NROP: 3 Character Traits That Every President Needs.

Presidential seal

After returning from a 4th of July celebration, I sat down in front of my computer to unwind a little. If you are wondering why I felt the need to relax after a party, you must be an extrovert. Even though I enjoyed myself, I still had to decompress after socializing for a better part of the day.

If you enjoy taking personality tests, try either one of these (or both):

Introvert, Dear
Buzzfeed

In the name of research, I took several different tests from the first page of Google results. Most of them labeled me an introvert. However, one claimed that I was an extrovert while another one decided that I was more of an ambivert (a mix of both extro- and introvert).

How do I feel about the results? Admittedly, I winced a little every time I saw “Introvert” in my results. It is because somewhere in the back of my head, I have this image of a kid I knew in primary school, and it is not a flattering one. He was SO shy. Whenever anyone tried to talk to him, he would do anything in his power to avoid them. He would either laugh nervously at whatever you said, ignore you, or curse like a sailor (which was impressive but also offputting for kids that age). His academic life was in shambles, too, because he did not perform well under pressure. During tests, he felt too stressed to perform well under time constraints. When called to the blackboard, he would be paralyzed with fear. After all, all eyes would be on him. Everyone would be listening to what he had to say. He preferred to just say nothing.

Being shy does not equate to being introverted. I know that. But, somehow, I still think of all the negative traits of an introvert before I think of the good ones. Yes, I think having the ability to reflect and be self-aware is very beneficial to my growth and development. Yes, I think having the ability to be alone without going crazy came in handy during my coronavirus quarantine(s). Yes, I believe having only a couple of close friends is better than having a bunch on which you cannot rely.

Did you know?

“Researchers have found that introverts have a higher blood flow to their frontal lobe than extroverts do. This part of the brain helps you remember things, solve problems, and plan ahead.”

WebMD

How cool is that?

By now, you might be wondering why I am talking about introverts vs. extroverts while this article was supposed to be about the character traits of a potential presidential candidate. It is because I have recently started reading a book on introverts.

“Quiet” The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking” by Susan Cain

So far, I have read about the rise of extroversion as the preferred trait in a human being in the US. Very interesting. I have also begun reading about various leadership studies. While many people associate good leadership with those who are extroverted, research shows that introverts make great leaders as well. Sometimes, they do even better than their extroverted peers.

When I returned home on Saturday night, I opened the news and saw that Kanye West announced that he was running for president.

Kanye West Tweet announcing his candidacy for the position of the President of the U.S of A.

Once I saw that I could not help but laugh to myself. It reminded me of the time when Kid Rock threw his head into the ring for a seat in the Senate. I laughed at celebrities wanting to try out for THE leadership position while thinking that I would make for an excellent candidate. That got me thinking.

What character traits should the US President possess?

  1. Mental fortitude
    The President faces a lot of uncertainty and adversity. Being able to focus and make decisions is of utmost importance for someone in that seat.
    In an article in Entrepreneur, Sherrie Campbell lists “patience, creativity, exploration, and execution” as the necessary components of mental fortitude.
  2. Listening ability
    The President is like the CEO of any company – they make big decisions without being down in the trenches. They rely on heads of departments to tell them what is going on in various corners of the firm.
    To fulfill their duties effectively, they need to have the ability to listen. If you have an advisor yet refuse to really listen to what they have to say, you run the risk of making the wrong move.
  3. Empathy
    The President needs to care about their people. After all, they got that position to serve the country and its citizens.
    In order to make decisions that will positively change the world, you need to put yourself in the shoes of “average” people. You need to feel what they feel.

Naturally, there are many other traits that one should possess when running for president, like wisdom, honesty, integrity, etc. However, I feel like we forget a few other characteristics, skills, and abilities when imagining the perfect president.

We have been taught that a good president needs to be a phenomenal leader. Going down the chain, we know that a leader should be charismatic. We think that because a leader needs followers. The person with the loudest mouth (extrovert) seems to have the job cut out for them.

In “Quiet,” Susan mentions “the Bus to Abilene,” which is a common phrase in the U.S. Army. It stems from a Texan family, sitting on the porch during a summer day. Suddenly, one of them says that they are bored and that they all should go to Abilene. Once there, someone mentions that they did not want to go but went because the other people wanted to go. Then, the others start chiming in, and it turns out that they did not want to go, either—herd mentality.

An introvert can be a leader, too. Just because someone is not loud, does not mean they do not have good ideas. Sometimes, instead of looking in the directions of the screaming and yelling, we need to turn towards the person sitting quietly in the corner.

