Obama An Intellectual NOT A Cowboy.

“We reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our founding fathers, faced with perils that we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake.” With those words on inaugural day Obama assumed the mantle of leadership but he has since left many confused as they have tried to define his leadership style or explain the Obama Doctrine.

Leadership style is the manner and approach of providing direction, implementing plans, and motivating people (Nel  et al., 2006).

Obama (Leadership style) has embodied the epitome of a true intellectual where actions are not determined by precedent or policy but by practicality and prudence, generously garnished with thoughtful insight. He has shown that instincts are not a substitute for fact. This approach may have alienated him from his base, emboldened his opponents to go for his jugular and weakened his position.

The first major issue he tackled shortly after taking the oath of office was the financial down turn that started in 2008. He adopted a similar package already started by G. Bush by passing the stimulus package which was less than what most leading democrats had suggested but contrary to the “no-action policy” the republicans wanted. On the health care debate he adopted the same attitude by outlining the frame work for the bill while leaving the specifics for the congressional leaders to iron out resulting in compromises in key components he would have wanted such as the single payer system. When it came to Afghanistan, he took his time (6 months) to make up his mind and his final decision was a troop surge less than was requested but sufficient to do the job. One year later (in June this year) he announced the objectives had been broadly achieved and troop withdrawal would begin in earnest at a pace too slow for the democrats and contrary to republican wishes that want more season of fighting at huge costs to the tax payer. In his Afghanistan draw down speech he (Obama) acknowledged this fact when he said, “Some would have America retreat from our responsibility as an anchor of global security, and embrace an isolation that ignores the very real threats that we face. Others would have America over-extend ourselves, confronting every evil that can be found abroad. WE MUST CHART A MORE CENTRED COURSE.”

What has emerged over the last two and half years of Obama leadership is a man who is willing to lead by broad consensus. One who tries to appease all except himself, ever willing to accept the middle-road in dealing with issues and happy to accept criticism from the public. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his address to the congress with a condescending tone literally belittled Obama before a congress yet Obama’s response was conciliatory and as always optimistic of two State solution of the Israel-Palestine conflict.

 
Obama’s leadership style is definitely not one that we are used to from politicians but at a time when America is divided, with deep economic and social problems, he sure stands as the only beacon of sensibility in the confused world of partisan politics.