Dr. Maccoby participates in a Weekly Forum on Washington Post.com called "On Leadership". I am compiling all of his responses to the weekly questions here.
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1/19/09 Amidst Crisis, How To Define Success?
During a crisis, a leaders has to be candid enough about the problem to get people to change their behavior, while giving them enough hope that the challenge can be overcome. Getting that balance right often involves redefining success in some way. How well has Barack Obama done with this challenge posed by the current economic crisis? Are there any lessons to be found in history or in experiences you've had? Posted by Ben Bradlee and Steve Pearlstein on January 21, 2009 10:10 AM |
Rallying for Bipartisanship
The purpose of the inaugural speech appeared to be one of gaining bipartisan support for President Obama's large programs. He did so in four ways:
- He clarified the crisis: a weakened economy, a loss of confidence and fear of the future.
- He listed the causes: greed and irresponsibility, belief in a market without controls, failure to prepare for the future by using our ingenuity, science and technology to build our infrastructure, create alternative energy, strengthen education and provide better and less expensive health care for all.
- He built a framework of a non-partisan ideology of "responsibility" (although this key concept is not fully defined) and practical solutions. He undoubtedly knows that the expensive programs he'll propose will provoke resistance. Government is neither the problem nor the solution but it has a role as long as it is effective.
- He strengthened his ideologies with traditional American values and ideals. Progress will be made by the risk takers and doers. He paid tribute to hard work and service, and also assured the country that we will remain militarily strong and defeat our enemies.
In his speech, he also reached out to friends, challenged enemies and promised aid to the poor of the world. He claimed that maintaining our safety will not conflict with our ideals, although history suggests differently. Clearly, one speech cannot achieve the president's purpose, one that I fully share. But it was an excellent start.
By Michael Maccoby | January 21, 2009; 12:23 PM ET | Category:
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