A different view on Barack Obama

In December, among the normal hectic end of year, I had the privilege of hearing Michelle and Barack Obama speak thanks to #thegrowthfaculty and #sas. Sharing a few items of wisdom from each using a little role reversal.  Plus, at the bottom, How might Barack be handling #COVID19?

Mr. President – Leadership applied to Family. 

Barack’s upbringing gives him a great foundation of common sense. Lessons for your family:

– Don’t get too high or low emotionally. We have all been in situations with a family member which become emotional. Take a breath, step away, and come back. 

– Empower others and put them in situations to succeed. In the US, and globally, often we are shielding our children or driving them towards a parents agenda. As parents, we need to put our children in situations with boundaries and give them the chance to succeed or fail. They will learn from both. 

– Make a small impact each day. We can brighten a loved ones day with a short note or teach them a quick hack to make life easier. Take a moment today for a family member. 

Michele, former First Lady – Family applied to life in leadership. Running a household at your house or the White House requires leadership. Some of her insights: 

– Tell your Story. People want to follow Leaders who have a great personal story. It is up to us to share our story and connect it to how it helps those we are leading.  

– Passion. Belief and emotion for your cause are important to get people to follow you. Passion gives them the fuel to go beyond their limits into new horizons. 

– Staying Positive. This is my key reminder. We live in a world where the tone of media is continually becoming more negative and demands are always increasing. Each day as a leader, we need to find and share the positives. 

Barack on COVID19, a different approach, Maybe. Barack spoke a couple times about seeking advice and opinions which were opposing. How might the COVID19 situation in the US be different currently with him leading? Perhaps, a voice just as loud as the CDC in early February would have said why not bring in WHO kits or why not let all the hospitals test? That voice has to be sought out at times for balance. As leaders we need the both ends of the argument to decide, especially in uncertain times.

The Obama’s made a tremendous impact on the free world and they continue that work with the Obama foundation. Feel free to share how they have impacted you on your journey. #obama #leadership or your learning from COVID19.