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Archive: Presidential leadership
Defining the Moment
A key element of leadership is defining a moment and bringing people to it, when even the most expert observer may not see that opportunity -- that's exactly what President Obama's speech did.
By John H. Cochran, MD | September 10, 2009; 11:07 AM ET | Comments (0)
A Conservative Rut
The President must choose someone with the leadership ability, intellectual heft, and personal confidence to pull the court out of its conservative rut
By Elizabeth Sherman | May 19, 2009; 01:57 PM ET | Comments (3)
A Listening Heart
President Obama should not ignore the leadership qualities of his nominee, as other presidents have done. An influential Justice is one who can not only apply strong logical analysis but who can also make compelling arguments from the heart.
By Michael Maccoby | May 19, 2009; 10:28 AM ET | Comments (0)
Legal Leadership
The best jurists are able to consider different points of view as opposed to working from an agenda.
By Yash Gupta | May 19, 2009; 10:20 AM ET | Comments (0)
A Consensus-Builder
President Obama sees himself as a healer, not a divider, and will nominate someone whose most important qualification beyond competence is having demonstrated the courage and skill to perform a consensus-building role.
By Marty Linsky | May 19, 2009; 10:14 AM ET | Comments (0)
The Junior Justice
It is hard to imagine a junior justice with no Supreme Court experience influencing, in the near term, the experienced jurists. This means the person should be chosen for the power of her mind, rather than her political skills.
By Benjamin W. Heineman, Jr. | May 19, 2009; 10:08 AM ET | Comments (0)
Don't Be Too Cautious
This is the appointment of yours that is likely to have the longest term impact, so please be sure to select someone who is young, healthy, of steady and sound temperament.
By Howard Gardner | May 18, 2009; 03:59 PM ET | Comments (0)
National Consequences
In the Michigan affirmative action case, Justices Kennedy or O'Connor showed flexibility, taking into account the national consequences of the decision. A new Supreme Court justice should be able to straddle principles and consequences.
By Warren Bennis | May 18, 2009; 03:31 PM ET | Comments (0)
Law First, Leadership Second
Leadership in a legislative or executive position is one thing; leadership on a court of law, with its more narrowly defined mission, is something quite different.
By Mickey Edwards | May 18, 2009; 12:59 PM ET | Comments (0)
Liberal-Minded Convincer
Whoever is appointed will not be able to shift the views of the four hardcore conservatives.
By Pablo Eisenberg | May 18, 2009; 12:56 PM ET | Comments (0)
The Sensible Center
The duty of a judge is to make decisions based by applying the facts to the law and in a manner consistent with the Constitution.
By David Walker | May 18, 2009; 12:53 PM ET | Comments (0)
Michelle's Leadership
The authenticity and integrity of our president -- and his wife -- came through in a way that inspired citizens around the world, including those of us cheering at home.
By Frances Hesselbein | April 10, 2009; 09:13 AM ET | Comments (0)
Big Sticks and Know-It-All Relatives
People, or countries, on power trips are tiring to listen to, and big sticks only work if you don't hit yourself on the back swing. Obama's best "saber" right now is his smile.
By USC Students | April 9, 2009; 09:48 AM ET | Comments (0)
Three Tasks for CEO Obama
Let's assume you're the new head of a company, and the previous boss told the union (or the European Union) their help was not needed. What should you do? You have three jobs to get done.
By Alan M. Webber | April 9, 2009; 09:32 AM ET | Comments (0)
Words that Resonate
The first leadership challenge that President Obama faces in the world right now is not terrorism. It's the challenge of restoring trust in the United States, and trust is at the heart of all successful relationships.
By Jim Kouzes | April 8, 2009; 02:06 PM ET | Comments (2)
The Big "Ask"
Leadership often requires careful cultivation. President Obama did well on his initial cultivation trip abroad. Let's see what happens when he returns for the big "ask."
By Kurt Schmoke | April 8, 2009; 07:47 AM ET | Comments (0)
A Leader Among Leaders
Facing staggering deficits and loss of wealth and jobs, America can no longer afford the luxury of toughness. Obama knows that America must telegraph a new message of respect, collaboration and mutuality.
