Obama's State of the Union - Rate the President's Shift IQ (SQ)
During President Obama's State of the Union (SOTU), I suggest you pay attention with a different lens. Evaluate his message through the vantage point of an Advantage-Maker. This is not a political partisan rating but an independent view of the state of his advantage-making. Rate President Obama's Shift IQ.
Advantage-Makers are strategic shifters. They interact with the world differently. In the face of constraints they consistently create superior outcomes. Their task is to shift the odds in our favor. This capacity to strategically shift is the hallmark of Advantage-Makers and advantage-making. To deal with constraints advantage-makers have high Shift IQ's (SQ).
Advantage-Makers are strategic shifters. They interact with the world differently. In the face of constraints they consistently create superior outcomes. Their task is to shift the odds in our favor. This capacity to strategically shift is the hallmark of Advantage-Makers and advantage-making. To deal with constraints advantage-makers have high Shift IQ's (SQ).
This ability to shift is what amounts to a secret or hidden code of advantage-making, and is made from 5 dimensions. These dimensions are the levers to shift the odds in our favor.
Shift IQ (SQ)
As you listen to the Presidents speech, start with the constraints: the hand he was dealt with the Great Recession and the International crisis and Wars. Rate him along these five dimensions:
1) Shifting Questions - does he accept the givens or question the givens? Does he see what others don't see? Shifting options provide us with options often overlooked rather than just following the known procedures. Does Obama illustrate what we tend to miss or overlook and suggest practical solutions? Does he frame the argument differently from the same old same old to make us feel once again, Yes We Can and Yes We Will?
2) Shifting Time - does he establish the right time frame for urgency and patience? Shifting time create possibilities where most people only repeat what they've done in the past. Does he make the case how past decisions have limited our options? Does he ask us for patience on ridding ourselves of the old systems that have failed us while he urges us to take specific action now to make a better today and tomorrow? Does he show us how to make the most of the forces at play? There is no time like to present to create the future.
3) Shifting Interaction - does he change the game we are playing. Both over the past year and his interactions with the Republicans. Is he demonstrating his ability to rapidly adapt to the political and economic forces at play? Shifting interactions changes the game. Does Obama shift from an attempt at a bipartisan approach to one that demonstrates there is a new game in town that will make a difference in the midst of the worst recession America has ever experienced? Does some of what he suggests question convention, proposing a different game, that is neither right or left? Does he stand tall and demonstrate command presence in the face of his enemies?
4) Shifting Perception - Does he influence us that we are going in the right direction with the proper course corrections that are involved in any change effort? Shifting perception influences outcomes. Does he admit mistakes and learn from it and engage us to learn? How do we feel about ourselves, our futures in the presence of our chosen President after his first year in office? Does he inspire our behavior to achieve the agenda for America's recovery?
5) Shifting Structure - Structure shapes behavior. Is the President establishing a winning game, is he positioning us to win? Have we fallen prey to a failing structure in Congress and what does the President have to say about it? Does he make the hard decision? Has the President set the stage for a structural solution that will gain momentum and move us forward? Do you hear how we will advance rather than go back to old ways that haven't and don't work?
We need Advantage-Makers in the White House, the Senate and the House of Representatives to shift the economic and political playing field. It is their job to get it right. We looked to them, with our input as a democracy to do the right thing.
Listen for the Shift IQ of our President in his State of the Union and rate
On a scale of 1-----10 how effective at shifting the question
On a scale of 1-----10 how effective at shifting time
On a scale of 1-----10 how effective at shifting interactions
On a scale of 1-----10 how effective at shifting perceptions
On a scale of 1-----10 how effective at shifting structures
Advantage-makers use the 5 strategic shifts as levers to achieve higher results. Difficulties become easier, complex things become simpler, things that seem too slow get done quicker, and we can enjoy the fruits of our labor - we have more fun doing it.
