“Being a leader often requires more than talent and skill” is clearly demonstrated by the life of Leon Trotsky; although his supreme talent and skill allowed him to rise to prominence, the characteristics he possessed were not enough alone to carry him to the highest office in the land. Trotsky's characteristic organizational, oratory and literary skills were undermined by his lack of understanding of the counter-revolution (led by Stalin) and his inexperience as a political leader. Ultimately, the statement is very accurate as Trotsky's talent and skill were eclipsed by Stalin's superior machinations and political cunning after Lenin's death. Trotsky's oratorical and literary skills were impeccable tools for gaining prominence before the Russian Revolution; his impassioned oratory roused the audience and swept away his opponents. Bertrand Patenaude, “one of the most careful critics among recent biographers stated that Trotsky himself had managed to win over “vast crowds of workers, soldiers and sailors in Petrograd with his fascinating oratory” in 1917. Trotsky soon became invaluable to Lenin, who also destined for a social revolution in Russia as Trotsky "spoke everywhere simultaneously". Furthermore, thanks to Lenin's encouragement, Trotsky wrote for the Marxist newspaper, Iskra Trotsky gave a public speech in Whitechapel, arguing with Russian exiles. This was one of many speeches that would soon give him popularity in Russia, driven by Lenin's motivation to "whip the road with his voice" as a means of consolidating early Bolshevik power. The idea that Trotsky's oratorical and literary ability had enabled him to reach prominence and soon the highest of positions can be underlined through Trotsky himself... middle of paper... the advent came - for him it came only once - with the necessary determination." Even Trotsky himself underlines that power is made of close relationships: "power is not a prize that the most 'skilled' win. Power is a relationship between individuals, ultimately between classes". Thus, Trotsky lacked political skills and nature, which could have brought him to the highest office in the country. In conclusion, Trotsky was able to highlight that he possessed both skills that talent through his organizational skills acquired from the Red Army, his oratory and literacy skills respectively. However, he lacked the understanding of counterrevolution and a firm political nature. Therefore, the most talented and capable men do not always reach office highest in the country, as their contributions are hindered by their shortcomings which, in turn, inhibit their growth in power..