How to be a great leader like Obama was

Barrack Obama is one of the best-remembered leaders of the 21^st century so far. He was more than just the first non-white president of the United States, he was someone who managed to inspire millions with a unifying political agenda.

While Obama caused a lot of division and inspired a lot of hatred from his opponents, he managed to stay headstrong and not give in to despair. While he would often look tired and defeated, he never said anything that would make people lose hope.

Obama was ultimately a victim of a system that was no ready for the change he wanted to implement. Obama was curtailed at every turn, and despite his sincere efforts, was unable to create all of the changes he wanted to. Regardless, Obama is remembered as a good leader overall.

So, how was Obama a great leader, and how can you replicate that leadership?

1.   Use the term ‘we’ not ‘I’.

Obama famously used the term ‘we’ when making speeches. This straightforward choice of words meant that he was speaking to Americans as a collective that he was a part of, rather than him being a leader who looks down on them from the outside. This made him appealing as a leader for many people because he was relatable on that level.

2.   He wanted to unite people

Obama did not write of the half of the population that disagreed with him; he was always wanting to win them over. He did not dismiss his opponents, he focused on speaking about the things he believed in and did not acknowledge the opposition that was simply blind hatred.

3.   He was passionate

Obama had a fiery passion, especially in the early days before the weight of the presidency got to him. This inspired many people.