Leadership Style in the U.S. Politics

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Table of Contents

John F. Kennedy as Transformational Leader
William Clinton as a Charismatic Leader
Colin Powell as a Transformational Leader
George S. Patton as a Transactional Leader
Ronald Regan as a Transformational Leader using Transactional means
Works Cited

John F. Kennedy as Transformational Leader

According to Bernard Bass, State University of New York, and new ways in which those outcomes might be achieved” (Griffin). This description perfectly suit John Kennedy’s leadership style during his reign as president of United States.

John Kennedy leadership helped redefines America’s vision and mission, leading to a renewed commitment to achieving goals as a Nation. Through his leadership, American’s realized their role not just as agents but as leaders in their own capacity in the interest of their country. John Kennedy was able to motivate people to look beyond their own life and need for survival, and work together to elevate America position in the world.

John F. Kennedy called on America to do everything possible “to land man on the moon before the decade was over” (Hai)is a great example of Kennedy Transformational leadership. In rallying people behind this call, he mirrored the people’s imagination and raised the imagination of America as a nation. Kennedy had a great sense of America history and America’s position in the world. His quest to be the image of America cannot not be denied.

As a leader of the most powerful nation on Earth, John F Kennedy recognized what needed to be done and clarified the people role to achieve the desired outcomes. He was able to clarify how American people’s needs will be met once the bigger vision was achieved. Kennedy leadership aroused Americans’ loyalty, enthusiasm, trust and pride, and a lot was achieved through the vision and mission he passed to the people.

William Clinton as a Charismatic Leader

According to Kai, “Charismatic leaders lead with concern for people and don’t concern themselves over production” (Hai). They are mostly concerned with the need of their followers and readily accept their input. William Clinton, 42^nd US president continue to embody these leadership traits long after completing his tenure as US president. Clinton has never wavered from his determination to create a friendly and comfortable world through his effort to reach out to those in need in third world countries. Clinton is credited as having made extraordinary progress for America economy and culture, having a very significant relevance to the lives of many people in the United States and the world.

Elected as a an agent for change by Americans who were worried and concerned about national issues such as health care and increased debts, Clinton rose to the occasion to respond to this concerns. He was and still continues to engage people through convincing dialogue and subject mastery of the issue at hand. This engagement make people feel better and accept the result of his efforts even though they would have preferred different outcomes.

As a leader, Clinton’s main focus was making the United State image as unique and distinct as possible, while at the same time lending a helping hand to other nations in the world. He became the America image and it was so hard to disassociate Clinton from the progress America made. In so doing, He created an unchallengeable leadership position for himself.

Colin Powell as a Transformational Leader

Colin Powel had to overcome many obstacles in the US military, coupled with low expectation of African Americans to rise to the rank of US Joint Chief of Staff in 1989. His image as a transformational leader would later see him become the first African American to become United State Secretary of State. As a military leader, General Colin Powell engaged in people based leadership that brought remarkable transformation and competitive success within the US military.

As a leader, Powell empowered and inspired troops to exceedingly perform beyond their past performance level. This innovative leadership was a great source of motivation that brought passion and the much needed energy within the US military. Powell was very flexible and always ready for new ideas. His continued improvement, motivation, intellectual ability prepared him well to be adaptable to any changes within the military.

During his tenure in public services, Colin Powell was always visible, and always stood up for what he believed was right. He led through actions and rallied those he was leading. It was this unwavering commitment that kept the military and the US strong particularly through difficult times when US policies and military action were questioned. Even after his retirement, Colin Powell continues to play a big role inspiring people to excellence. This is what made Information Week to reach to a conclusion that; “Collin Powell is the most respected American public life”(Preston)

George S. Patton as a Transactional Leader

As the most famous US army officer, George Patton’s leadership was very commanding and controversial. He was known for his strong personal opinion during his reign as an army commander. Patton was very clear of what he expected from his troops, spelling out rewards and punishment. This leadership trait positioned Patton as a transactional leader.

At one time during his career, Patton leadership style jeopardized his career when he slapped a sick soldier at an army hospital because he considered the soldier as a coward. This incident led him to lose his position as an army commander. This act show that his leadership was based on punishment and reward in that soldiers who didn’t produced the desired results were considered as failure. Instead of motivating the troops to achieve a common objective in the battle field, Patton encourages competition.

Patton believed that he had full control and power over troop under his command. He expected the troops to follow his command without asking questions. He determined punishment and rewards following already set standards within the military. Although George Patton was famous, he was not effective in bringing the much needed changed in the US military at the time he was in command.

Ronald Regan as a Transformational Leader using Transactional means

Ronald Regan rose to power at a period when change was eminent in the United States and the world. The US was going through the worst economic and national crisis. The interest rates, inflation, unemployment were at all time high; there was oil shortage, all which created stagnant economy. At the same time, people questioned the United States ability to defend itself due to deteriorated armed forces. As such Ronald Regan leadership was on the spotlight more than any other presidency.

Ronald Regan presidency was focused on revitalizing the economy and rebuilding the US military capability. He came up with a set program for restoring program, focusing mainly on tax reduction, regulating oppressive reforms imposed by federal government and slowing the growth of federal spending. By reducing tax and introducing regulating reforms, Regan portrayed himself as a transformational leader who had the interest of the people at heart. On the other hand, cutting back and reducing the size of federal government was seen as a transactional approach to leadership. Unlike John Kennedy who rallied people to take a man to the moon and elevate America position in the world, Regan was doing the opposite.

Ronald Regan leadership style resulted in the longest, economic growth in the history of United States. His leadership style was unique in that it was a combination of transformational and transactional style, inspiring people to a common purpose and at the same time laying out a predefined way of doing things, all which worked together to bring the much needed development in the United States in the 80’s.

Works Cited

Griffin, Ricky. Management. New Jersey: Dreamtech Press, 2005.

Hai, Hock. “Charismatic Leaders.” 2010. Ezine Articles. Web.

Preston, Rob. ” Gen. Colin Powell On Leadership In Times Of Change.” 2009. Information Week: Global CEO. Web.

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