You’re Barack Obama. You see yourself a leader who sometimes gets things done the way you wanted and intended.
On December 17th, 2014 you announce that you have concluded a deal which after more than a half century will restore between the United States and Cuba formal diplomatic relations. You’re reminded of your power, authority, and influence.
You’re Barack Obama. You see yourself a leader who sometimes gets things done the way you wanted and intended.
The very same day, December 17th, 2014, you are forced publicly to admit that a major American company was attacked by cyber-terrorists. You are forced further to admit (if only indirectly) that it was an attack for which your administration was inadequately prepared. In fact your administration was so ill-prepared that for the moment you decide to do nothing. You decide that you need time to determine America’s response to North Korea’s aggression.
You’re Barack Obama. You see yourself a leader who sometimes gets things done the way you wanted and intended.
During your six years in the White House you have learned one Big Thing – the limits of leadership. You have learned how small your reserves of power, authority, and influence. You have learned how even leaders as powerful as you are relentlessly beset by events beyond their control. You have learned how much of your time is spent being reactive as opposed to proactive. You have learned that even the likes of you are just one part of a system – the leadership system – in which parts other than you impinge on your ability to do what you want to do when you want to do it. You have learned that leadership is about much, much more than any single individual – no matter how singular.
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Note: This is my last post for 2014. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!