The office of the American presidency is a multi-faceted occupation that requires many kinds of leadrship styles. This hub briefly discusses some of the hats worn by the latest president, Mr. Barack Obama.

New President Barack Obama has gotten the attention of American's and foreigners alike due to his charismatic nature. A charismatic leader has an unncanny ability to draw others to his side and move them to accomplish a cause bigger than themselves. A charismatic approach is transformational if it invokes a permanent change in the people who embrace the leader's vision. Thus far, Prseident Obama has woed many to his vision which has the potential to make a huge difference in both domestic and foreign affairs.

Under the Bush Administration, America's image lost much of its shine. This was mostly due to a unilateral, ethnocentirc foreign policy espoused by Bush and Cheney. While not taking America's safety needs for granted, Obama has formulated a more cross-cultural approach to the world, thinking not only of the US's interests but also the interests of the other nations as well. In the first six months on the job, Obama has traveled abroad more than any other president at this point of his administration and has paid attention to cultural norms in the places where he traveled.

Not only has Obama been culturally sensitive and transformational, he has been able to respond to various situations using different types of leadership models. When traveling abroad Obama has been conciliatory, humble and apt to listen before speaking. When facing the failing automobile, he does not mince words but stands tough to call for necessary changes like forcing GM and Chrysler to accept new MPG standards and pare down their long-time commitment to NASCAR. Under the heat of the current foreign and economic troubles, Obama has worked hard to accomplish what he promised understanding that each second he waits may mean a lost home or job for another group of citizens. Whether one likes what he has done or not, Obama has not shied away from the challenges that faced him when he accepted the job as president.

 Sarah Moore and Angela Rodgers, students at the College of Saint Benedict in St. Joseph, Minn., did a research project on “The Personality Profile of President Barack Obama: Leadership Implications” and presented the results at the 6th annual Minnesota Private Colleges Scholars at the Capitol event, Feb. 19, in the State Capitol rotunda, St. Paul, Minn.

The profile revealed that Barack Obama is ambitious and confident; modestly dominant and self-asserting; accommodating, cooperative, and agreeable; somewhat outgoing and congenial; and relatively conscientious. The combination of ambitious and accommodating patterns in Obama’s profile suggests a “confident conciliator” personality composite.

Leaders with this personality prototype, though self-assured and ambitious, are characteristically gracious, considerate, and benevolent. They are energetic, charming, and agreeable, with a special talent for settling differences and a preference for mediation and compromise over force or coercion as a strategy for resolving conflict. They are driven primarily by a need for achievement, but also have substantial affiliation needs and a modest need for power.

The study offers an empirically based framework for anticipating Obama’s performance as chief executive. The following general predictions regarding Obama’s likely leadership style can be inferred from his personality profile:

• Ambitious, self-assured, gracious, considerate
• Preference for mediation and compromise over force or coercion as a strategy for resolving conflict
• High need for achievement; moderate need for affiliation; low need for power
• More pragmatic than ideological
• More task- than relationship oriented
• Likely to act as a strong advocate in his administration, using his powers of persuasion to advance his policy vision
• Preference for gathering information from a variety of sources rather than relying solely on advisors and administration officials
• In dealing with members of Congress, may show preference for avoiding unnecessary conflict by trying to remain above the fray in heated, highly divisive debates
• Preference for articulating and defending his policies in person rather than relying on staff and administration officials to speak for him