By Elizabeth Sherman | April 7, 2009; 04:04 PM ET | Comments (0)
Global Town Hall
President Obama reached out beyond the official meetings with world leaders to build trust and good will among the people. This global engagement of the public will go a long way to building the reservoir of credibility and trust we will need.
By Patricia McGinnis | April 7, 2009; 02:01 PM ET | Comments (0)
A Strategic Mind at Work
He painted a vision of partnership to control and eventually abolish nuclear weapons. What he showed in Europe was a strategic mind at work, plowing the ground to grow a stronger, healthier future.
By Michael Maccoby | April 7, 2009; 11:57 AM ET | Comments (1)
The End of an (Abysmal) Era
With a wounded and staggering economy, a military structure running on empty after years of conflict in Southwest Asia, and Russia and China openly reaching for ascendancy, we cannot afford a capricious demonstration of toughness.
By Gen. Monty Meigs (Ret.) | April 7, 2009; 11:51 AM ET | Comments (1)
Neither Hard Nor Soft, Just Plain Smart
What a relief to hear a reasonable president discuss unreasonable problems -- like North Korea's aborted missile launch -- with composure, tact, and strength.
By Warren Bennis | April 7, 2009; 11:32 AM ET | Comments (0)
Language, Not Raw Power
I believe that one can manifest power in ways other than showing one's saber.
By Gail S. Williams | April 7, 2009; 11:25 AM ET | Comments (0)
Keeping Bush in the Toolkit
Being devoutly un-Bush means giving up valuable options that might come in handy under certain circumstances. He has already adopted the last Bush Iraq strategy in Afghanistan, although the While House has reportedly banned the use of the word "surge."
By Marty Linsky | April 7, 2009; 11:19 AM ET | Comments (0)
Rebuilding the American Image
President Obama is making it possible to have better, saner relations, and for that the whole world owes him a very big thank you.
By Howard Gardner | April 6, 2009; 06:49 PM ET | Comments (0)
No One Likes a Bully
Smiles are a good start, but nothing beats gaining trust and respect when it comes to developing a productive working relationship, which is what Obama accomplished on this trip.
By Joanne B. Ciulla | April 6, 2009; 06:44 PM ET | Comments (6)
Paper Tiger Obama?
Obama's reaction to the North Korean missile test will indicate his direction of foreign policy, and whether or not he is regarded as a paper tiger.
By Slade Gorton | April 6, 2009; 06:36 PM ET | Comments (4)
Obama, Keeping it Real
Obama doesn't often pose or grab opportunities to project an image other than who he really is.
By Bill Shore | April 6, 2009; 06:15 PM ET | Comments (2)
The Power of Goodwill
Our security, economy, and influence in the world depend on good relations with allies. This is Obama's chance to re-establish the notion that the U.S. president is still the leader of the free world.
By Yash Gupta | April 6, 2009; 02:50 PM ET | Comments (0)
Confident and Non-apologetic
President Obama was right to convey a cooperative, multilateral approach, but he also needs to show his resolve in addressing issues of major concern to the United States, including the long-range missile launch by North Korea.
By David Walker | April 6, 2009; 12:59 PM ET | Comments (0)
The Art of Image
He should distance himself from the very polarizing view of only "good friends vs. absolute enemies," but he needs to be crystal clear on the U.S.'s position and values and then be steely in his consistency in support of them.
By John H. Cochran, MD | April 6, 2009; 12:02 PM ET | Comments (0)
Moral Leadership Matters
We clearly have military superiority in a traditional sense, but as Iraq and Afghanistan prove, that is not enough. Moral standing and collaborative leadership do matter.
By Andy Stern | April 6, 2009; 11:57 AM ET | Comments (0)
Small, Refreshing Changes
Leaders of other countries are under no moral or legal obligation to do what we want. By gaining their commitment we will not get everything that we want - but we will get something!
By Marshall Goldsmith | April 6, 2009; 11:52 AM ET | Comments (1)
Not Just a Gladiator Fight
The danger in the AIG bonus fiasco is that it allows Americans to channel their anger against others, while not changing any of their own behaviors. Obama's leadership must keep the public thinking about its own role in fixing the crisis.
By Ronald Heifetz | March 25, 2009; 04:41 PM ET | Comments (0)
Buck the Tide
As infuriating as the AIG bailout may be, that's not what the president and the Congress should be focused on. Rather, they must find a way -- collectively -- to restore confidence in the financial system of the world's most powerful country.