The state of Obama's ability to shift America
The State of the Union will be revealed. The state of Obama's ability to shift America will also be on the line. In past blogs I have indicated that Obama is an Advantage-Maker. From my studies we can see that Advantage-makers are not perfect. They make mistakes, but they learn faster, use failure as feedback to course correct, make new connections, and get more out of the information and experiences they engage in. We want America and our President to succeed. We will be at a great disadvantage if he and we don't create superior outcomes in the face of the constraints we face. Just as I believe we are stronger today than we were one year ago, it will take President Obama's advantage-making skills and together we will make our nation better and stronger.
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Here’s my review of Obama’s Shift IQ-Applying Steven Feinberg’s principles to President Obama’s recent State of the Union Speech. All quotations mentioned here were taken from the New York Times text of the speech accessed at: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/28/us/politics/28obama.text.html?pagewanted=all
On Shifting Questions, Obama’s message has shifted from “Yes we can” into “We do not give up. We do not quit”. Right now Obama appears to recognize that his number one priority needs to be getting American’s back to work, and creating a climate conducive to business growth. I believe he was convincing in his efforts to relay to the American people that he gets it. People need to work so that they can even think they have a chance to fight for healthcare. His speech showed great concern for the struggle of the middle class, and brought up a number of solutions in areas such as student loan debt, college funding, housing, tax cuts and an investment American innovation. Because Obama did not mention his failing healthcare plan until halfway through his speech, this showed a clear change in focus. Although Obama mentions that he takes blame for not “explaining it clear enough to the American people”, he seems committed to bringing the issue back to the table soon. Obama also made some practical suggestions about increasing transparency in Government, particularly in areas that for years have happened under the radar—earmarks and the power of the lobbyists, and special interests on our politicians. He challenges both parties to actually do some work now instead of accepting the gridlock—stop acting like every day is “election day” and get some work done. “Rather than fight the same tired battles that have dominated Washington for decades, it's time to try something new. Let's invest in our people without leaving them a mountain of debt. Let's meet our responsibility to the citizens who sent us here. Let's try common sense. A novel concept”. My scorecard on shifting questions gives him a 9.
On shifting time, Obama says that while he understands how many American’s don’t see that change has happened fast enough, he reminds us that a full American recovery will take time. He challenges his audience to have some perspective; America has seen their way through tough times before. He reminds us of days when “victory was very much in doubt”. It’s a good analogy for both the war and the economy. He brings up the fact that he inherited this mess (referring to the banks, but the war applies here, too), while noting measures that were taken swiftly to shore up the banking system to keep from a far worse collapse. On several issues such as the banking system, exporting American goods, climate change, and our position in the world, Obama makes strong statements about not letting America be #2. He remarks on the motivations of India and China on climate change and industry-- why should we wait for tomorrow for action when they are not waiting? Obama also gives time limits on his spending(freeze for 3 years beginning 2011) and the current conflict in Iraq (we will get out) which tell us he knows that he understands how time affects the national debt. Obama also demands a new Jobs bill “on his desk” as soon as possible, and mentions he is open to ideas from across the aisle. My scorecard on shifting time gives him a 7.
On Shifting Interaction, Obama suggested his party was being too passive, and not standing up for their own issues "We have largest majority in decades and people expect us to solve problems, not run for the hills." And followed it by telling the Republicans they are being pig-headed and: ""Just saying 'no' to everything may be good short term politics but it's not leadership." Obama even made a surprising statement about a recent ruling that the Supreme Court made regarding campaign financing by corporate donation, calling it misguided and wrong. He takes aim at the lobbyists, a number of times. too: “Now, the House has already passed financial reform with many of these changes. And the lobbyists are trying to kill it. But we cannot let them win this fight. And if the bill that ends up on my desk does not meet the test of real reform, I will send it back until we get it right. We've got to get it right.” He also suggested meeting on a regular basis—proposing monthly meetings with both parties to propel some real bi-partisan efforts. I like Obama’s attitude, putting everyone on notice to get their jobs done. At the very least the Republicans will have to answer to him on a more regular basis even if it is only over a pastrami sandwich. My scorecard on shifting interaction is an 8 since he went a little further than I expected.
