A week ago, I was in Washington, DC for the inauguration of Barack Obama. It was, as so many have already said, an incredible and historic experience. I felt all that but I also was watching to see what the new President would do after Inauguration Day and how his actions might align with what a new business owner, executive or CEO might do. What I observed in the few days following his swearing-in solidified my belief that he values and employs the practice of clear, frequent communication with us and that he effectively utilizes a range of advisers with varying perspectives for addressing our big problems as a country – both of which are good disciplines for any business leader.
While it is not totally clear what President Obama’s long term plan or strategy is for our country, it is clear that he will keep us informed about what he is trying to accomplish and how it involves all of us. He spreads his message through multiple media outlets to make sure that Americans can get his message directly from him however they get their news. He is offering a measure of certainty that we as business people can emulate within our own enterprises. He is consistent and clear with his messages (mostly) and appears calm and non-reactive. He displays an air of competence that empowers all of us to feel capable of dealing with our own pieces of the problems. He is confident of his team but he expects everyone to work on our problems. This is an effective leadership style that business people can adopt as long as they are willing to work hard at listening respectfully to others’ opinions, clarifying issues and coming up with fair, reasonable methods for solving problems.
And, it is also clear that he and his team have detailed plans as to how they want to maintain the support of the American people. His quick actions (whether you support them or not) right after he took office are evidence that he and his team have an operating plan for delivering what he promised. His actions also show a bit of shrewd leadership savvy in that he took immediate actions on some issues while beginning the longer-term, comprehensive efforts needed to turn our economy around.
Applying President Obama’s approach to leadership can work for you and your business or enterprise no matter where you stand on the political spectrum. We, as leaders, should be thinking and communicating on a regular basis where our business needs to go in the future and how what we do today makes a difference. Oftentimes, it is simply a lack of communication that makes people fearful of what is happening around them. So, talk to your employees, your clients, your vendors and other stakeholders to let them know what you want them to do to help your business thrive. And listen to them. You may get that amazing breakthrough idea that rockets you to huge success.
The other lesson take from President Obama is that having a diverse group of advisers to gather ideas for best practices and innovation can only enhance your business and client relationships. He calls on the experts within his Cabinet, functional experts outside the government, and his personal advisers to help him shape his policies. Your advisers don’t have to work for you or be politicians but they do have to have a real interest in your success. If you have a sounding board of business peers who understand what you are going through as an entrepreneur, that’s great. If not, you can start building one today. You should have your own “cabinet” or set of advisers regardless of the size or nature of your business.
In a crisis, we as business leaders should be the ones to convey important messages of hope and calm to those around us. The basis for our confidence should be our certainty that we are moving in the right direction and that we are availing ourselves of good, objective advice to help us see around any blind spots we have and to keep us accountable.
Kim Dougherty
Birch Advisory Services International