  • How (if at all) did you celebrate Independence Day? If you live outside of the US, I would be curious to know how you usually celebrate your country’s independence.
  • Are you an extrovert, an introvert, or do you fancy yourself an ambivert?
  • What do you think about Kanye West running for president?
  • Do you think an introvert would make a good president?
  • Do you think you would make a good president? Why? Why not?
  • What qualities should the President of the U.S.A. possess?

Stay golden,

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52 thoughts on “NROP: 3 Character Traits That Every President Needs.”

Add yours

  1. Someone told me to read the book but I never have.
    I don’t see introverts as lacking confidence to be honest.
    The first quiz you linked led me to a picture one. I hate picture quizzes! The next was i/e.

    Liked by 1 person

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    2. It’s not really the type of book I would normally read. I prefer fiction.

      But it is interesting in terms of various studies on the subject.

      I completely agree that introvert does not have to mean lack of confidence and vice versa. However, if I play the association game, I think about the negatives first. It’s weird. There are so many misconceptions and stereotypes. If I think of the less than positive things, then surely an extrovert must even more. That realization freaked me out a little.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  2. I consider myself an introvert, not shy. I’d be the quiet one in the room until a topic comes up that I know. Then I would be able to talk to the crowd, front and center. An introvert can be president. He or she would have advisers to step in when the leader of the country gets too quiet.

    I could run for president too, but the job is best suited for a person with experience in politics, not writing flash fiction. Running for mayor, then governor, then the president would provide the life experience needed to run the country.

    A person with songwriting experience is not qualified to be president, the same as a person with experience running companies, should not be in office.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. I’d go a step further and say that it’s not only about a topic that I know about, but a topic that I am interested in. Otherwise, it just seems like a waste of time and oxygen.

      Good advice. Off to research how to become a mayor.

      Fair enough. Although, I do think that running a country is a bit like running a company. The longer you are in politics, the more potential for becoming corrupted.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

        1. Filing for chapter 13 (personal bankruptcy) is slight different from chapter 11 (company). It is often used to restructure the company without shutting it down.

          We all make mistakes. You win some, you lose some.

          Liked by 1 person

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  4. Pingback: Really Thought Provoking | sparksfromacombustiblemind

  7. Of the qualities I would like to see integrity would top the list – it seems such a rare thing now days. I think charisma can be deceiving so would be extra careful about voting for someone based on that.
    I am certainly an introvert but have held leadership or management positions in several jobs.
    Of my two youngest daughters one is very introverted and the other extroverted – both have great leadership skills.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Integrity definitely is important. I wonder how long can one keep it when in politics.

      Agreed on the charisma part. Sometimes you can get blinded by the razzle dazzle.

      Great examples that extrovert is not necessarily better than introvert.

      Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts!
      Stay golden!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  8. I actually think Kanye has the potential to manage the job.

    Let’s look at your criteria.

    1) Mental fortitude. You cite the harbingers of this to be “patience, creativity, exploration and execution.” I would say that Kanye’s career has exhibited almost all of these qualities.

    2) Listening ability. I can’t speak to Kanye’s preparedness here. I’d have to think on it a little more.

    3) Empathy. I think Kanye passes the test on this one. Don’t forget, he got a Republican President and Congress to pass fairly sweeping prison reform. Something that Obama, with a Democratic congress, did not do.

    I think you are probably right that this is some Kidd Rock type stunt, but if he was to run I certainly would not rule out giving him my vote.

    I kind of hope he runs.

    Liked by 1 person

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  9. I’m mostly introverted, but with some extroverted tendencies. I would not make a good president, as I lack the mental fortitude. And I have absolutely no idea whether Kanye West would make a good president, but fame alone shouldn’t be the sole reason for disqualifying somebody. People are still people, after all, no matter how many times you’ve heard the name before.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Totally. I understand that fame is just another tool in their toolbox.

      However, I do get annoyed sometimes because we live in a world in which celebrities are like gods – we turn to them for everything. We ask them what and how to think (celebrities turned influencers/activists).

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. True. And when everything they say is so public, it’s hard to believe they don’t pick and choose what they “believe” just to play to a certain crowd. Still, I like to give the benefit of the doubt. Moral high ground, and all.

        Liked by 1 person

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          1. I fear not; It often seems a shallow, cynical world. But then again, I’d rather be an idealist — even a cynical one — than the alternative. Hmm… Maybe I ought to dig up those rose-colored glasses again…

            Liked by 1 person

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                1. I used to laugh at those tales about people looking for their glasses while the glasses were on their heads all along… and then I got glasses… There were times when I was looking for them while they were… on my nose…

                  Liked by 1 person

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  10. 2 minutes of silence at 20:00 on the 4th of May to remember the war heroes is what I am used to on Independence Day.
    Is that common in the US as well?

