PARALLEL Perspectives
The essence of Presidential style and stature
Recently, an analyst described the ascendency of any political leader
as being the result of an inherent quality to be anchored to a purpose,
attention-prone, assertive and affable-the four A-s of success. The
American and Sri Lankan Presidents seem bent on out-staging all
Presidents before them with a kind of stature and style judging by their
popularity which is at its zenith now.
Commonalities
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President
Mahinda Rajapaksa |
President
Barak Obama |
Both are confident, self-interrogatory and engaging at all times.
They are undoubtedly purpose driven. It is easy to see that they are not
over-matched by events and neither is stone-deaf when something needs
attention. So many have attributed "rendezvous with destiny" to describe
them. Of course, all this is capped with another A, ability to get their
message heard. Obama is particularly oozing with a healing rhetoric. Sri
Lankan President is a good listener by many accounts.
Political analysts do not seem to miss the opportunity to compare and
contrast leaders when they see signs of a good achiever amidst them. The
contrast in style of Presidents like Richard Nixon, Bill Clinton and
Ronald Reagan is often cited when judging presidential achievements.
Nixon fought his way like a badger trapped by hounds who are apt at
rolling over on the back, feigning death, confusing the dogs and lures
them in for the traditional ripping and tearing action. Yet Nixon also
welcomed China into the United Nations after decades of opposition to
that by the China haters.
Gifted communicator
Bill Clinton was another who attracted a lot of analytical forays
from many observers. No matter what your political leanings or what part
of the world you may be from, there is no denying that former President
Bill Clinton is one of the most gifted communicators on the planet.
His effectiveness as a speaker was unlimited. He was motivated to a
fault. The same engaging and human sides are often seen in the Sri
Lankan President's personality. They both have that common touch to a
very high degree. There is an easy narrative style of talking to people.
While speaking or in private interviews, they come across as articulate
and extremely intelligent without being aloof or pedantic. Humour is
often thrown in with consummate ease.
Affability
Ronald Reagan was noted for his appealing personal style, a unique
jaunty affability and folksy charm. The only movie actor ever to become
president, he showed remarkable skills as an orator that earned him the
title "the Great Communicator." His policies have been credited with
contributing to the demise of Soviet communism. He established a good
rapport with the Soviet counterpart Mikhail Gorbachev during their
summit meetings.
One other quality considered vital for success is the knack for
taking criticism with ease. Here the Sri Lankan President has excelled.
Many observers have noted how he showed an uncanny ability to withstand
intense criticism- some unfair and others harsh. That has become second
nature to him. For instance, Sri Lanka faced a mountain of international
pressure to declare a cease-fire when the fight against the LTTE was
nearing completion.
The call became increasingly acute. Top-level emissaries were
travelling to Sri Lanka carrying a message "do this, or else we will
take penal action." To withstand that kind of pressure needed solidarity
with one's supporters as well as a good international Public Relations
skills.
Steadfastness is a quality that helps in situations when the
international community is throwing darts at you. The pointed reference
to civilians being in harm's way came mounting with almost unceasing
intensity. The situation was met with equally daunting vigour and
purpose.
Presidents of many Asian countries are now facing a triple challenge:
devastating economic pressure, rise of inequality among the people and
the need for solidarity. The international economic downturn makes it
imperative that developing countries have to strive harder to prevent
the marginalization of the poor sections of their society while facing
the rigours of the creating wealth to be shared by all.
Challenges
The leaders who address the poverty and social and economic
inequalities with a deft hand are automatically the ones to reach good
political dividends. Welfare measures for the poor and the development
of human resources are essential in this context. Asian leaders also
have to collectively bear the brunt of the impact of western economies
falling short of their goals. Sustainable growth must be achieved with
these in mind. That is quite a load for the weak-minded.
Demands for good and wholesome leadership are a pressing need.
Fortunately there seems to be a crop of good leaders still around and
rising to the occasion. Sri Lanka can boast of a leader who is
warm-hearted while being cool-minded. |