On shifting perceptions, Obama made a great deal of effort to counteract the negative press by the political pundits and those fearful cries of Socialism. Obama points to the facts that his administration has cut taxes on 95% of us, and has not raised any taxes. Although he admits mistakes and that he hated the bailout like the rest of us, he believes it was necessary. He believes that healthcare reform is one of the keys in getting us to work on the deficit. “Most of this was the result of not paying for two wars, two tax cuts, and an expensive prescription drug program. On top of that, the effects of the recession put a $3 trillion hole in our budget. All this was before I walked in the door.” Obama also targets companies who themselves are acting very un American by outsourcing. Proposes giving tax breaks to businesses that don’t outsource, who hire workers, give raises. Offering the profit made on successful TARP funded bank money to go right to small local banks to loan money--Even the Republicans appeared to warm to these ideas. I loved Obama’s appeal to the Republicans to look for something they can agree on with regards to climate change “even if we can’t agree on the science” perhaps for the businesses’ sake, and for the sake of America’s future: “the nation that leads the clean energy economy will be the nation that leads the global economy. And America must be that nation.” I’d give Obama a 7 on shifting perceptions since some people may still sadly be a tough sell
Finally on Shifting Structure, Obama made an attempt in this speech to reveal how polarization between political parties has created gridlock. Obama takes aim at everyone from the lobbyists, bank CEO’s to the Supreme Court in an effort to remind them who is supposed to be working toward American progress. In doing this he essentially put everyone on notice. Obama shows a great commitment to helping America be #1 in the world, and urged his audience to not let us fall behind Asia and India in the areas of progress. Perhaps lighting the fire of competition may help unify our lawmakers and corporations. I believe many of the areas I’ve mentioned previously show Obama’s commitment to success--“America must be that nation” and “We do not give up. We do not quit”. On shifting Structure I’d give Obama 6-7.
I believe it was a fine speech, with some inspiring, shocking (Alito!) and funny moments. Obama is a talented speaker who has the skill of great humility, strength, humor and professorial--yet neighborly charm. While I do feel hopeful that he is capable of turning this country around, he has strong Political forces working against him--the “schoolyard tuffs” are so tiresome. I would still love to see all this beautiful rhetoric turn into action. Like New Year’s resolutions which always stick for a week or two, but by mid-February disappear back into the old habits--here’s to Obama not forgetting.
Posted by Rebecca
In my many years of watching the State of the Union from various Presidents this had to be one of the most confrontational speeches I have ever heard.
The President definitely wanted the American people to understand what challenges he inherited when he took office and how his specific actions are now yielding dividends. The country has not healed itself; however, we are now trending in the right direction. He also challenged both parties to get off their political duffs and begin to work for the American people and not to serve their parties interest. He further called out the Supreme Court for their recent ruling on campaign financing and the Military for their, “Don’t ask, don’t tell policy”. I was very surprised that he challenged so many groups of people, which could spell political suicide. Unfortunately, Washington is more about the politics of the day and less about how do we act within the best interest of the American people.
His ability to draw in his audience using the personal stories, humor and command and presence was absolutely phenomenal. The timing when he inserted comments to make the Republicans laugh at themselves to ease the tension in the room was masterful. He declared war on business as usual in Washington.
One of the biggest highlights of his speech was the comments he made regarding climate control and the global economy. Although many Republicans may not agree with global warming the fact is energy conservation is the next big job creation vehicle of the future. Therefore, as he stated “The country that leads the clean air economy will also lead the global economy”. This was a moment when he actually addressed all five shift areas.
