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Archive: Politics
Media Giants
The media today -- instant, decentralized, immense -- has more influence than the president and congressional leadership, making decisive policy increasingly difficult.
By Slade Gorton | September 2, 2009; 06:22 AM ET | Comments (3)
Repellent Politics
Many of the most passionate and entrepreneurial nonprofit leaders believe they can have a greater impact by building innovative, effective, and uncompromising solutions outside of government
By Paul Schmitz | September 2, 2009; 06:15 AM ET | Comments (12)
Transformational Women
Many of the new "giants" in our midst -- Hillary Clinton, Indra Nooyi, Ellen Sirleaf Johnson -- are women, operating effectively with their inclusive style of leadership.
By Beth A. Brooke | September 1, 2009; 11:49 AM ET | Comments (1)
Cynical, Angry, and Argumentative
Senator Kennedy showed that civility is possible even in our highly contentious era. We have to hope more politicians follow his example.
By Yash Gupta | September 1, 2009; 11:44 AM ET | Comments (1)
Power Outage
The diffusion and fragmentation of power, money, media and ideas in our current political culture turns the already-difficult process of producing great political leaders into a real long-shot.
By Benjamin W. Heineman, Jr. | September 1, 2009; 11:22 AM ET | Comments (4)
A New Generation
The post-Vietnam, post-Watergate era saw a shift in talent from traditional politics to other fields also dedicated to social change, especially to what has become known as "social entrepreneurship."
By Bill Shore | September 1, 2009; 08:00 AM ET | Comments (12)
Piles of Pygmies
Does the public really want giants? Or does it prefer mirrors?
By Mickey Edwards | August 31, 2009; 08:25 PM ET | Comments (2)
They Might Be Giants
I see an enormous wealth of potential giantness in the electoral pipeline.
By Marty Linsky | August 31, 2009; 03:56 PM ET | Comments (1)
Great In Retrospect
There have never been many "giants" in America's (or any country's) politics while they were alive.
By Marshall Goldsmith | August 31, 2009; 02:42 PM ET | Comments (0)
Giant in Training
There are now few if any giants in American politics, but I am not alone in believing Barack Obama has the potential for giant-dom.
By Howard Gardner | August 31, 2009; 12:57 PM ET | Comments (0)
Our Dysfunctional Democracy
Elective office has become an occupation rather a period of time for which leaders leave their normal careers to temporarily do public service.
By David Walker | August 31, 2009; 12:52 PM ET | Comments (1)
Define "Maverick"
Palin has demonstrated that a politician can be doggedly conservative, unabashedly sexual, and electable (at least in one state.) None of that says that she has the qualities necessary to run for the presidency or serve well if elected.
By Marty Linsky | July 15, 2009; 03:48 PM ET | Comments (0)
Palin's Land of Opportunity
While Palin's chances for a political future might be damaged, they aren't ruined.
By Yash Gupta | July 8, 2009; 04:57 PM ET | Comments (1)
Palin Represents Hope
She represents the possibility that you can make a difference even when you do not have the "right" pedigree.
By Deborah Ancona | July 8, 2009; 11:32 AM ET | Comments (11)
Palin Struggled Under Scrutiny
Palin's experience is similar to the pitcher who was elevated to the majors, but failed so miserably under the bright lights of the big city that even hometown fans lost confidence.
By Lt. Col. Todd Henshaw (Ret.) | July 7, 2009; 11:19 PM ET | Comments (4)
The Reagan Strategy
Watch for Sarah Palin to go on the speaking circuit and possibly pursue a radio or television talk program of her own. She may be trying to employ the strategy that Ronald Reagan did before being elected as governor of California.
By David Walker | July 7, 2009; 01:53 PM ET | Comments (1)
Palin Will Prevail as a Leader
Palin brings vitality and passion to the anti-Obama political forces and serves as a committed spokeswoman, energetic fundraiser and ideal representative of the conservative social perspective.
