Listening As Self-Leadership and Diplomacy
In a newspaper editorial the day following Pres.
Obama's return from his first European trip in office the columnist notes, to paraphrase, "in an epochal development, Pres.
Obama seems to have his testosterone under control- he doesn't strut, swagger or flex.
"(Swagga not-with-standing...
!) Apparently, Obama's view is to show leadership by listening and working in partnership with others in humility even while taking a stand.
Naysayers proclaim this will show up the United States as weak and therefore vulnerable.
They also bristled when he reminded the Turks that his middle name was Hussein and that he had lived in a Muslim country, considering this a sort of selling out.
From a more informed view, one could say he was simply using good practices of finding common ground and building rapport with his audience before announcing, "I get you.
We are not enemies".
On this friendly, non-adversarial foundation he is in a better position to make policy requests as and when needed, for the perceived good of all concerned.
To me, this is an edifying and hopeful approach which takes far more courage than saber rattling.
And it has nothing to do with political views.
Leadership of others starts with self-leadership.
Policy wise, this is exemplified in Pres.
Obama's support of National Service.
While details are still scanty, I am hopeful for a program that calls upon self leadership and creative expression to make a positive contribution in the wider world.
This is Living Legacy in action! I am grateful we seem to have an excellent role model in President Obama.
Can we follow his example, and lead by listening more in our own lives? Yes, we can! In the spirit of evolving 21st century humans, step out and step up!
Obama's return from his first European trip in office the columnist notes, to paraphrase, "in an epochal development, Pres.
Obama seems to have his testosterone under control- he doesn't strut, swagger or flex.
"(Swagga not-with-standing...
!) Apparently, Obama's view is to show leadership by listening and working in partnership with others in humility even while taking a stand.
Naysayers proclaim this will show up the United States as weak and therefore vulnerable.
They also bristled when he reminded the Turks that his middle name was Hussein and that he had lived in a Muslim country, considering this a sort of selling out.
From a more informed view, one could say he was simply using good practices of finding common ground and building rapport with his audience before announcing, "I get you.
We are not enemies".
On this friendly, non-adversarial foundation he is in a better position to make policy requests as and when needed, for the perceived good of all concerned.
To me, this is an edifying and hopeful approach which takes far more courage than saber rattling.
And it has nothing to do with political views.
Leadership of others starts with self-leadership.
Policy wise, this is exemplified in Pres.
Obama's support of National Service.
While details are still scanty, I am hopeful for a program that calls upon self leadership and creative expression to make a positive contribution in the wider world.
This is Living Legacy in action! I am grateful we seem to have an excellent role model in President Obama.
Can we follow his example, and lead by listening more in our own lives? Yes, we can! In the spirit of evolving 21st century humans, step out and step up!
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