Harvard Business Publishing

Indeed, indeed! Ding Dong the witch is dead!

Great article John and sage advice. In addition to your ideas, I would suggest also that he focus his attention on 3 to 4 meaningful goals that can be accomplished in the first few months with bipartisan support to demonstrate to the American people and the world that our government is still viable and trustworthy and that it remains the best form of government ever devised. One good example might be securing financing for student aid and loan programs to ensure equal access to education for everyone, while partially avoiding, health care, the deficit, Iraq, abortion, and other partisan, hot button issues. These major issues can be dealt with after he becomes more comfortable with his position and power.

I would also reach down into the ranks of both parties, the military, state and federal government agencies, businesses etc. and identify some young talent that can be developed or groomed for leadership roles over the next few years. This will send a clear signal to the younger generations that we absolutely need their involvement if this "Sea change" in government is going to truly be sustainable and also signal to the bureaucrats that seniority (status and credential) will no longer be the only requirement for advancement. Hence forth the new mantra should be productivity and performance.

An insightful and practical article John on what Barack Obama can do pre-Inaugaration. I expect Barack Obama has already looked broadly for advice and insight into extending his leadership capabilities into the largest job in the world. Just today in his press conference he mentioned his review of Lincoln's writings. Your advice on selecting a broad based Cabinet to get the smartest minds spanning party lines is fundamental. Colin Powell is one such individual who brings experience, divergent views, and instant credability. One additional idea I like to help focus on economic growth is forming an advisory top business leader council for he and the Treasury Secretary to vet economic policy directions with. Obama has the ability I believe to co-opt all ends of the political spectrum with his even, measured demeanor and gain their respect, cooperation but most importantly their insights.

President Obama has always stated that achieveing the goals, in which he outlined in his campaign, would not be an easy task. Furthermore, he has stated that most problems would not be sloved in one term. Even if he serves one term, the hope is that the administration will be better for the next president vs. what is currently being handed over to him. He also states that he will not be able to do it by himself and that America will also have to contribute to the solution. To me this is a true leader. He wants America to work as a team.
If President Obama was to play a game against the Lakers all by himself, the chance that he would win the game is slim to none. He would be exhausted and beat up. By the end of the game he would not be any good to his family or the people that he serves. However, with a team of key players, cheerleaders, coaches, referees, and so forth he can play hard and still be strong at the end of the game. One man cannot save the world. We should not put him on a pedestal that would leave him vulnerable for failure.
I think President Obama has been consistent in showing that he holds the very characteristics and skills in which you mentioned in your article. This is why people were REQUESTING Obama to run for President before he official took on his role as a Senator. There is something about Obama that is unique he possess. It is that 'IT' factor that has crossed racial lines and foreign lands. America has spoken loud and clear. The people saw a qualified candidate, one who rose above the rest in spite of his years in Congress. They were able to dig deep and find the qualities in Obama that they wanted for a President. Let’s support Obama no matter what political side you hail. We cannot afford to be divided. Like any company, a leader is only as good as his team.

This is a wonderful article and discussion. Reading, studying, and learning about politics, no one can forget lessons about the Great Depression of the 1930’s. Who would have thought in our life time that America would experience such a harsh economic down turn. Theodore Roosevelt was one of the most renowned presidents for contributions made in rescuing our country from uncertainty and turmoil. Barack Obama was elected, because the world is seeking a renewed strength; America feels he is the man for the job. President Elect Barack Obama needs to hit the ground running. The first thing he should do is meet with his allies to forge ties for support. Secondly, he should contact countries/individuals that have posed a threat to the United States. This is a great strategy that he should do before he attempt to construct foreign policies that are durable. His third goal should be to make drastic financial decisions to bail the U.S. out of the financial crisis by cutting programs to reduce government spending.

Americans must keep into consideration that this task will not be resolved overnight.

I would like to make a correction to the previous posting. The president that I made reference to was incorrect. Franklin Roosevelt was the president during the Great Depression.

As Barack Obama said in his acceptance speech: "It may not happen in one term...but we will get there." This may not be the great depression, but is pretty close to being the next worst economic time since then, in U.S. History. With that said, give the man a break. He can only do so much. He is expected to dig America out of an abyss, not a hole. So, if we don't see as much progress in the first three years, I don't think we should be shocked or become angry. Together with some bad leadership, we did this. His leadership is only as good as the people who are willing to follow, to go green, to start a national savings movement, push for more conservationist efforts, etc.

He has so many people waiting for him to fail, when I'm sure he can't do any worse than what anyone else has done. The change has to start with us.