By Elizabeth Sherman | July 7, 2009; 01:40 PM ET | Comments (6)
Real Leaders Don't Quit
Barring major health problems or family tragedies, elected leaders have a deep obligation to their constituents to fulfill the term of office for which they were elected.
By Bill George | July 7, 2009; 01:29 PM ET | Comments (0)
Palin Wins With Authenticity
No matter that she does not know the facts, no matter that she isn't qualified to govern -- she looks the part and she calls it as she sees it.
By Howard Gardner | July 7, 2009; 01:19 PM ET | Comments (0)
Palin Needs Substance
Sarah Palin doesn't have the intellect, experience or curiosity to be president of the U.S., let alone Governor of Alaska or her small hometown.
By Pablo Eisenberg | July 7, 2009; 01:12 PM ET | Comments (0)
The Anti-Leader's Leader
Palin's supporters don't trust leaders in general, and her farewell speech as governor implied that people should follow her because she doesn't want to be a leader. Believe it or not, that makes sense to her followers.
By Michael Maccoby | July 7, 2009; 01:05 PM ET | Comments (0)
Palin Wouldn't Make it in Business
Maverick? Everyone in politics, it seems, marches to his or her own drummer at this point in our history.
By Alan M. Webber | July 7, 2009; 12:50 PM ET | Comments (1)
Run For Senate First
Sarah Palin most likely won't be a serious candidate for president, but she could be a candidate for the Senate--the one place from which she can be seriously considered for a presidential run two or three election cycles from now.
By Slade Gorton | July 7, 2009; 12:49 PM ET | Comments (0)
Not Her Best Moment
Sarah Palin's announcement, like much of her career, is a study in either fate, poor planning or impulsive exuberance and action.
By Andy Stern | July 7, 2009; 12:30 PM ET | Comments (0)
The Long Distance Politician
Sarah Palin needs to create a second "base" somewhere in the lower 48. Her decision to step down from the governorship frees her to pursue this important effort.
By Richard Celeste | July 7, 2009; 12:20 PM ET | Comments (0)
A Rational Resignation
While Sarah Palin's resignation may not facilitate her election as President of the United States, it may well be a good move for her personally.
By Marshall Goldsmith | July 7, 2009; 11:59 AM ET | Comments (0)
Palin's Constituency is Real
But she'll never win without more discipline, and all her antics will be for naught.
By Paul Schmitz | July 7, 2009; 11:54 AM ET | Comments (1)
The Next Pundit
After the excitement of running for vice president, the trauma of ethics investigations, the attacks on her family, and the difficulties of running a state in hard times, being a governor just isn't fun anymore.
By Joanne B. Ciulla | July 7, 2009; 11:38 AM ET | Comments (2)
Leadership Style Matters
Knowing when to buckle down and accomplish tasks--and when to weather political storms--is critical. A good leader will change her leadership style to match her situation.
By Rick Rochelle | July 7, 2009; 10:49 AM ET | Comments (1)
Clean Our Own House
We suspect candidates might have ethical shortcomings, but we vote for them anyway with a wink and a nod, believing that just goes with the territory.
By John R. Ryan | December 16, 2008; 09:07 PM ET | Comments (4)
Our Better Angels
When things go wrong a leader's responsibilities go far beyond the day's press conference, and Obama has taught us something about public service through this scandal.
By Ed Ruggero | December 16, 2008; 08:59 PM ET | Comments (0)
Preempt Wrongdoing
Leaders cannot afford to wait until malfeasance or illegality washes up at their front door. They must set a tone of ethics and transparency in their organizations.
By Gen. Monty Meigs (Ret.) | December 16, 2008; 08:47 PM ET | Comments (1)
Special Investigator Needed
The President-elect needs to make sure he is not seen as sitting on the sidelines. Meeting with congressional leaders to identify a special investigator might be the right step.
By Bob Schoultz | December 16, 2008; 08:41 PM ET | Comments (0)
Disclosure -- Or Legal Advice
If you have nothing to hide, disclose everything right away. If you do, find a good lawyer.
By Slade Gorton | December 16, 2008; 08:37 PM ET | Comments (0)
Move On
Obama has repudiated him. Now he should move on to more pressing problems.
