Barack Obama: a 21st Century Leader

We stand at the beginning of the 21st century facing a time of incredible change, increasing complexity and worldwide challenge. The extent of the issues and the intricacy of their interrelatedness demand a caliber of leadership not easily found yet necessary for humanity to move safely through the 21st century and beyond. What is needed in the 21st century are enlightened leaders who can guide civilization to a secure destination. A 21st century leader is one who leads with both competence and character; one with the experience and knowledge to understand the topics they are responsible for, and the courage, faith, justice, prudence, temperance, love and hope to wield it responsibly (Kolp & Rhea, p. 20).

In considering one of the most visible leaders of the 21^st century, Barack Obama has shown a number of traits that match a more 21st century style. Perhaps most notably is his ability to provide a vision for change that inspires hope, faith, connection and service.  In a BusinessWeek article describing Obama’s first trip to Europe, it said that he “inspired by actively listening, acknowledging, relating, confronting, setting boundaries, and defining an inescapable future — and in that sequence. He did not favor the new at the expense of the old; he did not favor friends at the expense of others; he was more concerned with impact than results. Obama impressed by listening to the arguments and demonstrating how much he knew of the issues on the agenda and how interested he was in understanding them. He solicited reactions to counterarguments that he offered and also took personal notes” (Mourkogiannis, April 24, 2009).

While this is not a description of “action” in the traditional sense – no war was won or deal signed – the abilities to listen, understand, respect, share, enlighten and inspire are the oil that greases the machine to get there. It's this nuance that we need in our leaders to successfully face this new era of change, challenge and opportunity.

Comments

[Heidi Marmen]

I couldn't agree more! It's nice to have a respected leader once again. As intense as he is when speaking, his intensity is just as strong in listening. He truly hears and makes every attempt to see different perspectives.
(I do want to see him "open up" on BP and demand progress and real action though.)