1. Shifting Questions - Score 10: His approach to healing the economy does not follow the normal trends of tax breaks for the wealth or just throwing free money to those in need. He suggested America must prepare its citizens to work in clean air and energy jobs and he offered incentives to companies who manufacturer and hire workers to work in this industry.
2. Shifting Time - Score 10: He was very candid regarding the past failures of the Government’s energy policy and encouraged us to develop a new comprehensive and climate bill. By passing this bill America will be a better position to take advantage of the global energy industry which is being developed. He further addressed the critics who said he is too ambitious, with the question of if not now, when? This put the onus back in their court to either rally around the initiative or to make alternative suggestions.
3. Shifting Interaction - Score 6: This is one of the areas I thought he was actually lacking. While he stood strong in the command and presence area, I felt he did not persuade the republicans to join forces with him in his efforts to set a proper course for the country. Americans are aware of the reason why we are in a recession is the failed policies of George Bush, his administration and the previous congress. However, at some point we must stop pointing the finger of blame and move strictly towards resolutions otherwise it just become another form of political posturing which is not looked upon favorably by the American public.
4. Shifting Perception - Score 6: Americans want fundamental change across all areas of government. We want to once again be seen as the leaders in the world, therefore, when he stated the future leader of the global economy is the nation that leads the clean air and energy economy this resonated with people and set the tone for the direction we must follow as a nation.
5. Shifting Structure - Score 7: Finally he welcomed and encouraged bipartisan efforts and committees to work on the initiative. He encouraged putting an end to saying “no” just for the sake of saying no or to towing the party line. He challenged the status quo, but again I thought he used a little too much Democratic rhetoric which at time contradicted his message.
In closing, I still believe he has the ability to be a major player in turning America around and once again becoming a global leader across all sectors of business. However, in order to do so he must remember his campaign promise of removing bipartisanship and establishing a one government for the people of America. He needs to spend more time garnering the support of congress and creating programs with the win-win principle in mind.
In my many years of watching the State of the Union from various Presidents this had to be one of the most confrontational speeches I have ever heard.
The President definitely wanted the American people to understand what challenges he inherited when he took office and how his specific actions are now yielding dividends. The country has not healed itself; however, we are now trending in the right direction. He also challenged both parties to get off their political duffs and begin to work for the American people and not to serve their parties interest. He further called out the Supreme Court for their recent ruling on campaign financing and the Military for their, “Don’t ask, don’t tell policy”. I was very surprised that he challenged so many groups of people, which could spell political suicide. Unfortunately, Washington is more about the politics of the day and less about how do we act within the best interest of the American people.
His ability to draw in his audience using the personal stories, humor and command and presence was absolutely phenomenal. The timing when he inserted comments to make the Republicans laugh at themselves to ease the tension in the room was masterful. He declared war on business as usual in Washington.
One of the biggest highlights of his speech was the comments he made regarding climate control and the global economy. Although many Republicans may not agree with global warming the fact is energy conservation is the next big job creation vehicle of the future. Therefore, as he stated “The country that leads the clean air economy will also lead the global economy”. This was a moment when he actually addressed all five shift areas.
1. Shifting Questions - Score 10: His approach to healing the economy does not follow the normal trends of tax breaks for the wealth or just throwing free money to those in need. He suggested America must prepare its citizens to work in clean air and energy jobs and he offered incentives to companies who manufacturer and hire workers to work in this industry.
2. Shifting Time - Score 10: He was very candid regarding the past failures of the Government’s energy policy and encouraged us to develop a new comprehensive and climate bill. By passing this bill America will be a better position to take advantage of the global energy industry which is being developed. He further addressed the critics who said he is too ambitious, with the question of if not now, when? This put the onus back in their court to either rally around the initiative or to make alternative suggestions.
3. Shifting Interaction - Score 6: This is one of the areas I thought he was actually lacking. While he stood strong in the command and presence area, I felt he did not persuade the republicans to join forces with him in his efforts to set a proper course for the country. Americans are aware of the reason why we are in a recession is the failed policies of George Bush, his administration and the previous congress. However, at some point we must stop pointing the finger of blame and move strictly towards resolutions otherwise it just become another form of political posturing which is not looked upon favorably by the American public.