By Frances Hesselbein | December 16, 2008; 08:06 PM ET | Comments (0)
Democrats Need to Police Themselves
President-elect Obama's ethics policies and campaign promises for government reform are a great start, but the Congress and the Democratic Party have to step up to the plate, too.
By Paul Schmitz | December 15, 2008; 02:35 PM ET | Comments (1)
Try the Warren Buffett Way
Even a hint of an ethical lapse can destroy a reputation of integrity. When scandal hit Salomon Brothers in 1991, Warren Buffett set a gold standard for restoring a culture of integrity.
By Michael Useem | December 15, 2008; 02:26 PM ET | Comments (1)
It's All About Character
Tell the truth and tell it fast.
By Norm R. Augustine | December 15, 2008; 02:24 PM ET | Comments (1)
Don't Apologize -- Be Human
Full cooperation is certainly a necessary part of the response, but I think the situation also provides an opportunity for Obama to help his constituents begin to understand and appreciate his fallibility.
By Roger Martin | December 15, 2008; 02:07 PM ET | Comments (9)
Commit Acts of Candor
There is only one way to deal with allegations or illegal behavior and that is total transparency.
By Warren Bennis | December 15, 2008; 01:55 PM ET | Comments (1)
Insist on His Resignation
Obama should stay at arm's length from Blagojevich and continue to insist the governor resign or be impeached.
By Bill George | December 15, 2008; 01:52 PM ET | Comments (0)
Push Ethics to the Forefront
Ethics is a daily proposition and not just a backstop to employ when things go wrong. Obama should establish that his administration has no room for self-serving public servants like Blagojevich.
By Barry Posner | December 15, 2008; 01:38 PM ET | Comments (1)
Send a Clear Message
Here's a chance to show us "change" applies to the way politics is conducted.
By Jim Kouzes | December 15, 2008; 01:17 PM ET | Comments (0)
Turn It Into an Opportunity
Incidents of misconduct threaten public confidence, but they are also an opportunity to reinforce important principles and demonstrate character.
By George Reed | December 15, 2008; 01:05 PM ET | Comments (0)
Be the Leader We Need
Rather than defensively answer questions, Obama should tell us he recognizes the governor's behavior is a symptom of the failure of leadership in this country.
By Michael Maccoby | December 15, 2008; 01:00 PM ET | Comments (0)
Be Thorough
The pressures for an immediate media strategy are enormous for President-elect Obama, but accuracy in fact-finding is far more important than speed.
By Benjamin W. Heineman, Jr. | December 15, 2008; 11:47 AM ET | Comments (0)
Machiavelli's Advice
If Obama must choose between being feared and being loved, in this case he should choose to be feared.
By Barbara Kellerman | December 15, 2008; 10:45 AM ET | Comments (0)
Fight Other Battles
Obama should focus on the issues that are going to make the biggest difference to the the country, and this is not one of those issues.
By Marshall Goldsmith | December 15, 2008; 10:34 AM ET | Comments (1)
Play It Cool
Because he hasn't been implicated, Obama should maintain his distance from the governor's problem.
By Abraham Zaleznik | December 15, 2008; 10:25 AM ET | Comments (2)
Not His Problem
Obama should not make this his problem -- he has enough already, thanks.
By Ken Adelman | December 15, 2008; 10:22 AM ET | Comments (1)
Exam Time for Obama
How Barack Obama handles this potential political crisis could be as important as how he handled the dicey situations with Rev. Wright or Bill Ayres.
By Howard Gardner | December 15, 2008; 10:14 AM ET | Comments (2)
Keep the Pressure on Blagojevich
When scandal hits, leaders should address the issue quickly and forthrightly.
By David Walker | December 15, 2008; 10:09 AM ET | Comments (0)
Full and Prompt Disclosure
Presidents have learned through bitter experiences that the public will forgive them for making mistakes, but won't forgive them for lying about those mistakes.
By Kurt Schmoke | December 15, 2008; 10:04 AM ET | Comments (2)
