Obama’s Charisma led him to the Whitehouse

Arjun Verma

0864379

BADM*4340 - S16 (S1)

June 20, 2016

Table of Contents

Introduction 2-3

Methodology 3

Analysis and Discussion 3-6

Charismatic Leadership 4-5

The Role of Charismatic Content and Delivery Style 5-6

Conclusion 6-7

Bibliography 8-10

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Obama’s Charisma led him to the Whitehouse

Introduction

Leadership is a dominant area with people with charisma and charming personalities tend to be

very effective. Charismatic leaders have an emotional impact on people and inspire them to do

more than what they would normally do – despite obstacles and personal sacrifice (Draft, page

361). A nation claiming to be far more divided than ever and its economy still recovering from

the negative effects of the financial crisis, Barack Obama’s charismatic traits played a significant

role to re-unite the United States of America. Charismatic leaders are mainly dominant, self-

confident and portray strong verdicts for their views and opinions. A charismatic leader's

influence is the result of referent power, allowing them to effectively communicate a vision of

the desired future and convincing followers that they are the ones who shall take them to that

future state. A charismatic leader displays optimism towards their followers each of the

followers, making them more than willing to support the leader's efforts (Sherri Hartzell, The

Charismatic Leader). The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how Obama’s charismatic traits

steered him to secure the highest and most prestigious office in the land, the Whitehouse.

President Barack Obama is a member of the Democratic Party. He was elected the 44th President

of the United States on November 4th, 2008, and he made history by becoming the first African

American President of the United States (Obama, B, 2014). At the time he was elected, he was a

U.S. Senator. His presidency is recognized for health care reform and economic stimulus

legislation. Obama initially received notice for his well-delivered speech during the 2004

Democratic National Convention, at which point many Americans became familiar with him and

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started following his political career. Obama’s early life experiences, education, and professional

career; including numerous well-delivered speeches prior to presidency, are also what led him to

the Whitehouse.

Methodology

When it comes to supporting this hypothesis, it is important to understand the series of events

that lead up to Obama’s presidency. To begin, by exploring his personal life experiences,

education, and professional/ political involvement, it is safe to safe his demeanor and attitudes

are consistent with charismatic theories. Sources and information including: interviews,

documentaries, the Leadership Experience textbook (6th Edition), examples of charisma –

specific to Obama, videos of speeches, academically accepted biographies, journals, posts, and

articles are specifically considered in support of this paper. Creditable information and facts will

help illustrate stronger connections between Obama’s leadership style, education, and personal

and professional life experiences, to better understand his journey to the Whitehouse.

Analysis and Discussion

From appraising almost anyone to electing public leaders, inspiring dialogue consistent with

leadership theories played a crucial role along Obama’s path to the Whitehouse. Although

multiple leadership theories could be used to describe Obama, the charismatic leadership theory

is the sole theory, which describes his leadership to the fullest capacity. It highlights aspects of

the leader – follower’s relationship as well as the effectiveness in content delivery, in this case –

political messages and views on certain policies. Together, they are particularly relevant in

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helping understand how a relatively young and unsophisticated senator, ascended to the

Whitehouse.

Charismatic Leadership – Looking Forward

“That is the true genius of America… A faith in simply dreams, an insistence on small miracles –

that we can tuck in our children at night, and know that they are fed and clothed and safe from

harm. That we can say what we think; write what we think without hearing a sudden knock on

the door... That we can have an idea and start our own business, without paying a bribe... That

we can participate in the political process without fear of retribution, and that our votes will be

counted - at least most of the time” – Barack Obama, July 2004. (Obama, Barack. DNC)

Charismatic leaders articulate an idealized vision of a better future. They have an ability to

clearly and compellingly communicate complex ideas and goals, so that people understand and

identify with their message (Draft, page 363). In 2004, prior to presidency, Obama delivered the

keynote speech endorsing John Kerry for president in 2004, at the National Democratic

