The Work Begins Now

"Change doesn't come from Washington. Change comes to Washington."
Barack Obama - Aug 2008

President Obama is in Ottawa today to meet with Prime Minister Harper and other Canadian leaders. It is a whirlwind tour of the Nation’s capital. There will be a brief press conference later this afternoon and the rest of the time will be spent working on serious topics.

"Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek."
Barack Obama - Feb 2008

In the wake of the global economic situation it is interesting that the chatter about this trip has circled around seeing the President in the flesh. The entire downtown core is blocked off and Secret Service officials are blanketing the city like a fresh snowfall. But the bigger question is – do we need to see him or do we need him to lead some of the solutions facing all of us?

Fame and Fascination

"We live in a culture that discourages empathy. A culture that too often tells us our principle goal in life is to be rich, thin, young, famous, safe, and entertained."
Barack Obama - Jul 2006

We are enthralled by celebrity. Obama is the most famous person on earth and it’s only natural that people would want to see him in action.

Despite the most historic Presidential election of all time won by one of the most charismatic political leaders in a decades, Obama himself has repeatedly reminded all of us that there is much work to do by all of us. This is not a U.S. situation, it is a worldwide situation. There is no time for pomp and circumstance.

Leaders and Laggards

"What Washington needs is adult supervision."
Barack Obama - Oct 2006

Strong leadership is enjoyed by most and some are meant to lead. It is not about a title or job description or education – it is about motivating others to work together on solutions.

It was amazing to watch the Obama camp embrace social media and empower millions of new voters to enjoy the freedom of having their voice heard and to make a difference.

Once the final morsels of confetti fell to the floor, the work began. Red carpets have been rolled way and sleeves are now rolled up.

Hope and Hard Work

"Faith is not just something you have, it's something you do."
Barack Obama - Dec 2006

I think it’s fairly safe to say that Canadians hope the President can inspire our leadership to work together across party lines and discard nick picky politics toward resolution. Perhaps the rest of us could do our part by getting to work rather than being concerned about a celebrity sighting?

Would you rather meet someone famous or be inspired by them?

km

cnet.com

Leaders Say: Let’s Go

There is no doubt that today is historic. Barack Obama becomes President. The celebrations will go well into the wee hours. But what is interesting is that the new commander-in-chief will be at his desk in the oval office within hours of is inaugural speech.

Four years ago, Obama was the junior senator from Illinois and today the 47-year old becomes the President. How did he do that?

In a city where there are more pontificators and lobbyists per capita than in any other urban center on the planet – Obama is there to work. He gives great speeches, he inspires many people, but he means what he says and says what he means.

Think about your mentors – the people who not only helped your career but helped you. Look to the people who inspired you and believed in you. Now think of the people who look to you for that same guidance.

We’ve all had a boss – a person who chirps demands and reminds us that democracy is a theory not a reality. But how many of us have had the chance to work with a leader? How many of us have felt the joy of leading others?

It’s easy to bark orders, it’s much more difficult to lead and motivate. It’s simple to take the “because I said so” stance; it’s difficult to adopt the “I see your strengths” approach.

There is no such thing as a selfless act or unbiased opinion. Obama was born to lead and revels in doing so. But the satisfaction he feels from leading can only be personified if he successfully motivates others to let him lead.

Let’s go!

km

www.timesonline.com