I’ve tried my best to keep this blog bipartisan. I mean, really, red state or blue, we all live by the same canons of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The struggles in both life and work are the same across the wide political spectrum. In these recent years, the hunger for change was shared among many of my countrymen and women. Yes, it was palpable.
We’ve witnessed one miraculous week. And today I find myself with a little spring in my step, encouraged by the fresh breeze blowing west from the Capital. I always marvel at great leaders’ abilities to inspire. It’s a wonderful asset that keeps your people loyal, supported, encouraged and coming back for more.
Whether it be in governmental politics or more the office variety, great leaders are great leaders. Because this is a work blog, it is only natural that I look to Barack Obama’s stellar rise to the presidency as a map to chart the change I yearn for in my professional life.
I’ve never been so lucky as to have a boss that engendered the same strength of conviction and level of esteem I felt for President-Elect Obama. But his model of leadership could have bearing on the more mundane parts of our lives, and his presidential campaign could represent any work environment. Whether it’s getting out that proposal or getting out the vote, the same rules of conduct apply. What did we learn in these past 18 months that could inspire new generations of professional leaders to create the same momentum in their workforce that the Obama campaign did so naturally in its bases of support?
So with my limited grasp of presidential politics, I’ve developed what I think are the principles of his campaign that could carry over to creating a dynamic, effective, motivating model of working life.
1) Ditch the ego
Great leaders seem to have that magic mix of confidence and sincerity. And I believe many of Obama’s supporters were compelled by his strength of character and struck by his sincerity of message. But his platform of change came with the caveat, that even he will make mistakes and push legislation that will alienate some of his constituencies. His supporters could tell he was ruled by a reasoned mind and not the vainglory we’ve seen occupy the White House. He made us believe that his rise to power was ultimately in our best interest.
2) Be critical
Great leaders can hold the mirror to themselves, see their foibles and learn to adapt. They can also respect their limitations and surround themselves with a roster of staffers who are strong where they are weak. I was always struck by Obama’s self-reflection, and his ability to call on others to compensate for what he lacked. That he was able to acknowledge Sen. McCain’s accomplishments, even in the most unlikely of places, like, say, a presidential debate, shows his ability to give credit where it’s due. An important leadership trait indeed.
3) Shut up and listen
This one follows closely on the previous principle, but it puts the theory into practice. My conversations with most of my administrators are very much of the one-sided variety. I’m left puzzled about why they care about my resume when they refuse to acknowledge my expertise. I admire President-Elect Obama’s knack for surrounding himself with the wisest of counsel, and then taking it a step further and actually listening to their advice. Good show.
4) Give ownership
His campaign messaging was not about the change he could provide, but the change we need. Yes we can. What a wonderful way to give us a say in changing the course of this country. The overtone implies that at some point we’ll all have to roll up our sleeves to get us out of this mess. Somehow, I’m looking forward to it.
5) Technology is way cool! Use it.
Communication is, in the words of Sarah Palin, awesome. You betcha! Yes, let’s do the face-to-face, but let’s also remember that there’s a vast array of new technologies that might strengthen the interaction, keeping us connected without the need to be tied to a desk or stuck in a staff meeting. The use of Web 2.0 communication technologies was unparalleled in this campaign. And as he administers the executive branch, I can already see how he’ll plug into the online networks of his constituents, creating opportunities for mediated dialogue between his administration and the people whose interests he represents. That can only work to strengthen the system.
I’m waxing a bit sentimental right now. After re-reading this post, I realize that this was my personal love letter to Barack Obama. I’m sure that conservatives will have their own take on my thesis.
But more importantly, I realize how better off I’d be if I learned to incorporate these principles into my own work ethic. Yes, be the change I want to see in this world.
That’ll be a rough…the ego one, especially. Yeah, that’ll be pretty rough.
