December 16th, 2008 | by Jack Reichert
Often, when envisioning a person who has great leadership qualities, people imagine a strong-willed individual who is good at getting others to do what he needs them to do. While the term “leader” implies that you are able to influence others, being a good leader includes much more. One example of this complexity is how is a leader to know in what direction to lead?
President-elect Obama is coming into a leadership position during very difficult times. To name a few reasons: the world economy is in the dumps, people are losing jobs left and right, America is actively involved in multiple military fronts and people aren’t getting the health care that they need. Sadly, the list could go on. So the question is how can the future president effectively tackle so many difficult issues?
From “The Ethics of our Fathers,” there is a traditional Jewish maxim: “Who is wise? One that can learn from everyone.” I believe that this edict certainly applies to the question: “Who is a good leader?”
One of the first jobs of a politician is to appoint the people that will advise and work with him. Usually these posts come with a fair amount of power, money and prestige. Because of this many politicians use this opportunity to return favors to people who helped them reach their new appointment. What inevitably happens is that the best people for the job are not appointed.
What has impressed me most about President-elect Obama’s team has been that it is well thought out. He has been choosing experts and strong, intelligent candidates for each position that he has filled. This shows his strong leadership qualities.
I began by saying asking: “how is a leader to know in what direction to lead?” I think that part of the answer to that question has to be: by surrounding himself by experts on the issues that he needs to deal with. And this is exactly what President-elect Obama has been doing.
But the edict I quoted says: “One that can learn from everyone.”
If you visit the official website of President-elect Obama you will find multiple requests, in many different forms, to give you opinion on the issues on the table. Being a good leader is not only about listening to the people that you think are experts but also making sure to hear from as many people as possible.
How many people are in the mailroom even though they are overqualified for the job so that they can work their way up in the company? I am sure that if you listened to what that employee had to say you would find a refreshing new perspective.
How many “ingenious” inventions were only improvements on versions of the same idea that did not quite make the cut?
A first step to being a great leader is about:
- Surrounding yourself with the right people for the job.
- Understanding that everyone has a unique perspective and you should not overlook the advice of a “common man.”
President-elect Obama seems to be starting on the right foot. Let us hope that he continues in the right direction, for surrounding yourself with people with the right answers doesn’t mean that you’ll be able to identify which answer is right. Nor does it mean that you’ll listen to the right answer. Sometimes it can be a hard choice to make.
Image Credit: jmtimages
11 Responses to “Leadership Qualities of President-elect Barack Obama”
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Barack Obama for me is the most charismatic president to be ever elected. He also makes great decisions, for example in the ecomomic stimulus package to counter the effects of recession.
Barack Obama is not only a charismatic president but he is a very intelligent and smart person too. I congratulate him for winning a Nobel Peace Prize .
barack obama for me only takl about goid decision,but he doesnt do them ,for examples :some people dont have know job.
I belive Barack Obama has become a great source of encouragement. We can achieve our dreams no matter what.
i believe that Barack Obama is the president that the US needs in these hard times. I do not like the local and foreign policy of any Rebublican.
Barack Obama is a very special person since he is the first black president of the United States of America. his ability as a president is also very good and his plans for economic recovery is a good one.
Barack Obama may be a charismatic leader but somehow his economic policies are not that great in my own opinion. But still i am thankful that a Obama is the current president of the unitied states.
Barack Obama’s book, “The Audacity of Hope,” provides a catchy title. It has a taste of bravery mixed confidently. You’ll find nothing Pollyanna regarding this. I might not support almost everything he tells, but he’s our president, as well as for me, he creates confidence. That can do more for just a region than any number of backroom deals. Hope gives us energy, and energy sustains us through trying times. Boy, we’ve had them. I’m from West Texas, and I did not vote for Bush. When McCain ran against Obama, I used to be a citizen of Arizona, but I gave audacious hope a chance. The fight for progress and laying the foundations of prosperity will not be over. I have come across the quips of those who don’t believe Obama can do it. But step back a moment. Would anyone have all of us fail just to tarnish the star of an incumbent for whom they did not vote? Keeping our priorities straight, let’s work together with our president and build our future.
I think this is the man for the season. His leadership has become an inspiration for upcoming young leaders
howdy, I read all your blogs, keep them coming.
Barack Obama is the best democrat president in my opinion. he makes the best judgment and foreign policies..~