“Where we are met with cynicism and doubts and those who tell us that we can’t, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes We Can.”
– Barack Obama
Years after leaving the presidency, Barack Obama still remains the symbol of peace and power in American political space. His leadership has evoked patriotism, dedication and admiration throughout his tenure. As the first black president, Obama has faced many challenges and unpleasant confrontations. But he has always maintained a cool façade and exhibited impressive leadership qualities.
Born on August 4 1961, Barack Hussein Obama II has several designations to his name. A lawyer, an author, and a celebrated politician who served as the 44th president of the United States, Obama is a man of many wonders. The 60-year-old American icon is an August-born Leo, known for exhibiting extraordinary leadership skills.
The perfect combination of power, position and humbleness, Obama is a once-in-a-lifetime politician who will ever grace the global political scenario. He even won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize for his “extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples”. He showed the world what a true leader looks like and what characteristics they must exhibit.
Table of Contents
So, here are 5 vital lessons that we must learn from America’s ex-president Barack Obama, brought to you by eminent Astro strategist Hirav Shah.
Lead during crisis
Today Barack Obama is regarded as one of the best political leaders on the face of the earth, all because of his unprecedented disaster management skills. In 2008, he led the country through the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. He dealt with the crisis head-on and took steps to create jobs, rescue the auto industry, and rebuild the economy on a new foundation for growth and prosperity.
Change starts with you
Barack Obama once said, “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” If you are looking for someone else to miraculously make all your problems disappear, then you are probably delusional. No one else will help you if you don’t help yourself. If you don’t like your present living condition, then complaining about it won’t change the reality. Rather, stand up for yourself and work for change.
Hustle silently
Often, the most ignorant people are the ones who are the loudest. If they are boasting about their success, that doesn’t mean they have achieved much or worked hard for it. Learn to ignore such people. Tune out the negativity and focus on what you are trying to accomplish. As Obama rightly pointed out, “The cynics may be the loudest voices – but I promise you, they will accomplish the least.” So, work in silence and let your work speak for you.
Keep trying
Human beings are scared of trying new things. The prospect of going out of our comfort zone and taking the risk scares us. But a true leader, unlike others, isn’t afraid to take risks. Whether it’s starting a business or changing careers, the feeling of uncertainty is almost impossible to shake off. However, you must rise above and stand victorious. Barack Obama once said, “If you run you stand a chance of losing, but if you don’t run you’ve already lost.” Never stop learning and never stop trying.
Conclusion
Though not perfect, Barack Obama would be remembered as one of the greatest presidents in American history. Obama showcased throughout his eight years a good amount of grace and likeability. He showed the world that a diplomat can be resilient but lovable. Labeled as an ‘incurable visionary’ and someone who is deeply “aware”, Obama has made leaps to actualize his vision of an ideal world. More than anything, his generosity and humility prove that he is an ideal role model for the future generation-opines India’s favourite corporate coach and Astro strategist, Hirav Shah.
