Leadership Lessons from Obama
We recently read an article entitled ‘Leadership Lessons from Obama’. We found the article so compelling, we decided to make it our feature for this week. In it, John Fay, Founder and CEO of SLF, a change management and leadership consultancy, looks at the lessons workplace leaders can learn from Barack Obama’s winning campaign. The article originally appeared on trainingzone.co.uk.
Leadership lessons from Obama
Barack Obama’s route to the top has been well-documented. His aim of ‘getting to the grass roots’ of American society was a clever political move and earned him favour and support from a diverse range of voters. This helped Obama secure a wider margin over his rival, McCain, than any other president in the past two decades. No mean feat for America’s first African-American president.
Taking time to focus on the grass roots is a tactic which can be adopted in everyday business. World leaders, as well as workplace leaders, must inspire others and unite groups to move forward with a common vision. Obama’s dream to take the presidency and affect positive change for America was something he needed to harbour support for. Leadership is about engaging and earning trust from those around you, whether colleagues or voters. Obama achieved this by touching base with people from every level of society – regardless of age, ethnicity, gender or social class.
Tips to do it like Obama:
1) Remember the grass roots of an organization, not just the high-profile players – Strong leaders lead from the top, with buy-in from staff at every level. Always remember to take time out to get to know personnel from various positions and teams within the company.
2) Personality can be a workplace winner – Don’t be afraid to show your personality and your softer side. Even president elect Barack Obama is not afraid to admit he is upset at his recent bereavement. Owning up to your feelings and reaching out for others to join you will help form stronger relationships within your organisation.
3) Two’s company – Ensure your team has a common vision and purpose to work towards. Leaders who put their trust in others will earn trust in return. Work as a team. There’s strength in numbers.
4) Actions sometimes do speak louder than words – If you say you are implementing an organisational change programme, do it. It sounds simple, but it’s amazing how many leaders and managers fail to deliver on promises they have publicly made to staff. Keeping your word will keep staff on your side and will unite belief in your ability to perform and face difficult times in the future.
Newly Released Lessons Learned
Below is a list of the this month’s newly released Executive Lessons.
 |
William Johnson
Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer H.J. Heinz Company |
|
|---|---|---|
 |
William Lamar, Jr.
Former Chief Marketing Officer McDonald’s USA |
|
 |
Tod Arbogast
Director Of Sustainable Business Dell, Inc. |
|
 |
Nick Adamo
SVP U.S. Service Provider Sales Cisco Systems |
|
 |
Andrew Robertson
President & CEO BBDO Worldwide |
Notable favorites from this month’s new releases:
|
William Lamar, Jr.
Former Chief Marketing Officer McDonald’s USA |
|
|---|---|
|
William Johnson
Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer H.J. Heinz Company |
|
|
Andrew Robertson
President & CEO BBDO Worldwide |
3 Tips to Intuitive Communication in the Workplace
Effective communication in times of crisis is critical. While managers might intuitively believe that they should limit communication in times of crisis to lessen the potential that their messages will seem speculative or uncertain, the exact opposite is true. Without ongoing communication in times of crisis, trust is lowered and speculation increases. As a result, it is vitally important to keep lines of communication open, even if there is nothing new to communicate. In fact, managers may want to increase the frequency of communication in times of trouble to ensure that speculation and uncertainty do not arise in its absence.
Below are three tips from proven business executives on effective communication:
1) Keep it simple - Simplicity in communication is key – especially in large organizations. Be aware that people can interpret the same words differently, so keep communication concise to avoid the potential for misunderstanding.
Accompanying video: Keep It Simple - Lord Sharman, Aegis Group
2) More is better - Communicating good news is easy. It is crucial, however, to keep communicating more frequently during difficult times, in order to keep confidence and trust up amongst your people.
Accompanying video: More Is Better - John Lundgren, The Stanley Works
3) Openness - Openness can trickle down from senior Board level to the shop floor through a variety of mediums and communications. Being inventive in the way you link the senior and lower levels of a company reduces traces of hierarchy.
Accompanying video: Openness- Dame Anita Roddick, The Body Shop International
Managing Through A Crisis
Erroll Davis Jnr, Former Chairman of Alliant Energy Corporation, shares the action steps a leader should take to successfully meander through a crisis. This lesson, along with Chairman, President & CEO of Geomagic’s lesson, Rising From The Ashes After A Crisis, and Former Chairman & CEO of Clear Channel International’s lesson, Generating Cash, are just three of the numerous lessons offered in the library providing practical business insight on navigating through this economic crisis.
Video: Managing Through A Crisis
Erroll Davis Jnr
Former Chairman
Alliant Energy Corporation
Summary:
Drawing on his experience operating in the energy industry in the post-Enron meltdown, Erroll Davis Jr gives insight into a difficult leadership skill.
Related Videos
 |
 |
|---|---|
| Roger Parry Clear Channel International |
Ping Fu Geomagic |
Navigating Massive Change
Video: Navigating Massive Change
Jeffrey Hayzlett
Chief Business Development Officer & VP
Eastman Kodak Company
Summary:
Jeffrey Hayzlett shares his experience at Kodak during a time when the photography industry was shifting from traditional format to digital. In this lesson, he tells how to negotiate your way through the rough waters of change.
-
Go to 50Lessons.com
Visit our main site,
www.50Lessons.com.
-
50 Lessons Products
Prospering In Tough Times Collection, 
