On the island of the Cicones, the action that best shows Odysseus's leadership is his command for his men to leave the island quickly after plundering, to avoid a counterattack and ensure their safety. Odysseus demonstrates strategic foresight by recognizing the danger of lingering too long and urging his men to return to the ships promptly so they can set sail safely. This shows his ability to anticipate risks and make decisions that protect his crew
. However, when his men disobey and continue to feast and plunder, ignoring his orders, Odysseus refuses to support them in the ensuing battle against the Cicones' reinforcements. By doing so, he teaches them a lesson about the importance of discipline and trust in their leader. This refusal highlights his leadership trait of holding his men accountable and not enabling their recklessness
. In summary, Odysseus's leadership on the island is best shown by his clear, strategic command to leave immediately after the raid and his firm stance when his men disobey, emphasizing responsibility and trust within the group