4. Shifting Perception - Score 6: Americans want fundamental change across all areas of government. We want to once again be seen as the leaders in the world, therefore, when he stated the future leader of the global economy is the nation that leads the clean air and energy economy this resonated with people and set the tone for the direction we must follow as a nation.
5. Shifting Structure - Score 7: Finally he welcomed and encouraged bipartisan efforts and committees to work on the initiative. He encouraged putting an end to saying “no” just for the sake of saying no or to towing the party line. He challenged the status quo, but again I thought he used a little too much Democratic rhetoric which at time contradicted his message.
In closing, I still believe he has the ability to be a major player in turning America around and once again becoming a global leader across all sectors of business. However, in order to do so he must remember his campaign promise of removing bipartisanship and establishing a one government for the people of America. He needs to spend more time garnering the support of congress and creating programs with the win-win principle in mind.
To be honest since I have been back in school I have not watched any television that requires my brain to think, but I was very interested in Obama’s State of the Union! When I first found out that Obama was a candidate for President I was so grateful and nervous. The reason for my feeling was that I felt we as a Nation needed a change and to have any person of different gender or race would be a move in the right direction.
Right from the beginning I felt that Obama really tried to capture the audience by mentioning that we as a Nation always want victory and he knows we have not achieved this, but we must move forward as one Nation and create change. In the beginning of his speech he avoided the topic of Health Care and went right to the next hot topic of jobs; he also made a point that we all needed to work together.
When I correlate Obama’s speech to Advantage making(QTIPS) my opinion of thinking his speech was great to just thinking it might have been full of fluff! In QTIPS you really need to see if the person answered the Question, Time, Intervention, Perceptions, and Structure. When I dissect QTIPS I can up with the following evaluation:
Q- Did Obama shift America’s question to benefit him? Did he offer a solution for a limited time? My answer is yes! Obama shifted the question of health care to jobs, purchasing homes, parents going back to school, small businesses and lowering taxes to upper class. On shifting I give Obama a 6.
T- Obama mentioned a few times how when he came into office the situation was not stellar, but over the year his team has made a difference. He also mentioned a few times how that when you create a budget it really doesn’t take affect until the following year and how by the end of the year we will add 1.5 million jobs. Plus Obama kept mentioning that in three years thing will be different.(for the better) In dealing with time I give Obama a 7.
I - In regards to intervention, Obama was always putting down the Republicans, and times he even put down the Supreme Court. To me he was trying to one up them by calling them on their bad decisions that he felt they had made. Intervention I feel that Obama should receive a 5.
P - Obama was a great perception shifter! He would take some responsibility for creating some of the problems and then right away he would shift the focus to another hot topic like taking the money back from the banks that received money and given it back to the people. Then he also got people riled up by saying the war was going to end by 2011. With perceptions I think he should get a 5.
S - The positive thing that I liked about Obama’s structure is that he made it a point to say that he was going to start meeting with the Republicans’ every month. This to me was great, but it should have been done sooner than now. I feel Obama should get a 9 on this point he really wants to be successful in involving everyone.
If I did not know about QTIPS and listened to the president I would have thought he really gets us. He knows what is broken and he is going to fix it, but s I stated earlier before I broke Obama’s speech down by QTIPS I was so WOWED! When I started to see how he really was just talking to satisfy us as a Nation and keeping his own Democrats happy. Because seriously I feel that he has taken on way too much. It is about quality not quantity! If were to ask me to evaluate The First Lady I would feel much different She is working on Health Care, but she has taking one part of health care and taking on child obesity. This is do able; I feel that the president should focus on an easy task and move forward. No matter how I feel the speech went I think Obama is a great speaker has a wonderful tone and can really get everyone excited about change. I really do hope that change is on its way!
