As I watched the 2013 presidential inauguration of President Barrack Hussein Obama, I was just as amazed and full of hope and amazement as I was when he was elected the first time in 2009.
Although some of the euphoria of being the first African American
president wasn’t as big of an issue as the first inauguration, it was
historic and exciting non-the-less. Hard to imagine but it was just 50
years ago that African Americans were involved in sit-ins and
non-violent demonstrations so African Americans could have the right to
have full citizenship of every other American. It was just 50 years ago
that African Americans did not have the right to vote, the right to use
public facilities and attend public schools, an African American is now
being voted in for his second term. Who would have thought it possible
in this life time?
Comparing Leaders who lead in Difficult and Chaotic Times
President Obama providing leadership during difficult times
Similar to Dr. Martin Luther King, President Obama had to lead in
difficult times. Dr. King led in a time when the country was going
through a turbulent political, social and economic upheaval. Not only
were African Americans demanding equal
rights as citizens of this country, college students across the country
were demanding the end to Vietnam war. There was a social revolution as
for gay citizens of this country and a push to overthrow the
conservative and what some Americans saw as an oppressive society and
government.
Leading in Chaos 50 Years Later
Fast forward 50 years later and the country is still going through a
political, social and economic upheaval. African Americans as well as
citizens in states where Republicans want to keep control, are forced to
stay in long lines and endure unnecessarily long f0rms to vote, gay
citizens are demanding their rights to be citizens and the country’s
economy in a downward spiral. As the old adage goes, the more things
change, the more the stay the same. The United States has been at war
since 2011 in both Afghanistan and Iraq. But it seems the right leaders
are born at the right place and the right time.
How Both Leaders Led Effectively in difficult Times
Both had to compromise their views and differences for the benefit of the people at large
Both had to galvanize a cross section of people to gain support for their policies
Both leaders gave their followers hope for a better future
Both leaders engaged the heart by stirring up the people and creating excitement
Both leaders used their high values to see above the current situation
Both leaders dealt with the hard issues head on.
Both leaders had great people on their teams to help them with their cause
As John C. Maxwell states, “Everything rises and falls on
Leadership.” President Obama and Martin Luther King had to use
extraordinary leadership skills and personal leadership values to deal
with situations at difficult times. During those times, there were no
definite or easy answers to the problems the situations posed and there
was no unity by from the government or the American people. Both leaders
in times were the American citizens and the government were polarized
on the issues. But as great leaders do, the provide a vision. Repeat the
vision and stay the course. Would like your feedback and comments on today’s blog. Do you think there are any similarities between now and when Dr. King lead the non violent movement in the 60s?
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