Discussion: Leaders and Stakeholders’ Perspectives

Transformational Leadership: Barak Obama

Barak Obama has been an iconic leader in this nation for quite a while, even before he became President of the United States. Using his experiences from his childhood he motivated himself through college and Harvard Law School. After graduating from Harvard law, he proceeded in a career as a civil rights lawyer. He soon became a leader figure in the community, setting the stage for his chance to run for senator of Illinois. These steps soon lead up to him eventually becoming the President of the United States. During his stretch in leadership Barak incorporated many different types of leadership skills that he tailored to fit the needs of the greater good. From definitions in the textbook, Leadership Theory and Practice Seventh Edition, Barak exhibits examples of Transformational leadership, Path-Goal Theory (Supportive leadership), Adaptive leadership and Authentic leaderships.  “Transformational Leadership is a process that changes and transforms individuals” (Northouse, 2016). Transformational leadership uses things like emotions and values to help influence their followers to welcome and take on the leaders’ way of thinking or idea. In President Obamas case in his earlier years as a politician and civil rights lawyer he used this style of leadership a lot. By appealing to a certain group and creating connections in his targeted communities he would leave a positive mark in people’s lives, establishing him a starter base of followers. He did also use this tactic or style of leadership during his Presidency. He used the concept of values to influence his followers to adapt his way of thinking. I say this because Obama used religion and being able to connect to people in multiple religions as a to get his views and points across.  Another leadership theory that President Obama has used to become the effective leader that he was, Path- Goal Theory. To be specific he focused on Supportive leadership. Path-goal theory is defined as, “…how leaders motivate followers to accomplish designated goals” (Northouse, 2016). This leadership skill is an important one to have. A definition of supportive leadership is, “Supportive leadership is a naturally organic and emotionally sensitive style; like other styles, it is especially useful in certain circumstances, but the company must adopt a culture that encourages such styles for them to be effective” (Lacoma, 2017). President Obama made sure that an environment was created where this style of leadership would be accepted and thrive. A good example of him displaying this style of leadership would be his relationship with Vice President Joe Biden during his presidency. His relationship with his Vice President Biden shows how he is willing to work alongside his followers. He never used dominance or authority to intimidate his followers. President Obama has been a prime case of how being a sensitive, empowering leader would result in loyal and happy followers who are willing to work. The main objective is to successfully complete tasks and reach goals set before the leader and the followers. Being a supportive leader will bring out the best in your followers. Obama understood the concept of being a supportive leader and used his uplifting words and energy to support and lead his followers.  Adaptive leadership is the framework of President Obama’s leadership style. Adaptive leadership can be defined as, “Focus on the adaptations required of people in response to changing environments” (Northouse,2016). President Obama had to adapt a lot when moving up in the ladder of success. From being a civil rights lawyer, to becoming a senator, to becoming the President of the United States of America. From each stage that he achieved in his career he gained more follower. By gaining more followers he would often have to broaden and alter his views. This would lead to his followers also having their view broadened. This can be seen by observing the issue that were very important to Obama during his time running as senator of Illinois and his time running as President. While run as senator his focus was more geared towards civil rights and creating effective changes with in his state. He had a smaller demographic to tend to. As he ran for president he expanded his views and created his follicle points more about healthcare for all citizens and creating more jobs. As things changed in his career he had to adapt to these changes and help those people, who trusted him and followed him, adapt to these changes as well. Not being able to handle these transitions well would had caused his followers to lose faith in him and what he was stood for. Being a leader that is able to adapt to changes, and help others adapt, is crucial being that things constantly change. Obama utilized this style completely and mastered it.  The last leadership style that President Obama used during his presidency is Authentic leadership. One way that Webster defines authentic is, “not false or imitation”. Authentic leadership is defined as, “the focus on whether the leadership is genuine” (Northouse,2016). Not all leaders are interested in making true genuine relationships with their follower. President Obama took a lot of time to really listen the average persons’ problems. An example of how he portrayed this style of leadership would be how he visited small towns and took time out to talk people, especially if there was an event that effected that community. “President Barack Obama made a three hour visit to see the devastating aftermath of wildfires in Colorado, which have killed at least two residents and destroyed hundreds of homes” (The Telegraph, 2012). He was truly interested in help and creating a change in others lives. Authentic leadership isn’t a style that can really be taught because it is natural and comes from within.  By incorporating a variety of leadership skills President Obama was the most effective President he could be. He accomplished things that past Presidents were not able to achieve. He also built alliances/ relationships with other countries. As a leader, he has been a great example for his followers on many things. He used his way with words and personality to reach his followers. He communicated openly and effectively, which allowed him to be a sufficient leader.

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