OK, this is only the 24,000th blog written about Barack Obama’s speech yesterday. And I’m sure there are politicos and historians who will wax much more eloquent than me (for example, see the New York Times Editorial). But since this blog is about leadership, I can’t pass up the opportunity to analyze his speech from the standpoint of leadership.
Many people I’ve talked with have said, “It was a good speech, but not his best.” People consistently refer to his “race” speech and his “yes we can” speech as being the top of his game. Yet, from a leadership perspective, I think Obama did exactly what he needed to do for the country at this time. Why? Not because I’m a democrat (which I am), but because he approached this with the appropriate balance of leadership qualities.
First, he never talked about I, or You. He used “I” twice, once to say “I am humbled” and once to say “I want to thank.” Other than that, he only talked about we. He made it clear that this is a joint effort, and he cannot accomplish his goals or our goals without our contribution. He also appealed to the rank-and-file, not just the leadership, letting everyone know that every person mattered, and the efforts of everyone down to the simplest contributor is essential to success.
Second, he followed Jim Collin’s recommendation to confront the brutal facts, but approach the future with unflagging optimism. Within 2 minutes, Obama was speaking of the problems we are facing, and made it clear that all is not roses. He also identified, as others have before him, that the biggest obstacle is psychological, not physical. His message about the corrosiveness of the lack of confidence of the American people echoed FDR’s statement that “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” As soon as he identified the threats, however, he demonstrated complete optimism that we, as a country, have the resilience and the capability to become a world leader and a moral leader again. And he appealed to our core values: duty, responsibility, character.
Third, he made it clear that only hard work, effort, and dogged determination will get us out of the dangers we are in. He never referred to talent, or expertise, or innate characteristics, but rather to the day-to-day struggles, focus and dedication needed to overcome our challenges.
Third, in one speech Obama relied on the core skills of leaders to present an effective, motivating and enduring speech:
1. He communicated with clarity and vision for the future;
2. He focused on hard work, effort and praised the achievements of the doers and the workers;
3. He demonstrated optimism, resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity;
4. He approached problem solving with an open mind, and willingness to consider all alternatives;
5. He created clear boundaries – between himself and Bush, between past and future, between principle and pragmatism;
6. He showed creativity and innovation in his approach to the challenges we face.
Of course, everything rests on the execution of his plans, but in his first official act, Obama communicated a message of involvement, honesty, faith and trust. That was exactly what the American people needed to hear.
Bill Berman, Ph.D.
Managing Principal, Berman & Associates
Partner, PrimeGenesis
Director, APT, Inc.
John Hall
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