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Wednesday, December 11. 2013

What is the "Presidential Presence"?

What qualities do people look for in elected (or unelected) leaders? The question applies to all areas of life, not just politics.


What qualities stimulate people to "follow," or choose, a leader? Among others, physical presence, ability to speak, self-confidence, and reliable decision-making play important parts, but some of it is difficult to express. This post stimulates the discussion:  What is the "Presidential Presence"?


One component of it, perhaps not a large one, is a person's aptitude for being a target of positive transferences. That, plus the power, is what transforms an employee of the citizens (ie a politician)  into something that seems special, probably too special. After Washington, my favorite President was Coolidge.


When it comes to politics in the modern era, one part of it is simply celebrity. "Charisma." TV, video, and film create celebrity, as in "famous for being famous." What qualities support that? Why does anybody listen to, or pay attention to, celebs?

Posted by Dr. Joy Bliss in Our Essays, Politics, Psychology, and Dr. Bliss at 20:09 | Comment (1) | Trackbacks (0)

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The military has been worrying this bone forever. Clausewitz was probably the apogee. Officers labor over it throughout their careers, both during pre-commissioning and in the various professional military education schools. (Or at least they did in my time. May have been replaced by sensitivity training now for all I know.)
#1 BillH on 2013-12-12 10:34 (Reply)

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