After listening to president’s state of the union speech I came away with an understanding on the direction he is taking our government. First he wants to create more jobs through various tax cuts and removing tax benefits for companies that are outsourcing jobs. Secondly, it was apparent that healthcare care reform is still important to him and he will continue pursuing that bill. Lastly, he is concerned about our national budget and as he stated he’s putting the government on a budget. What that meant was only spending money on things are a necessary.
I would score Obama a 10 on shifting questions. One of the things I enjoyed watching him in his speech was how he changed views through questions. For example, how he balanced the bail out money that was given to the banks, which are now able to paying bonuses to their management. He also pointed out that the banks had paid back most of the money and then shifted the question on how we can use the money to create more jobs. His answer was to give it to the community banks in turn they would be able to give loans to small business that in turn will create jobs.
I’d score Obama an 8 on shifting time. He did this most clearly when talking about the budget. He stated that the government would start freeze spending for five years starting next year. He felt the economy still needed to stabilize. The only concern I have with his agenda is that he is assuming that he’ll win the next presidential election.
I’d score Obama a 7 on shifting interaction. Obama speech sounded very much like a Republican, he discussed cutting taxes and reducing government spending. I also felt that he also challenged the Democrats and Republicans to work together on the healthcare bill.
I’d score Obama a 4 on shifting perceptions. I don’t remember Obama talking responsibility for any of the problems. What I recall was that the blamed his predecessor for the economy and wars he inherited (and he is right). When taking on a negative issue he was also very good at balancing it with some positives. But at a certain point, it left me wondering when he had time to talk to so many “ordinary” citizens.
I’d score Obama a 4 on shifting structure. While I did enjoyed Obama’s speech I found it difficult to believe him. In the back of my mind I felt like he was doing the good talk but there are many other factors that impact the success of his goals. Primarily, he attacked the large corporations by removing tax benefits and increasing taxes on banks. The fact is our political system is based on donations from these companies. By going after them, I believe that he’s made himself a huge target. By doing this, large companies will spend more money trying to block his initiatives.
After listening to president’s state of the union speech I came away with an understanding on the direction he is taking our government. First he wants to create more jobs through various tax cuts and removing tax benefits for companies that are outsourcing jobs. Secondly, it was apparent that healthcare care reform is still important to him and he will continue pursuing that bill. Lastly, he is concerned about our national budget and as he stated he’s putting the government on a budget. What that meant was only spending money on things are a necessary.
I would score Obama a 10 on shifting questions. One of the things I enjoyed watching him in his speech was how he changed views through questions. For example, how he balanced the bail out money that was given to the banks, which are now able to paying bonuses to their management. He also pointed out that the banks had paid back most of the money and then shifted the question on how we can use the money to create more jobs. His answer was to give it to the community banks in turn they would be able to give loans to small business that in turn will create jobs.
I’d score Obama an 8 on shifting time. He did this most clearly when talking about the budget. He stated that the government would start freeze spending for five years starting next year. He felt the economy still needed to stabilize. The only concern I have with his agenda is that he is assuming that he’ll win the next presidential election.
I’d score Obama a 7 on shifting interaction. Obama speech sounded very much like a Republican, he discussed cutting taxes and reducing government spending. I also felt that he also challenged the Democrats and Republicans to work together on the healthcare bill.
I’d score Obama a 4 on shifting perceptions. I don’t remember Obama talking responsibility for any of the problems. What I recall was that the blamed his predecessor for the economy and wars he inherited (and he is right). When taking on a negative issue he was also very good at balancing it with some positives. But at a certain point, it left me wondering when he had time to talk to so many “ordinary” citizens.