Convention, in Boston, Massachusetts. Here, was first introduced to the world and is recognized

for a well-delivered speech, along with his political message and more importantly, his vision

and clarity of direction for the future in which America should be headed. Obama’s message,

portrayed slogans such as “Hope we can believe in”, “Hope you can believe in”, “Together We

Can”, and “Yes We Can”; encouraged Americans to be more open minded, liberal and hopeful to

create a better future for the United States. It is the leaders job to clearly communicate where the

group or organization is headed and why (Draft, page 212). Having clear goals helps people

know where to focus their attention and energy, enables them to track their own progress, and

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lets them feel a sense of pride and accomplishment when goals are achieved (Draft, page 212).

Obama’s vision for America and magnetic delivery style resulted to followers and colleagues

contributing to almost anything Obama asked for.

“If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are

possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions

the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer...Change has come to America. A new dawn

of American leadership is at hand.” – Barack Obama, November 2, 2008 (Obama, Barack).

The Role of Charismatic Content and Delivery Style

Throughout American history there have been many influential leaders with great charisma who

have turned the world in a new direction with their vision for a brighter future. From George

Washington to Abraham Lincoln to John F. Kennedy, and now the 44th president of the United

States, Barack Hussein Obama. He is the first African American to become president and has

motivated millions around the world as he introduced the philosophy “Yes We Can”, which is

now embedded as a motto in American tradition. This was just the beginning of an escalation of

an obvious charismatic leader who was never the likeliest candidate for President or the front-

runner of the Democratic Party in 2008. Obama has succeeded by bringing large groups of

people from all sorts of backgrounds together as a united community, black or white or Hispanic,

or Asian, young or old, rich or poor, able or disabled, gay or straight (Obama, B, Obama’s Re-

election Speech). Barack Obama demonstrates charisma through his compassion for, and

adapting to the American people, regardless of who they are or what they looked like. Obama

has a very smooth delivery style when speaking, and along with his magnetic and humble

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personality, large groups that want to listen are formed. When Obama addressed these groups as

a whole, his delivery style gives people reasons to believe and feel that they are all one people,

“…American people that [they] are one nation under God, and [they] may call those God

different names but [they] remain one nation” (Barack Obama Quote). Obama uses words such

as “American People” as Americans are known for their patriotism or “we” as opposed to “I”

during speeches to promote unity. Through Obama's charisma, effective communication and

delivery of his messages, he is perceived as honest, a forward-thinker, inspiring and competent.

These are all traits that followers and desirables colleagues look for in their leaders (Draft, page

211).

Conclusion

Overall, it is arguable that many different leadership styles and theories can be applied to

Obama. There is no doubt that charisma played a massive role to his endeavor to the

Whitehouse. Obama portrays all charismatic traits by bringing large groups of people together

through his magnetic and humble personality regardless of individual differences. Whether

individuals were black or white or Hispanic or Asian, young or old, rich or poor, able or

disabled, gay or straight (Obama, B, Obama’s Re-election Speech 2012), Obama succeeded in

bringing together everyone as one American family. His charismatic content, political message,

and delivery style are consistent with leadership theories – even before his presidency. “It is that

fundamental belief -- it is that fundamental belief -- I am my brother's keeper, I am my sisters'

keeper -- that makes this country work. It's what allows us to pursue our individual dreams, yet

still come together as a single American family. ‘E pluribus unum,’ out of many, one” – Barack

Obama, July 2004, (Obama, Barack. Democratic National Convention). Obama’s self-

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confidence, strong conclusions for his beliefs, and ability to generate a vision for the nation has

influenced many to support him. As a result of charismatic leadership, Obama’s has reaffirmed

many beliefs in the United States, inspired millions around the world, and proven that if anyone

can hope and was willing to work hard, they had a shot. To secure the highest and most

prestigious office in the land, the Whitehouse, while motivating an entire nation, and to do it

right the first time, that’s Charismatic Leadership.

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