    Jasper and I are both more introvert.
    Yet he prefers to be around a large group of people because he claims there is less chance that people notice him. I avoid large crowds.
    I remember the days when a colleague would bring cake to the office. Though I like, I always hid in the toilet on those occasions. Whereas Jasper would just eat the cake and even without embarrassment would take a second piece.
    But when it comes to revealing feelings and opinions, he just doesn’t while I am an open book.
    I guess there are different types of introverts .

    Other questions are, is an introvert always shy?
    Are they humble?
    Do they even feel the need to celebrate their successes?

    If this was Kanye’s long time dream, I think the moment couldn’t be better now that the BLM movement has the full attention.
    I think many people forget that the president is just the face of the whole shhebang, but they president has an entire team of experts and advisers which are main input for the decisions made.

    I will have a look at that book because it sounds interesting

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. No. I like the “2 minutes of silence.” I know some countries have a blackout hour (?) to save electricity/show care for planet Earth. I forgot when it happens. I think those events are quite interesting.

      Exactly. You illustrated it wonderfully. There is such a wide variety of introverts.

      No, I don’t think an introvert is always shy. I’m not shy at all. I just am not enthusiastic about talking to people that I have no interest in.

      Humble? I try to be. Many say I am. But I’ve been known to brag, too. There just needs to be a time and a place.

      Celebrating success? Yes. I definitely do feel the need to celebrate my accomplishments. But I think that my celebrations are on a much smaller scale than those of other people.

      I applaud those who take advantage of the social trends.

      Like

      Reply

  12. Everyone who has read Quiet has made me want to read it just to confirm a lot of what I grew to understand how society perceives introverts. I feel like far too many presidents are picked based on charisma and rhetoric manipulation rather than what would really matter if we wanted to know real change too.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Normally, I’m not a fan of non-fiction books, but this one almost makes me want to go out and buy it (this one I am reading is from the library) and re-read it, put sticky notes, etc. in it. Very informative. I might risk saying it’s over-saturated with facts, if you’re trying to just read the entire thing quickly.

      The book, on multiple occasions, shows what we already know – some people can have better ideas but are shot down because the other person is a loud, obnoxious person. I’ve always tried to be on the watch for that but I know that many still fall under the spell of razzle dazzle. That’s why magic tricks work so well, after all..

      Liked by 1 person

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  13. How (if at all) did you celebrate Independence Day? If you live outside of the US, I would be curious to know how you usually celebrate your country’s independence.

    I’m in the US, but didn’t do a darned thing to celebrate this year, though I did curse aloud at all the people setting off fireworks around us until after 1 AM on 7/5. It sounded like a full-on war zone here.
    Are you an extrovert, an introvert, or do you fancy yourself an ambivert?

    Introvert, but NOT shy.

    What do you think about Kanye West running for president?

    Pure ridiculousness, but then again, I thought the same thing when Trump threw his hat in the ring, and look at him now. 😳

    Do you think an introvert would make a good president?

    Yes, but not a shy introvert.

    Do you think you would make a good president? Why? Why not?

    No. I’m not diplomatic enough. I calls ‘em likes I sees ‘em.

    What qualities should the President of the U.S.A. possess?

    In addition to the ones you listed above: lack of ego (be able to take criticism well, actually acknowledge that your advisors know more than you in their area of expertise, don’t use the office for self-serving purposes (i.e., the Twitter order)); act and look the part (even if you’re just faking it until you make it); be a great negotiator, but also know how to get the best compromise; and, be a good speaker. I’m sure there’s a lot more I could think of that are less about optics, but the US is not looked upon favorably by the rest of the world to begin with, and it hurts us further when our nation’s figurehead is an egotistical, slobby idiot.

    For the record, I’m an independent, and voted for NEITHER Trump nor Hillary—so I was prepared for great disappointment either way it went.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. I absolutely hate the loud fireworks with no visual effects. Just… WHY? Maybe those people should be deployed…

      Definitely important characteristics that you list.

      Like with anything else, the opinions differ. I’ve talked with people (foreigners) who think our image weakened and with those who think our image has strengthened.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

      1. I think many around us had visual effects, but I wasn’t into it at all this year.

        Really? Who thinks our image has strengthened? Everyone I’ve talked to (folks from Canada, Netherlands, Switzerland, England, Germany, and Australia) all think our image has weakened. Sadly, though understandably, they also view the American people as a whole similarly to who is in office, since we elected that person.

        Liked by 2 people

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        1. Hmm… Canada, the Netherlands, the UK, Australia. Also Mexico, Cuba, a few African countries, some European, too. It’s amazing how we have opposing views from people from the same countries. But that just goes to reflect what is happening here in the US. There will always be people for and against. Yes, it does depend if those people only watch mainstream media or are more involved. It depends on what attitude their government has towards our leader. And you are absolutely correct. Many still think of Americans as uneducated, morbidly obese humans.

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