I’d score Obama a 4 on shifting structure. While I did enjoyed Obama’s speech I found it difficult to believe him. In the back of my mind I felt like he was doing the good talk but there are many other factors that impact the success of his goals. Primarily, he attacked the large corporations by removing tax benefits and increasing taxes on banks. The fact is our political system is based on donations from these companies. By going after them, I believe that he’s made himself a huge target. By doing this, large companies will spend more money trying to block his initiatives.
One of Obama’s greatest strength is bringing hope to the American people despite the economic hardship we’ve been experiencing. He gives us a sense of transparency with his plans towards recovery. Rather than hiding and candy coating our struggles, he acknowledges what is at the very heart of every American, and confidently provides solutions that are specifically geared towards not only our recovery, but our step to rising back to the top of the playing field. I believe it is to incentives, motivate and inspire the right behavior that will clearly progress us towards the recovery in which the struggling majority can leverage and find advantage. He tackled issues and brought to light the advantages we will take to come out on top. Obama is extremely skilled at turning challenges to advantages. It is by his careful and purposely chosen words, the right positioning, the right “shifting”, sprinkled humor, setting the right perception and interactions, his command and peresence, that he has successfully gained victory in his address.
Q: 10. He is extremely effective in not only addressing questions that is the minds of every American (and the all important, WIIFM), but he gracefully and strategically shifts the approach to be resolve driven and benefit oriented.
T: 10. He recognizes past failures. He acknowledges real-time issues. He IS real-time. He highlights the challenges he was faced with even before he “walked in the door.” He reminds us of what was successful last year. Then transitions the speech towards resolve… and the advantages. Again, very successful in addressing the issues then inspiring towards the solutions proposed.
I: 10. Sometimes I wonder, that despite a great solution, will there always be a continued separation of the house all because of tradition values and beliefs that they feel obligated to uphold? Interaction – hands down at the top of my list. His tone, his choice of words, his speed…it keeps his audience attentive, reactive, and engaged. Now the republican party may not have always agreed on the issues addressed and resolutions proposed, but even when they weren’t standing to applaud, they were still engage, which was apparent by their eye contact, whispered comments, smiles, frowns, and extreme attentiveness.
P: Absolutely a 10! Changing perception takes extreme skills, especially when addressing a nation that is experiencing hardship. I’m certain that many watching at home started with negative thoughts and feelings because of their personal struggles resulting from the economic climate. However, with a speech that inspires resolution and highlights the advantages (aka benefits) that will incentivise (sp?) action, Obama succeeds to shifting perception where his audience walks away with hope and the light at the end of their tunnel. At least, that’s how I felt in the end ☺
S: 10. Weather at the end of the day he succeeds or not, he encourages unison and inspires (have I used this word enough?) from both the democratic and republican party. By every resolution proposed, structure will change. And the big underlying message was CHANGE. Through his leadership, through the dignity and conviction of his words, he instills confidence that change in structure will bring about advantages.
Obama takes ownership of our challenges and takes leadership in the battle of change. He carries a strong believability factor. Because of this, he ultimately wins the heart of his audience. None of this could be accomplished by a wishy-washy, inarticulate with carelessly chosen words, and passive communicator (and no I’m not referring to our last president ☺).
Obama an Advantage-Maker? Without question.
I watched the “pre-game show” to the State of the Union address, and I was impressed by President Obama presence right from the start. As he entered the presidential bat-mobile, he was calm and collected. He sat still in his seat as the camera captured the last glimpse of him leaving The White House. As I sat on the sofa, anxiously awaiting the beginning of his speech, I found myself to be somewhat nervous for what he may say during his speech. Meanwhile the room the room filled with people on Capitol Hill, was bustling with dignitaries. Quite some time had passed before President Obama’s was officially announced. Once the announcement had commenced, Mr. President was shaking hands and kissing ladies on the cheeks through his entire precession to the podium. If there were babies in the room, he surely would have been kissing them too! His once somber demeanor had blossomed in the room full of his confidant s and colleagues. He was really eating up the applause that was being dished out for him, and rightfully so. He has taken on the most difficult job in the United States at one of the most difficult times in history. After what seemed to be thirty minutes of applause, the president offered numerous expressions gratitude to the audience.
