This is not a political/2008 American election post. This is some friendly/honest advice for Barack Obama.
For consistency, I’ll focus on things relating to leading. So here goes:
- Embrace candor and don’t tell us what we want to hear. I know political pundits and spin doctors would say that’s crazy, but its what most Americans want.
- Don’t assume that you’ve arrived or have been anointed. Leadership is a responsibility and not a privilege.
- Surround yourself with people who are interested in doing the right thing, and not polling numbers.
- Since history will judge you by what you did and not what you said, make your decisions and carry them out.
- Tough roads are what make us great, so don’t shy from them.
- Be careful with people who are impressed by you. Those types will tell you only what is in their best interest.
- Tell America what you’re for. Anyone can say what their against. Courage is found in the "for."
- Be specific, even if it costs you.
- Like all of us, we only get one shot at this thing called life, so make it count.
- There are no inside secrets. So don’t assume anything.