A year ago, nobody would have even imagined that a colored guy with a name like Barack Obama, middle name Hussein, would defy all laws of Political physics and perform a feat equivalent to climbing the Mount Everest in the Democratic Party.
Though, he had his advantages - a fawning media and a party establishment that quickly resorted to the PC course to avoid being branded racist, there is no denying the fact that Obama possessed certain qualities that were fundamental to his "brand".
Of course there are those that swear by his nearly divine political abilities of unifying, healing and performing other miracles that would involve bending the wills of opponents numbering almost half the population of US.
For the rest of us mere mortals, there are some lessons to be learned from the Obama phenomenon. Especially those who seek power in any organization can learn a few tricks. Here are some of my observations.
1. Never wait your turn to lead.
No matter how rigid the existing hierarchies, there is a fair chance they will yield if you boldly sieze the initiative.
2. Build a strong coterie of supporters.
Your case for leadershis is only as strong as the Organization you have built that turns on your commands. Foster loyalties among capable people for this.
Corollary: Don't just keep people around for loyalty or old times' sake.
3. Always appear above the fray.
Never get embroiled in gritty, down and dirty political fights. Always let your underlings handle such hatchet jobs.
4. Always appear nice.
Even when you sting an opponent like a crazed bee, appear cool and charming like a floating butterfly (a la Mohammad Ali).
5. Never be too specific on details.
The less details you provide of your plans and positions, the less you expose your flank to criticism and attack on vulnerabilities. Vague ideas expressed in few feel-good words and phrases will always work. ("Hope", "Change"...)
6. Be ready to smartly adopt and co-opt others' ideas.
This will be of immense help when people start looking closer.
7. Never jump in and volunteer answers to problems and questions.
Watch and wait for eager know-it-alls to jump in and spend their charges. Let them fizzle before you take over. Waiting too long risks belying indecision or inertia.
8. Get noticed.
Quiet and capable people who are too nice to talk about it usually make excellent also-rans. Talk about your achievements and attempts loud enough for people to take notice of you.
If you have noticed other things as well, please contribute.
(I would have posted a picture of Obama, but two dark and handsome dudes on the same page would be too much ;-)
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