Observation 1

21st C. Imperatives Many recognize that Barack Obama "gets" 21st Century leadership. However, when reporters, politicos, and historians begin their analysis and speculation it is often using their respective 20th C. lens. Doris Kearns Goodwin gives us the term Team of Rivals to describe Lincoln's strategy of brings his enemies into his cabinet, where some semblance of control or at least tighter observation could be realized. This was a brilliant strategy within the frame of a traditional leadership model where individuals filled positions of power and authority. Note the emphasis here is on RIVALS. But to see the wisdom of Obama's strategy requires us to shift to an emphasis on TEAM. 21st C. leadership is about building TEAMS and creating collaborative circles of influence. Shared vision, clarity of mission, empowerment and accountability are not just buzz words in this model. We see them being utilized extraordinarily well in formation of this new administration. The first behavioral research on leadership came about because of the need for platoon leaders during WWII. Yet, it took another 50 years for people to let go of the notion that "leaders are born, not made". Today, the challenge is to let go of viewing all dynamics as being about positional power, territory, rivalry and ego. Likewise consultants and pundits, stuck in a 1970s paradigms still talk about models like Tuckman's "Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing one moment while teaching the importance of vision, mission, goals, the next. The first model is descriptive of what happens in a traditional leadership model. The second is prescriptive- offering tools of the new 21st C. leadership that can make the need for false starts and discord unnecessary. Like a mixed metaphor, this kind of help confuses more than enlightens. When choosing a consultant, make sure they have the depth of understanding of 21st C imperatives not just the buzzwords. Obama "gets" it. Others "get" it. Let us help more folks "get' it. Jeanne Jeanne Crane Crane Coaching and Consulting 128 Holiday Harbour Canandaigua, NY 14424 585.394.5679