What are the qualities of leadership? You may receive many different answers depending on whom you ask. However, upon analyzing the definitions of many, we can produce a more concise definition as leadership is such a multi-faceted concept. Bennis presents leadership comparatively with management. He puts forth that leaders are innovators who inspire trust as they focus on people rather than systems and structure. In his definition, leaders inspire trust and have long-range perspective or vision. He believes that a leader challenges the status quo and is his or her own person rather than “the classic good soldier” (Bennis, 2003). Anthony Robbins states that, “Leaders are those individuals who live by empowering beliefs and teach others to tap their full capabilities by shifting the beliefs that have been limiting them” (Robbins, 1991, p. 104). Yogesh Ambekar lists 8 specific qualities of a good leader. They are as follows: 1. Good communication skills; 2. Honesty; 3. Visionary outlook; 4. Selecting a good team; 5. Action speaks louder than words; 6. Ability to motivate people; 7. Consistency; 8. Ability to stand against critics (Ambekar, 2004). These are only a few interpretations of the qualities of leadership.
I would like to consider the above interpretations in regard to the leadership qualities of President Barack Obama. Through each phase of his political career, one of Obama’s strongest assets seemed to be his ability to inspire the masses. He did this by analyzing the needs of the people and appealing to the voices that are so often silenced. He has been able to motivate people to believe in his vision and follow his lead. His grassroots campaign style depended upon his ability “to teach others to tap their full capabilities” (Robbins, 1991). He was extremely innovative in his approach to outreach being the first presidential nominee to embrace the powers of technology and use them to his benefit. He has been consistent and honest in his analysis of the current crises that our country is facing, and he is able to stand against his critics and support his decisions. For example, Obama refused to denounce his association with William Ayers or the positive impact that Ayers had on the education movement in Chicago. Obama created a very strong team for his Cabinet and has been reaching out across party lines to present a bipartisan approach.
Barack Obama’s leadership abilities became clear to me when he presented the keynote speech at the 2004 Democratic Convention. He spoke with conviction and vision then, and he has not changed his vision to align with what he feels the public wants to hear. It was clear at that moment that he was a man that stood for honor and hope for America, and that message remains strong today.
Ambekar, Y. (2004, September 3). Leadership Qualities. Buzzle.com: Intelligent Life on the Web. Retrieved February 20, 2009 from:
http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/9-3-2004-58861.asp.
Bennis, W. (2003). On Becoming a Leader. New York: Basic Books.
Robbins, A. (1991). Awaken the Giant Within: How to Take Immediate Control of Your Mental, Emotional, Physical, and Financial Destiny. New York: Free Press.
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It is true that Barack and Iacocca do not say what people want to hear. In researching Iacocca, I have found him to be shockingly outspoken. Iacocca is not content with the way the government has been run, and is very direct in his views. At 82 years old, he continues to have a lot of passion about government and leaders. Obama's inspirational skills are key to his success. He is extremely motivating and has the ability to make others want to follow him. Iacocca has some of those same qualities in a leader. He not only had to win over the customer, but also the entire corporation that he led.
ReplyDeleteBarack Obama and Tavis Smiley posesses some of the same leadership qualities but they are driven by different passions. Obama's leadership agenda is more global where as Smiley's is based on a more "grass roots" philosophy. It is very clear to me that both of these two Black men want the best for thier communities but have differing approaches.
ReplyDeleteHi Peggy!
ReplyDeleteBennis also quotes Norman Lear " You have to look at success incrementally". I hope the country will give Obama the time to accomplish his vision. However we do live in an instantaneous gratification style world. It will be something akin to a "thriller" in that we all will be perched on the edge of our seats waiting to see what will happen!