Personal attributes, context and providence converged to give Obama victory

Dear Editor,
While the euphoria of Obama’s victory is still on, there are a number of leadership lessons we can learn from the recent presidential election in America. The key factors of personal attributes, context and providence all interacted to earn Obama – the President-elect − that unbelievable and astonishing victory. Today, the White House is no more exclusively for the whites; it is an office that all Americans, irrespective of race, can aspire to and occupy.

No more can we subscribe to the idea that leaders are born. Barack made himself what he is today. The attribute of believing in oneself and having confidence in one’s ability is basic. This he exhibited. To have defeated Hilary Clinton as Democratic Party nominee in the primary is itself no mean feat. Besides, not to have chosen Hilary as his Vice-President and yet win a landslide also attests to the character of Obama as a leader − believing in oneself and remaining focused.

Clear vision is also a vital element. The central message of Obama to the Americans was that President Bush had deviated from the ideals of what America stood for. And that change was necessary to restore the hope and ideals of America, a strong nation of equal opportunity as well as economic and military strength, that is respected among the community of nations.

Obama is an inspirational leader. His eloquence and oratory are infectious − a leader who can hold his audience. His presentation skills are superb. This is a vital attribute so you can put across your message convincingly. Facts aside, a leader will need to buy into the emotion of followers.
A vision (as a dream) will only remain such unless it is translated into positive results. To do this, an effective leader must have the appropriate strategy. Obama reflected this. He chose the right associates who shared the same beliefs and who developed the right campaign strategies that earned him victory. The grass roots was mobilized; young college students were convinced to persuade their orthodox /white parents to vote for the black American; a huge amount of money was raised; the internet was effectively utilized to reach as many people as possible; and every detail was meticulously scrutinized and implemented. In his acceptance speech after the election, Obama acknowledged this by thanking his campaign manager, and by implication all his campaign strategists, for a job well done.

Humility and selfless service are some of the other attributes required for effectiveness as a leader. The humble background of Obama groomed him to have the humility that an effective leader needs. In addition, this could have contributed to his disposition for community work which endeared people to him. This is necessary so a leader can know and experience how others who are less fortunate feel. To win the sympathy of people we must have the key to their hearts.

In addition to personal qualities one could also attribute Obama’s success to the context, or American culture; this is a nation which believes in her citizens who are given equal opportunity. One would like to congratulate America for setting up a model other nations can emulate. Race and associated double standards have for too long been challenges that most nations have not been able to overcome, with adverse political, economic and development implications. Leaders of other nations will need to learn from this.

Finally there is the issue of providence. To what extent had this played a role in the election of Obama? This is a contestable issue, depending on one’s belief system. Going by age, colour, experience, family background, exposure, track record in politics, no one could have tipped Mr Barack Obama as a favoured candidate for the White House. In fact his name was not, so to say, known in American politics. But here today, the Golden Boy, come January 2009, will be, by God’s Grace, sworn in as the President of the most powerful nation in the world. This is why one can surmise that providence can shape events, politics inclusive. There is the view that up till the point when the economic crisis surfaced in the campaign, the race was so tight that it could have gone either way. Then the economic issue struck, Senator McCain took time off to go to Congress, supposedly to join others to sort out things, and it backfired. The result is that it played in favour of Obama. How is it that things just fitted together for Obama? − that is providence. The lesson for leaders is that having played their role effectively and with the right personality/disposition, leaders should leave the rest to God or providence. McCain’s gracious congratulatory message after the election is also a reflection of how a good leader should accept the will of the people and providence.
Yours faithfully,
Abraham Ogowewo