Trojan victories. In a state of utter despair and hopelessness, Agamemnon contemplates returning home in disgrace. Diomedes immediately replies: «Desert, if your spirit pushes you... but the rest... will resist until we have sacked Troy» (Il 9,48-53). Diomedes understands that Troy is destined to fall, and abandoning the siege now would mean disappointing both his troops and his countrymen. Instead of succumbing to the whims of his ruler, Diomedes boosts the soldiers' morale and essentially saves the Achaean cause through his effective leadership and courageous assertion of his legitimate opinion. Likewise, after the embassy to Achilles proves to be a failure, Diomedes' superior leadership is exemplified as he takes control of the desperate situation and courageously rejects the thoughts of surrender or retreat proposed by Agamemnon. As the Achaean kings sink into despair, Diomedes wastes no time in rebuking Agamemnon's poor leadership and immediately ordering him to "Deploy your chariots... and fight in the front rank yourself" (Il 9,863-865). To accept Achilles' stubbornness as inevitable defeat is simply cowardice, in stark contrast to Homer's definition of great leadership. Although Diomedes openly steps out of line by ordering his superior to fight on the front lines, he understands what is necessary for victory, unlike the incompetent Agamemnon. Diomedes' unorthodox action is clearly effective and representative of capable and productive leadership; those present immediately see him as their leader and accept his plan to fight, thus keeping the Achaean struggle alive. Finally, as all hope for the Achaeans once again seems lost, Diomedes' leadership qualities shine in comparison to Agamemnon's inadequate leadership. Once again the Trojans appear to have defeated the Achaeans and once again Agamemnon proposes to flee to Greece in shame. Instead of accepting this proposal or expressing a desire to return home as most soldiers would, Diomedes courageously rejects any idea of ​​surrender. Diomedes commands: «I say: return to fight, wounded as we were» (Il 14,156) and his leadership is embraced by the soldiers. Since the courage of men fails, only Diomedes has the power to unite the Achaeans and lead them to victory..