Barack Obama’s Presidential Leadership and Charisma Essay (Critical Writing)

As a leader, Obama is very charismatic as exemplified by his simulating speeches. Moreover, the President is also able to connect with his audiences on a higher level when he is communicating. A report titled “A Review of Leadership Theory and Competency Frameworks” was specially made to enhance leadership and management. The report begins by offering historical and theoretical backgrounds of leadership. Furthermore, the authors trace how leadership has evolved for the last 70years. The stages of leadership development are explored with the view of highlighting the important qualities of a leader. According to the report, charisma is one of the traits associated with leadership. However, the report notes that charisma has little to do with transforming leadership. It is also noted that charisma is a behavioral trait that can be learned. The authors note that some leadership models such as the FedEx Model give prominence to charisma as a leadership attribute.

According to the report by Bolden, Gosling, Marturano, and Dennison, (2003) modern leadership theories do not focus on the behaviors and characteristics of leaders. Instead, modern theories on leadership tend to concentrate on the role played by followers about their leader. Therefore, Obama’s charisma only matters through the context of his audience. The authors also note that although charisma is associated with leadership, it is not a determinant of leadership qualities. The charisma exuded by the President in his speeches is a good communication tool that is likely to improve the relationship between him and his subjects. The authors of this report note that only the previous models of leadership associated a leader’s traits, behaviors, and situations with leadership-qualities (Bolden, Gosling, Marturano & Dennison, 2003).

Nevertheless, the report notes that today’s leadership methods emphasize the concept of leaders and followers. Therefore, it is difficult to fit charisma into this equation of leaders and followers. For instance, a good and charismatic speech by the President only outlines his leadership’s agendas as opposed to expressing his servant leadership. In my opinion, Obama’s charisma is a major component of his leadership. Charisma was instrumental in propelling Obama to leadership and it has also helped in sustaining it. However, without this trait, the President would still perform his duties meticulously. Charisma has only helped the President to communicate what his leadership has to offer. Therefore, charisma is the most visible trait in the President and it is more of a communication tool that makes him a good leader.

References

Bolden, R., Gosling, J., Marturano, A., & Dennison, P. (2003). A review of leadership theory and competency frameworks. Web.