Bill Clinton—chankeeED614—Blog1
William Jefferson Clinton, the 42nd president of the United States, is a brilliant Rhodes scholar, a distinction setting him apart from all other commanders-in-chief. Despite his humble beginnings in Arkansas, Clinton rose to greatness through fortitude and perseverance. Encouraged by his mother and teachers to reach his full potential, he went on to study at George Washington University, to graduate from Yale Law School, and to attend Oxford University on a Rhodes scholarship.
Clinton typifies qualities that are possessed by successful leaders. He communicates effectively, knows himself, knows his community, strives to be visionary, seizes opportunities, takes risks, inspires others, prepares extensively, learns from mistakes, and fosters coherence. Walter Lippmann (2008) says of Clinton, “The final test of a leader is that he leaves behind him in other men the conviction and the will to carry on. Clinton recognizes the reality that the conviction and the will have to be effectively communicated before it [they] can be acted on, before people will follow his vision, his dream” (p. 2).
Chester A. Schriesheim (1993), a University of Miami professor, describes Clinton’s ability to influence his constituents: “By his own admission, Clinton governs through persuasion, which only can come through dialogue” (p. 1).
Clinton believes, “People engaged by their leaders in a conversation feel better about the outcome, even if they would prefer a different one, simply because they are given a chance to have their say” (p. 2).
Bill Clinton is my leader of choice because, despite his inability to make prudent decisions regarding his personal life, he managed to convey a vision of strength and unity to the American people. His charismatic charm and powers of persuasion helped unite America at a time when many lost hope, faith, and confidence in the integrity of our leaders.
References
Clinton, William J. (August, 1993). Clinton’s style reflects the times. USA Today. Retrieved from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1272/is_n2579_v122/ai_13253075/
Lippmann, Walter. (2008). Bill Clinton speech—making the change he wanted to see. Retrieved from http://www.find_the_words.com/Bill-Clinton-Speech.html
Schriesheim, Chester A. (August 1993). Clinton’s style reflects the times. USA Today. Retrieved from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1272/is_n2579_v122/ai_13253075/
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Connie,
ReplyDeleteI was privileged to see Bill Clinton in person. (I have great pictures I can share with you.) He is charismatic and a great communicator, I was mesmerized by him and his words. Clinton is one of my favorite leaders too, in spite of his indiscretions. No one is prefect.
Our first class, Hitler was identified as a great leader.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteConnie,
ReplyDeleteI will rewrite my post as the last one was my first post and I see that it has a few typos. I am not satisfied with that! Please disregard the first version!
Connie,
Although controversial to some I beleive that Bill Clinton is an amazing man. Hi is a self-made man who faced much adversity throughout his youth. He used his intelligence and perseverence to achieve his goals. My leader is his wife Hillary Clinton. I think they both share the ability to speak to an audience effectively and passionately. I have a friend who saw Bill Clinton speak a few years ago. She personally does not like him but said he was the most charismatic speaker that she has ever seen. He literally owned the audience as soon as he walked into the room.I value his command of the spoken word and expertise as an orator. He and Hillary were destined to work together, setting and achieving great goals on behalf of others, including women, families and those less fortunate. Despite their personal and marital problems, they show great and long-term commitment to each other. Adversity seems to have made them both stronger. Additionally, it seems that each of the Clintons has willingly put his or her profession aside to help the spouse achieve a monumental accomplishment. Their work is not complete yet.
Connie,
ReplyDeleteI too admire Bill Clinton despite of his personal shortcomings. Obama and Bill Clinton have charismatic personalities, both of them promoted peace around world. They both worked for the civil rights and worked hard to bring people together.
Obama showed personal control by quitting smoke on the other hand Clinton rejected alcohol and violence even though he was surrounded by it.