So what is Barack Obama’s ultimate leadership style? Would you hire Obama to run your company, or one of its divisions? Is his method of management focused, confused, or something else? What is the management “science” of Barack Obama, and how would professionals evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of that type of leadership?
Just as baseball is a thinking man’s (or woman’s) game, President Obama is a thinking man’s (or woman’s) president. People who dislike baseball believe the game to be slow and lacking in action. Unless a batter hits a double, triple or homerun, or there is an outstanding defensive play, it can be a bit of a yawn. Routine base hits, walks or steals are not terribly exciting unless you’re playing small ball (doing small things which eventually add up). But for the true baseball enthusiast, the manager’s strategy, base running, batting and pitching are edge- of- your- seat excitement.
I remember when I first got into baseball, I could not discern the difference between a curve ball, breaking ball or fast ball. I just could not pick up the subtleties in the movement of the ball with my inexperienced eye. Now, many years later, I have eyes to see.
I believe people who are dissatisfied with or are critical of the president cannot discern leadership style from leadership competencies. In our country and corporate culture, we tend to be biased toward the aggressive, in-your-face, cowboy leadership style though there is no evidence that this style is superior in any way. Our former president’s resolve (you’re either with us or against us) and lack of analytical thinking, led us to Iraq in spite of not having the intelligence to do so. As an executive coach of nearly 30 years, I am troubled when leaders who tend to be more quiet and thoughtful are perceived as lacking leadership chops. There is no one or best way to lead.
Obama suffers from a lack of understanding and appreciation for his more thoughtful and results oriented style. Although he thinks and reacts quickly, he is restrained by the desire to explore all possible solutions before making a final decision. He sincerely wants to get it right even if his analytical, weighing-the- pros and cons style looks like “dithering”. His subtle and indirect approach to conflict is not aggressive enough for some and causes them to believe he is leading from behind or doing nothing at all. His desire to work within the system as opposed to more overtly and aggressively challenging the status quo, is cause for others to view him a sellout. Those who work closely with him know him as an incessant questioner. This speaks to his need to be as accurate as possible. Though he is a dazzling orator and connects well with people, the man himself is more personally reserved and emotionally contained.
We learned more about the leadership style of Obama, when the details of the decision to kill Bin Laden became available. Once he was satisfied that he had all the facts and had properly weighed the pros and cons, he took charge, stepped up to the challenge and made the decision to send in the Seals. During the campaign, Obama was criticized for not being tough enough. He clearly accepts aggression but restrains his expression of emotion.
Obama’s innate desire to bring about change – be it in Chicago or Washington- would be frustrated in a corporate environment. His enormous intellect and vision would need freedom to explore ideas and the authority to examine and retest findings. He would likely not be a good fit for a corporate role.
In his focused drive to get things done, he has been less concerned with how he is coming across and how others perceive his actions. As a result, he is seen as distant, cool and aloof.
If Obama were a professional baseball player, he would be the pitcher. His power, strategy, precision and analytical thinking would thrill the fans and frustrate batters. His ability to keep the opposing team in check would allow his team to do what they do best and get runs on the board.
Obama is a strong and natural leader but, you have to have eyes to see.
Submitted by:
Veronica J. Holcomb
Leadership Strategist and Coach
Author of Ready, Set, Grow! 10 Success Strategies for Winning in the Workplace; co-author: Leadership Defined
President, VJ Holcomb Associates
www.vjholcomb.com
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