Obama's 20 Secrets of Success - The World Security Network Foundation on the US President's leadership success
The World Security Network Foundation, an international,
independent, nonprofit organization, has identified what it
considers to be the 20 reasons which underlie US President
Barack Obama's leadership success, not only domestically, but also,
and crucially, on the international stage. We would like to share
them with our readers:
In the words of Dr Hubertus Hoffmann, President and
Founder of the World
Security Network Foundation:
1. Credibility
Barack Obama says what he does, and does what he says.
The president does not promise miracles, but starts a dialogue
about potential solutions. He consistently goes one level deeper
than many other politicians who stay confined to talking points. He
is topic oriented and does not preach ideologically.
2. Unpleasant truths are expressed
Obama does not tell anyone just what they want to hear. This was
felt most recently by the strong pro-Israel lobby and Prime
Minister Netanyahu, but also by the Iranian President Ahmadinejad.
He can also say no in a friendly but firm manner, making his
opposition to a matter clear.
3. No fear of resistance
Obama is courageous. In his first 100 days, he signed
controversial orders - like the closing of Guantanamo Bay and the
ending of the use of torture - even against strong opposition in
the US. The same is true for other hard issues like Afghanistan and
Pakistan, Russia or Iraq; his actions show that he is not afraid of
resistance to his policies and is willing to push them through.
4. He listens
In speeches, meetings, and major decisions, President Obama has
shown that he actively listens to his counterparties on every
issue, engages their opinions, and understands their perspective.
His speeches are more effective because he can summarize opposing
views. He gives attention to all who make opinions, even those he
strongly disagrees with.
5. Open to other opinions and a dialogue
The president's leadership style is inclusive and conciliatory; he
includes others and encourages dialogue to come to a stronger
understanding.
6. Not a cynic or power monger
Obama justifies his actions by openly speaking of ideals and
norms, convincing others by sharing visions for a better world. He
does not linger on petty political issues or on expanding his own
power, but uses his power as President - the most powerful position
in the world - to pursue his ideals.
7. Is at rest in his family and acts as a role model for
his children
President Obama takes support from his family and particularly
his well-educated, articulate wife. Together, they are the picture
of an egalitarian, 21st century couple. Barack Obama is a
responsible father who shows his daughters by example what they can
achieve with hard work, intelligence, and determination.
8. Goes into depth and gets to the bottom of
issues
Barack Obama's positions on issues are not just simple
convictions, spilled "from the gut", but are carefully formed
opinions, examined by his curious, questioning mind. By asking the
right questions and opnely hitting on the key points of contention,
Obama goes beyond sound bytes to dive deep into the core of
issues.
9. Sees himself as a person - and not as a superior
American
When you see yourself as superior to others, regardless of where
you are from, you destroy your own ability to relate to others and
gain their respect. What the world needs in all its leaders are
responsible global citizens. Barack Obama is a global citizen, and
interacts with people of other countries as equals - not as
inferiors to be pushed around.
10. Surrounds himself with the best
advisors
Before and after the election, Obama chose true experts as his
advisors to help write policy and to hold key cabinet positions.
After winning, he opened up an application process for positions in
the administration and made decisions based on merit instead of
just political loyalty. By hiring the best experts, even those -
like Hilary Clinton and Robert Gates - that could have been rivals,
he puts divisions behind him and profits from talented experts
giving sound advice.
11. Delegates responsibility
Like any good manager, the President has to be able to delegate
work and responsibility to others. Obama does this; he does not
micromanage his cabinet, but gives them enough free rein to do
their jobs. He stays informed about all fields, but lets others
take initiative and responsiblity.
12. Is open to imagination and new ways
Especially in foreign policy, Barack Obama has shown that he can
reevaluate old ways and come up with better solutions. On Cuba,
Obama has already started a process to encourage political reform
as an alternative to the ineffective embargo. In his dialogue
offers to countries in the Middle East, he may already have changed
the game and started paving the way for real cooperation. The best
example of this is his now famous Cairo speech to the Islamic
world.
13. Has a multi-agenda which he works on concurrently
and systematically
Even while pursuing time-consuming domestic initiatives - like the
healthcare insurance reform that he campaigned on - President Obama
continues to work on pressing global issues like nuclear
proliferation, global warming, etc. He does not let himself get
sidetracked from these tasks, but stays focused on each issue at
the same time.
14. Maintains his naturalness and calmness
Even in the most difficult situations, Obama keeps a cool
composure and an easygoing, natural manner. This shows him as a
leader and establishes confidence among those who see him.
15. Speaks to the hearts of the people
Barack Obama inspires people. With his personal story and his
appeals to people's morals and ideals, he makes supporters out of
skeptics.
16. Has a solid moral anchor in the free values of the
United States of America and the constitution
In his inauguration speech, Obama echoed the thoughts of
founding father Benjamin Franklin, saying "we reject as false the
choice between our safety and our ideals". This refusal to
compromise on America's democratic values and civil freedoms, even
for supposed security, sets Obama apart and establishes him as a
strong defender of freedom.
17. Sees other countries not as enemies but as partners
of America
Barack Obama has taken on a cooperative approach with other
countries on several issues, trading the old confrontation with the
rest of the world for a new engagement. Through NATO and other
alliances, America has a strong circle of allies, which Obama has
chosen to share responsibility with, e.g. on Afghanistan.
18. Recognizes the boundaries of American
power
President Obama has explicitly stated that America's unique
power position in the world has limits and that America's foreign
policy has to be revised accordingly.
19. Is engaging to the outside but strong and assertive
within
Barack Obama is receptive to voices from outside America and has
the political influence to turn concerns into actual policy
within.
20. He embodies the new world of
globalization
At only 47, Obama is fresh and young, like the majority of
movers and shakers around the globe representing the new leadership
generation and responsible elite in the 21st century and their
values, dreams and hopes.
German entrepreneur Dr. Hubertus Hoffmann is founder and
President of the www.worldsecuritynetwork.com
Foundation and
www.codesoftolerance.com in London
Dr. Hubertus Hoffmann
President and Founder
World Security Network Foundation