Last night I watched the first part of NBC’s ‘Inside The White House’ with Brian Williams.

Whatever you may think about President Obama, one cannot help but be impressed by his fast rise to the top, his ability to win people over and his overwhelming confidence. I do not agree with all the policies and views of President Obama but one thing I do agree with, and that is how he leads. This man is a born leader and after watching last night it showed me some principles of leadership that I would like to implement and carry out in my life, so here they are:

• Know your values and do not compromise them – For President Obama his wife and family are his value. Most people would say this, but a man who is pulled in so many directions takes the time every night (when he is in DC) to spend at least one and half hours with his family. How many Pastors would be able to do this? How many CEO’s would be able to do this? Most are too busy! This is the most important, busiest man in the world, yet he makes the time! Why? Because it is a real value of his!
• Make time for fun and celebration - Whether it was a media stunt or not, President Obama took an hour of his time to stop by Five Guys to get burgers for all his staff (he has good taste in burgers, Five Guys is yummy!). He took a moment to have some fun with his staff, with the reporters and the people on the street. When he got back there was a celebratory atmosphere in the West Wing. Why? Because as a leader he realized the best way to motivate people is through their enjoyment and appreciation.
• Spend time on yourself before others – This may sound selfish, but actually it is just the opposite. Obama works out every morning, it is his time. He concentrates on his body and fitness, so that later in the day he can give out to others and do the job of the Presidency effectively. Unless a leader takes care of themselves they will have nothing to give. As a Pastor this means time in pray, time in God’s word, time reading other books, time relaxing, time taking care of my physical body and time preparing for my day ahead.
• Know who you are and what you can do – There is no question that Obama is a confident person! Whether he really believes he can fulfill all his promises I am not sure. However, he gives a confidence that puts confidence in other people. They know that if Obama is in control everything will turn out just fine. I want to be able to express this kind of confidence, so that as I am confident others around me become confident.

When you watch the best leaders at work with a neutral perspective it is amazing how your life can be impacted and the principles you can learn from them.

Who can you learn from today? Who are you watching to increase your knowledge, ability and influence? It may be the President of the United States or it may just be the delivery man that comes into your office. We can learn lessons from everyone we meet and in our everyday lives.