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Obama's Versatility: The Real Victor
Albuquerque, NM
Thursday, November 06, 2008
We were wooed. We were mesmerized. We were so bought-in to the story that we dropped our chads for Barrack Obama.
But was it the issues, or was it the man?
When leaders create a following, there are certain qualities that drive the "sell" You do not have to be an extrovert, or a wide-eyed visionary, or a boisterous barker delivering a compelling message as if coaxing the fans to cheer with you. That's why successful leaders do not always come from the same ilk. Their styles vary greatly.
But what the successful leaders do have in common is versatility: the ability to adapt to the needs and expectations of others. And it does not necessarily have to be the true ability. It can be simply the appearance of the ability to adapt.
And Obama has it.
As he maneuvered through issues, Obama took cues from interviewers. He could gain trust in his position by appealing to someone personally, and speaking with warmth and direct eye contact. He would sense the issues of the listener and address them with soothing resolutions. Whether they were deep or not does not matter. Issues in the United States have become emotional and a leader that is speaking with assurance simply makes many of us feel better. Can you imagine how many voters cast their ballots based on that alone?
Hey, he looks good. He seems to know what he is talking about. He is likeable.
Sound a little dangerous? Well, it can be if we do not educate ourselves with what the man is saying, not just how he says it.
But was it the issues, or was it the man?
When leaders create a following, there are certain qualities that drive the "sell" You do not have to be an extrovert, or a wide-eyed visionary, or a boisterous barker delivering a compelling message as if coaxing the fans to cheer with you. That's why successful leaders do not always come from the same ilk. Their styles vary greatly.
But what the successful leaders do have in common is versatility: the ability to adapt to the needs and expectations of others. And it does not necessarily have to be the true ability. It can be simply the appearance of the ability to adapt.
And Obama has it.
As he maneuvered through issues, Obama took cues from interviewers. He could gain trust in his position by appealing to someone personally, and speaking with warmth and direct eye contact. He would sense the issues of the listener and address them with soothing resolutions. Whether they were deep or not does not matter. Issues in the United States have become emotional and a leader that is speaking with assurance simply makes many of us feel better. Can you imagine how many voters cast their ballots based on that alone?
Hey, he looks good. He seems to know what he is talking about. He is likeable.
Sound a little dangerous? Well, it can be if we do not educate ourselves with what the man is saying, not just how he says it.
Katie Snapp
President
Better-Leadership.com
Albuquerque, NM
505 280-1427
866-808-7631
First Url: Home for Better Leadership
Second Url: Monthly Leadership Tip