It is obvious that President Obama is not favorable among the Republican Party. It is shown by the lack of approval they gave by applause. There were a lot of long and expressionless faces on the Republican side of the room. It appeared that no one on their side of the room wanted to be the first one to agree with President. It was classic display of “follow the leader”. One person would clap or stand, and that gave the green light for other people in the section to show they acceptance. My guess is that the after the State of The Union Address, the Democratic Party members have sore hands and really nice gluts from clapping and standing so much!
In all seriousness though, I noticed a significant shift in the focus of the SOTU Address that changed the interaction with the Republican Party. He stated a common ground that both parties could relate to. He talked about the bank bailout plan. He said that Democrats hated it, Republicans hated and that he hated it. This joined all three sections of the room on one topic. His reference to the bank bailout plan being as popular as a root canal gave a glimpse to President Obama’s playful side. This shifted what was a sore subject with many people in the room to something that was a little less stressful. I almost got wrapped up in the whole politics of the conversations, and the root canal comment made me laugh a little.
And after mention of such items as his newly proposed “jobs bill” and climate changes, President Obama made a comment along the lines of, “Ooh, I thought I’d at least get a small sense of approval on that one”, referring to the Republican Party. This comment he made was intentional. He shifted attention to the half of the room that was not agreeing with his comments, as to let them know that he was aware of their lack of approval. He did this in a way that was jokingly. But within every joke there is truth. I commend President for shifting the interaction to the Republican side of the room in a respectful way that got everyone’s attention, including my own. He definitely demonstrated command presence from his “enemies”, the stanch Republicans.
Obama’s State of the Union Address was an amazing speech that urged the House and Congress to get the job done. He strategically shifts the questions and puts the responsibility upon the elected leaders to find the answers. Addressing the failed healthcare bill he asked, “If you have a solution then let me know?” He continues to push for bipartisanship and calls for solutions now. He says that when the leaders and advisors want to push issues aside because they are unpopular, then “When is the time?” His speech is pressed with urgency. He has exceptional timing. His small joke at those that dispute the scientific evidence of global warming was warmly received. His message is clear that it is our job to prepare for the next generation. The time is now and time is wasting. I think he has begun to show that he can be aggressive and a strong leader. He is aggressive in the sense that he will hold the House and the Senate responsible. “Don’t just say no because you can.” He is trying to shift the discussion to debates on what will work, rather than what did not work and why. He openly addresses the federal spending and explains the reasoning behind these major decisions. He defends his position and asks for help with solutions rather than continued finger pointing. He spoke of the lack of trust the people have in government, media, and the economy. He expresses how important it is that the trust be rebuilt. He understands, possibly the most, that the perception of government must be changed. He aims to do that by being frank and open. He admits mistakes and appreciates lessons learned. He spoke of other nations preparing for first place. He refuses to let America land in second place. He is hoping to position us for the future. We have a deficit, we have health care to still fix, we have jobs to create, and trust to build.
Obama is possibly one of the most eloquent speakers of our time. He knows how to debate and clearly argue his point. He is an advantage maker because he is honest and open. He knows how to communicate with people. The Republican Party followed his speech with a response from the new governor of Virginia. He agreed with some things the President said and disagreed with others. It only gave me the impression that many things went in one ear and out the other. The rhetoric continues which is why I believe President Obama urged people to write to their local leaders, governors, and senators. Performance management and responsibility is on President Obama’s agenda. Because Obama does not fear admitting when he is wrong and accepting responsibility when it is due makes him an advantage maker. He knows how to turn a losing situation in to a winning one. He admits no battle is won without serious and strategic effort. He is a great leader and I hope that the House and Senate continue to respect his vision. Like Obama says but in not so many words, they need to do their job and stop whining and bickering about it. Get it done!