The entire Internet is abuzz today with the second inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama. Every one of my social media feeds is wall-to-wall Obama, from what everyone is wearing, to the performers and celebrities/politicians in attendance. The theme for the Inauguration (which also happens to fall on Martin Luther King Jr. Day) is “Faith in America’s Future” and if the crowd in this picture (below) from the National Mall is anything to go on, young and old alike believe that the re-election of Barack Obama will mean good things for the future of their nation.

The 57^th Presidential Inauguration is live streamed both on television and the Internet simultaneously, with no delay in the Presidential address reaching the ears of the world. In the time before there was a television in every home, and a computer in pretty much everyone’s hand, the White House had to wait days or weeks for their news and mandates to reach the people, delaying timely communication that government strives for. Luckily, we’re living in the Internet Age of ‘instant gratification’, where users voice their opinions and share their thoughts immediately – sometimes to a fault!

Obama is #5 on the list of Twitter users with the most followers

Obama’s team seems very keen and knowledgeable on the use of social media and the effect it has and will continue to have on the President’s second term in office. This year’s Inaugural Address seemed full of quickly quotable anecdotes that convey a strong ‘untwist-able’ message. Hats off to the President’s publicity team, and here’s to 4 more years!

Here’s 7 traits any good leader should have:

HUMILITY & HUMBLENESS

If one thing is of utmost importance, it’s a leader’s ability to truly embrace being modest and respectful. Ego is a human downfall at times, but a good leader can check themselves (before they wreck themselves).

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

Whether introverted or extroverted, it’s important that a leader be able to relate to people.  This kind of quality encourages team members to want to relate in return while making them feel comfortable and motivated. Approachability and likability are engrained into the path of leadership.

SELF AWARENESS

The best leaders are always cognizant of their faults, and are not afraid to admit to them. Because they can recognize their shortcomings, they surround themselves with people who can complement their individual skill sets.

VISION

There’s always a goal in sight (abstract or not) that a leader can share with their team. Having a good understanding of where they want to go, and what needs to be true to get there separates the leader from followers.

A CAN DO ATTITUDE 

It’s important that a leader doesn’t give in easily. Leaders are the ones who say “YES WE CAN” rather than “NO, WE’VE TRIED THAT” or “IT’S IMPOSSIBLE”. A leader understands that a “NO” from someone is just one step closer to a “YES”.

AN ALL STAR TEAM

The saying you’re only as good as your weakest link is something that reins true in a leaders’ head. Making sure the right people are put together to complement each other’s skill sets is paramount to success.

CURIOSITY

Leaders should know (and want to know) anything they can about their industry, their competitors, and even their team members. The more informed a leader is – the better decisions they can make for their business.