He projects a persona of trustworthiness, likability and brilliance that even his harshest critics admire. But a multiplicity of goals does not always make for a sense of coherent mission, and this sense of mission is required to sustain as well as initiate major changes. One of Obama's most-admired historical figures was Abraham Lincoln and: "Lincoln united his followers with a 'corporate mission' of preserving the Union and abolishing slavery, and this objective became more firm and resolute with the onslaught of the Civil War" (Lewis 2009). Of course, Lincoln had the advantage of having a single crisis to deal with -- Obama has many, spanning from healthcare, to the environment, to the financial crisis, to two wars. Creating a coherent philosophy to unite his ambitious, compassionate social objectives and the need for strong action on terror is no easy feat. As a leader, Obama's greatest strength is his ability to influence the American public with his words, and the integrity he embodies within his own story and persona. "His strength over the past 12 months has been his non-anxious presence…the calm, reasoned, informed and respectful way that President Obama approaches the myriad of problems facing the nation is impressive. It is not normative leadership behavior to a citizenry that wants immediate results and has so little faith in the government's ability to look out for its best interests" (Scott 2010). Obama may be a new kind of leader, but because this style has not characterized American government in the past, he is still trying to shape how this new presidential style will take form. He is still feeling his way in terms of how to prioritize and mobilize others to enact his vision, as well as to use his own charisma and character to inspire others.

References

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