By Paul R. Portney | March 24, 2009; 03:30 PM ET | Comments (0)
Show Me the Values
This is the time to educate, the time to shed some much needed light on a "show me the money" culture that has gotten us to this place.
By Jim Kouzes | March 24, 2009; 09:06 AM ET | Comments (0)
Wall Street Needs Its Own Leadership
Wall Street leaders do not need the president to tell them to condemn rather than reward failure. It's time to return to merit-based pay, the old-fashioned concept that you share in both the gain and the pain.
By Andy Stern | March 23, 2009; 10:50 AM ET | Comments (0)
Cool the Anger, Negotiate with Congress
Leaders often must be educators, and President Obama needs to educate the public. Better decisions are made when they aren't based on the kind of overheated emotion we're seeing.
By Yash Gupta | March 23, 2009; 10:45 AM ET | Comments (1)
Taxi Driver Wisdom
On the way to Reagan Airport, the taxi driver had this to say about President Obama: "He should talk directly to those bankers and tell them to stop acting like pigs. And he shouldn't let Congress run the show."
By Michael Maccoby | March 22, 2009; 10:46 PM ET | Comments (0)
Telling the Truth Slowly
The president walks a fine line between leveling with the American people about mistakes made, like not restricting AIG bonuses in the first place, and building the support for unpopular but necessary action.
By Bill Shore | March 22, 2009; 10:41 PM ET | Comments (0)
Pitchfork Populism
Nothing less than the credibility of public regulation is at stake in the debate over the House bill taxing bonuses. President Obama (and the Senate) must reject the bill and irrational politics behind it in favor of sensible policy choices on fair compensation.
By Benjamin W. Heineman, Jr. | March 22, 2009; 10:31 PM ET | Comments (2)
It's Not About "Moments"
Talking about "leadership moments" is another stupid example of the quarterly "short-termism" of Wall Street. We should think in terms of leadership months and years; this is going to be a long haul.
By Warren Bennis | March 22, 2009; 10:12 PM ET | Comments (0)
Strategic Pandering
If President Obama did not pander to the crowd on this one, he would have begun to distance himself from huge numbers of people whose support he needs to get his budget, his subsequent recovery plans, and his ambitious domestic agenda enacted.
By Marty Linsky | March 22, 2009; 10:07 PM ET | Comments (5)
Political Courage Required
If Congress passes a retroactive, confiscatory tax on Wall Street bonuses, President Obama should veto it. This requires political courage, something that is a rare commodity in the U.S. Congress.
By Bill George | March 22, 2009; 09:48 PM ET | Comments (12)
Managing, Not Leading
Top-notch leaders are able to turn difficult messes into defining moments, as President Reagan did early in his presidency. President Obama could see the AIG uproar as a golden opportunity -- but so far he has just muddled through.
By Ken Adelman | March 22, 2009; 09:40 PM ET | Comments (0)
Walking the Minefield
Leadership is often about making mistakes -- and learning from them.
By Howard Gardner | March 22, 2009; 09:30 PM ET | Comments (0)
Stop the Demogoguery
While President Obama has been almost as irresponsible as the loudest voices in Congress, it's not too late for him to show the leadership for which he was elected and become part of the solution rather than of the problem.
By Slade Gorton | March 22, 2009; 09:25 PM ET | Comments (1)
Wean Us from Incentive Myths
The AIG crisis offers a teachable moment for President Obama: He can explain why smart organizations don't rely solely on financial incentives to win, keep and motivate their employees.
By Jeffrey Pfeffer | March 22, 2009; 08:52 PM ET | Comments (0)
Practical Solutions for Bonus Problems
The Obama administration and the Congress need to focus on the credit crunch as well as the nation's rapidly deteriorating financial condition, growing structural deficits and over reliance on foreign lenders.
By David Walker | March 22, 2009; 08:15 PM ET | Comments (0)
Reaching the Millennials
Obama's inaugural address called us all to pitch in, and his message resonated with the young, tech-savvy generation.
By Warren Bennis | January 22, 2009; 10:40 AM ET | Comments (0)
The Optimism Paradox
For General Lee at Gettysburg, optimism turned out to be fatal. Every leader must balance the need for confidence with clear-eyed realism, and Obama tried to do that in his inauguration speech.
