Lessons all leaders can learn…..

The serious challenges facing Barack Obama are enough to keep anyone awake at night. He accepts that there are gathering clouds and raging storms. In the current financial crisis he has committed to fixing the short term issues whilst keeping one eye firmly on the horizon. Whilst he needs to take speedy, decisive action, he knows that he cannot allow himself to get bogged down in the negativity of the world’s troubles. Instead he chooses to hold his head high and lead us towards an inspiring vision of the future - one where leaders seek to compete less and collaborate more.  Wouldn’t it be great to see a session on Prime minister’s Question Time, where MP’s from all parties refrained from trying to deride their “opponents” and all started to collaborate on serving the nation for the common good of us all?

During the 8 years of the President Bush era, we have observed a culture of self interest and self promotion often to the detriment of others. Barack Obama encouraged them all to show humility and partnership when developing relations in our clearly very interconnected world. The issues of oil prices and war, financial crisis and family values are common to many countries and need alliances to help resolve them. Global Leadership capabilities are now essential to the success of organisations the world over, we need men and women, from all walks of life to consult with experts, listen to their people and take positive but decisive actions having taken on board some wide-ranging viewpoints. Dictatorships no longer work and leaders must encourage their followers to voice their opinions and contribute to the rich debate if we are to find solutions to all our problems, and to leverage opportunities along the way. 

Why did Obama develop such a follower-ship? No it’s not because he is the first black President, rather that he is brilliant!  In addition to a fabulous mind and great oratory skills, Obama has so far shown all the traits we admire in great leaders. Openness, honesty and integrity as well as remaining true to his values and wanting his administration to be a values led one. He has made sacrifices and encouraged others do to the same for the greater good. As he walked the streets after his inauguration, I saw evidence of a nation who have chosen hope over fear and of a man who didn’t want to hide behind a bullet-proof car window, but who was prepared to show trust to the people. Whether they justify that trust will be down to them but he is prepared to give them the chance and have faith in a positive outcome.

Rather than wallow in self-pity, this leaders stands up and heads to the front!   How are you as a leader? Are you working hard to create unity of purpose rather than conflict and despondency?  Obama encouraged us to “reaffirm our enduring spirit”  and to invest in people so they have a chance pursue their full measure of happiness. The journey will be tough though, and will only suit those who are willing to put in the effort, to invest the time in relationships, creative skills and performance, in order to create their just rewards.  We all know that we have to invest in people, to enable them to grow and develop, to fulfill their potential.  Obama is fully aware that whilst he has broad shoulders and a fabulous mind, he cannot possibly succeed in the long run by trying to do it all himself. I often meet leaders and managers who say that spending time with their people  - consulting, involving, listening, caring, encouraging and coaching -  are things which distract them from doing their real jobs.  We all need to realise that these things are a significant part of our real jobs!  They are investments in time and energy that allow us to delegate tasks, develop new products, grow new business, increase sales, manage costs and deliver long-term prosperity.  I encourage you to network, give, share and invest time and money sensibly in the development of your own great leaders. Find the diamonds beneath your soles and help them to transform your organisation.

I am confident Obama will “stand up and stand out” as a great leader. Will you?