Barack Obama’s Leadership Style

Topic: Politicians
Words: 284 Pages: 1

Barack Obama was the 44th President of the United States and, at the same time, the first American president who was an African. He was elected on November 4, 2008, over Senator John McCain of Arizona. Obama’s campaign slogan was “Yes we can” “and “Change We Can Believe me.” His presidency was marked by critical achievements, such as the passage of the affordable care act, the killing of Osama bin Laden and the legalization of gay marriage by the Supreme Court. I admire his zeal and determination that saw him owning so many titles, to list a few:

  • The president of the U.S. government from 2009-2017.
  • The senator of Illinois Senate in the years 1997-2004.
  • Associate Counsel in 1993-1996.
  • Director of Illinois project vote in 1992.
  • The organizer of the Developing Communities Project from 1985-1988.

The critical leadership style shown by Obama is transformational or charismatic leadership. Any list of the most impressive achievements of Obama’s first 100 days should start with intangible qualities of transformational leadership (Ramadhansya, 2015). This style is exhibited when the president discusses with other prime leaders and even with the citizens to create a connection that raises motivation and morality levels in both the leader and the follower.

His second leadership style was charismatic, for he had a strong desire to influence others through his confidence and strong moral values that attracted not only Americans but also foreigners. He was and still is considered one of the best speech givers in the history of American presidents. In conclusion, his many quotes during his presidency have been very influential to many citizens. He said that if you cannot let your failures define you, you have to let them teach you.

Reference

Ramadhansya, B. P. (2015). Discourse analysis in the Huffington Post’s Gay Voices (@Huff Post Gay) tweets in The Year of 2014 [A Thesis]. Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University.