By Michael Useem | January 22, 2009; 10:13 AM ET | Comments (0)
Grindstone Time
What does Obama want from the American people and what does he promise them? The answer so far: Hard work.
By Joanne B. Ciulla | January 22, 2009; 10:04 AM ET | Comments (0)
Beyonce's Tears
The 27-year-old pop star said of President Obama, "He makes me want to be more involved." She got the inaugural message -- meant for all of us -- loud and clear.
By Ed Ruggero | January 21, 2009; 03:35 PM ET | Comments (0)
Time For Specifics
Beyond balancing hope and candor, leaders also need to balance being general enough to leave themselves latitude but also specific enough to have a mandate for making tough asks. Now's the time for specifics.
By Bill Shore | January 21, 2009; 12:32 PM ET | Comments (1)
Memo to Self
Now that inauguration is over, President Obama gets down to the work of being President. His most immediate thoughts, articulated by Alan Webber.
By Alan M. Webber | January 21, 2009; 12:29 PM ET | Comments (0)
Rallying for Bipartisanship
While one speech cannot achieve the president's purpose, by aiming to gain bipartisan support, President Obama got off to an excellent start.
By Michael Maccoby | January 21, 2009; 12:23 PM ET | Comments (0)
Lessons From Churchill
Churchill's famous speech had tenacity and a pugnacious spirit that struck a deep chord in the people; likewise, Obama needs to be both hopeful and realistic.
By George Reed | January 21, 2009; 11:44 AM ET | Comments (0)
Survival Is Success
President Obama doesn't need to put men on the moon. Simply guiding us through the next decade while preventing the collapse our economic system would be success enough.
By Lt. Col. Todd Henshaw (Ret.) | January 21, 2009; 11:39 AM ET | Comments (1)
A Cautious Beginning
Obama's cautious inaugural address lacked FDR's insight about our nation's distress, Churchill's brutal honesty and JFK's request for help and sacrifice.
By Marty Linsky | January 21, 2009; 11:28 AM ET | Comments (0)
Educator of the Nation
A leader is an individual with a powerful story to communicate to a heterogeneous audience, and whose own life embodies that story.
By Howard Gardner | January 21, 2009; 11:02 AM ET | Comments (0)
Common Ground
A leader must draw other together, forging a shared vision that gives strength in the face of adversity.
By Denis A. Cortese | January 21, 2009; 10:50 AM ET | Comments (0)
A Long-Term Vision
It is particularly challenging to make major changes in government, especially when the crisis you are trying to address is emerging and not immediate.
By David Walker | January 21, 2009; 10:50 AM ET | Comments (0)
Citizens Must Sacrifice, Too
People worry about what a leader is not saying, because it is not that they can't stand bad news-- they just can't stand uncertainty.
By Norm R. Augustine | January 21, 2009; 10:35 AM ET | Comments (0)
First Measure of Success
Will President Obama succeed in establishing a vision, like FDR, and then leading the nation through these turbulent times?
By Col. Charles D. Allen | January 21, 2009; 10:34 AM ET | Comments (0)
New Deal Lessons
President Obama must revive Keynesian ideas of economic revival -- and he must muster the courage to bring others along with him.
By Abraham Zaleznik | January 21, 2009; 10:22 AM ET | Comments (0)
Realism Versus High Expectations
Although President Obama speaks to us realistically about our challenges, I worry his fans aren't hearing him -- while hoping he continues to speak candidly.
By Marshall Goldsmith | January 21, 2009; 10:15 AM ET | Comments (0)
Raw Ability
He has the first-rate intellect, strong emotional intelligence, confidence and good judgment to be a truly great president, one who will hopefully continue to grow after he takes office.
By John R. Ryan | January 15, 2009; 11:02 AM ET | Comments (10)
Calm, Cool and Collected
He handled himself with grace through the campaign, and so far, he's managed to keep it up.
By Warren Bennis | January 15, 2009; 10:45 AM ET | Comments (0)
Values That Really Matter
Not only does the President-elect understand the difference between politics and policy, he also appreciates focus and discipline.
By Andy Stern | January 14, 2009; 12:16 PM ET | Comments (0)
The Dedicated Student
What should worry us is if Obama should ever think that he has graduated from leadership school and believes that he has learned all he needs to know.
By Jim Kouzes | January 14, 2009; 11:40 AM ET | Comments (0)
Getting Back on the Horse
Current expectations are so great that unless Obama proves to be a Lincolnesque leader, disappointment throughout the nation and the world will be inevitable.
By Norm R. Augustine | January 14, 2009; 11:03 AM ET | Comments (0)
A Sigh of Relief
Obama's non-hip shooter leadership style may prove to be one of his greatest and most-welcomed assets.
By Abraham Zaleznik | January 14, 2009; 10:19 AM ET | Comments (0)
Social Sector Challenge
Unless we're to run a dire risk of hyperinflation, President Obama must motivate the social sector -- synagogues, churches, civic organizations, parents and social entrepreneurs -- to contribute massively to solving social issues.
By Bob Buford | January 13, 2009; 01:09 PM ET | Comments (0)
Our Own Responsiblity
If the leadership qualities we saw in Obama's campaign can be systematically applied to governing, then we should not only cheer but pitch in and make some tough choices of our own.
By Patricia McGinnis | January 13, 2009; 12:09 PM ET | Comments (0)
Reality Therapy
The man does have weaknesses. The fact that he does a good job overcoming, disguising, and controlling them is one of the reasons he'll be putting his hand on the Bible on January 20th.
By Alan M. Webber | January 13, 2009; 10:34 AM ET | Comments (2)
Inspiring a Tough Audience: Teenagers
When trust in our public institutions and elected leaders is at an all-time low, Obama has been able to capture the energy and desire to serve among our nation's young people. If he can turn that enthusiasm into service for the public good, then he will truly be a transformational leader.
By Kathy Kretman | January 12, 2009; 02:38 PM ET | Comments (0)
Not Afraid to Disappoint
In rebuffing the gas tax and tapping Rick Warren, Obama has demonstrated the courage and skill needed to disappoint his own supporters at a rate they can absorb.
By Marty Linsky | January 12, 2009; 02:04 PM ET | Comments (0)
Failure Not An Option
President Obama will need to be every bit as good a leader as he appears to be and Republicans (like me) and Democrats alike had better give him all appropriate support.
By Norm R. Augustine | January 12, 2009; 02:04 PM ET | Comments (0)
The Gifted Speaker
In his direct, sober, calm, deliberative, informed, uplifting, stirring and -- of course -- hopeful -- way, Obama displays naturally what many of us work painstakingly for: the gift of public speaking.
By Michael Useem | January 12, 2009; 01:29 PM ET | Comments (0)
The Principled Pragmatist
Obama's brilliant campaign and impressive transition process show he has the skills to guide the country through rough seas, but once greeted by "Hail to the Chief," will he keep his humility?
By Michael Maccoby | January 12, 2009; 12:39 PM ET | Comments (1)
Past Is Not Prologue
The politics of campaign season are far different from the politics of governing. Can Obama make tough policy choices and manage complex decision-making processes?
By Benjamin W. Heineman, Jr. | January 12, 2009; 12:31 PM ET | Comments (0)
First Out The Door
To paratroopers, leading means being "last in the chow line and first out the aircraft door." Whatever the success of his ideas, Obama has at least shown courage in facing our economic crisis.
By Ed Ruggero | January 12, 2009; 11:33 AM ET | Comments (0)
After The Euphoria?
He's a great communicator, yes, but we don't yet know if he can effectively build teams or manage the complex systems of government.
By George Reed | January 12, 2009; 11:18 AM ET | Comments (6)
Open Ears, Open Mind
He strives to see the value of differing opinions, and, if he keeps it up, such a leadership style would be a welcome change from the past eight years.
By Marshall Goldsmith | January 12, 2009; 11:10 AM ET | Comments (1)
Tough Talk -- More Needed
He has talked to us candidly about our current challenges and the tough choices they require, but he has yet to drive home the point that, like the rest of us, the government cannot keep overspending.
By David Walker | January 12, 2009; 10:43 AM ET | Comments (0)
What Did I See In Him?
When I interviewed him in 2000, he impressed me. Looking back, I see now I didn't ask the right questions.
By Alan M. Webber | January 7, 2009; 02:57 PM ET | Comments (4)
If Nothing Else, We've Been Safe
President Bush's overall greatest achievement was that America has not suffered another 9/11 tragedy.
By Norm R. Augustine | January 7, 2009; 10:19 AM ET | Comments (25)
Perversely Beneficial
It was Bush 43 who made possible the election of Barack Obama, and for that we should thank him.
By Warren Bennis | January 7, 2009; 10:11 AM ET | Comments (4)
Diversity Leadership
I credit President Bush with hastening the demise of the "stale, pale, male" image of leaders in America, particularly in appointing Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice as Secretaries of State.
By Joanne B. Ciulla | January 6, 2009; 12:06 PM ET | Comments (3)
Successful Operating Style
Bush and his administration were devoted to their ideas, had a clear agenda, and used all avenues to accomplish them, but they were often more ideological than results driven.
By Andy Stern | January 6, 2009; 12:02 PM ET | Comments (3)
Decisions Without Reflection
Though sometimes mocked, Bush's description of himself as the chief "decider" captured a willingness to make tough decisions. Yet even the best decisions, when unreviewed, can become the worst mistakes.
By Michael Useem | January 6, 2009; 11:52 AM ET | Comments (2)
Reaganesque Fortitude?
Like President Reagan, Bush stuck to a course of action through adversity. On some key policy choices, however, he may have been absolutely wrong from the start.
By Roger Martin | January 6, 2009; 11:46 AM ET | Comments (1)
The Treachery of Hubris
Leaders throughout history, including George W. Bush, have failed when they became bloated with an exaggerated sense of self, pursuing their own ends, seemingly oblivious to the voices of others or the situation around them.
By Barry Posner | January 6, 2009; 11:40 AM ET | Comments (8)
It Didn't Have to End This Way
He had the clarity of vision and buoyant optimism a great leader needs. Sadly, his greatest strengths betrayed him and became his glaring weaknesses.
By Jim Kouzes | January 6, 2009; 11:12 AM ET | Comments (6)
Unanswered Questions
He had many strengths as a leader -- an affable personality combined with a stubborn will -- but his actions in the long run may cost us all dearly.
By Michael Maccoby | January 6, 2009; 11:05 AM ET | Comments (3)
Optimism, Persistence and Loyalty
He had many failings, but he also demonstrated these three important leadership qualities.
By Jeffrey Pfeffer | January 6, 2009; 10:53 AM ET | Comments (2)
Two Good Traits
Failures aside, Bush's patience in Iraq, as well as his flexibility in addressing the financial crisis, have both been hallmarks of good presidential leadership.
By Steven Pearlstein | January 6, 2009; 10:36 AM ET | Comments (2)
Stubborn -- Or Courageous?
Whatever you think of Bush's decisions, the president demonstrated clarity. What some call stubbornness may also be seen as courage.
By John H. Cochran, MD | January 6, 2009; 10:25 AM ET | Comments (5)
Underestimated Strengths
His best virtues were honesty, loyalty and respect for others, while his single-minded focus on the Middle East and on keeping America safe from further attack will only be fully appreciated in the future.
By Bob Schoultz | January 5, 2009; 11:52 AM ET | Comments (2)
So "Right," So Wrong
He did what he thought was right and stuck to that course of action -- to a fault.
By Marshall Goldsmith | January 5, 2009; 11:07 AM ET | Comments (3)
Spectacular Success and Failure
He got some things right -- the initial Afghanistan and Iraq campaigns, his own reelection, and the Iraq surge -- but others disastrously wrong.
By Slade Gorton | January 5, 2009; 10:59 AM ET | Comments (9)
Outstanding Leadership on HIV/AIDS
From the point of view of an African child born free of HIV, George W. Bush is a great leader.
By Kurt Schmoke | January 5, 2009; 10:54 AM ET | Comments (2)
Strong Start That Fizzled
George W. Bush enacted his tax cut with bipartisan support, set a clear management agenda and sent the right signals after 9/11 -- then his leadership went downhill.
By David Walker | January 5, 2009; 10:50 AM ET | Comments (0)
Failure, With a Few Good Points
Faint praise aside, Bush must take the blame and be recorded as a failed leader.
By Howard Gardner | January 5, 2009; 10:39 AM ET | Comments (5)
