Bill Taylor of Harvard Business Online has outlined why he thinks Barack Obama has been elected the "new CEO of the USA" and how Obama's victory can inspire CEOs everywhere.
First, Taylor says Obama's success proves that "being different makes all the difference", pointing out how different the President-elect is when compared with previous incumbents. "In fact, it is that which made him different that made him so unstoppable," says Taylor.
The second lesson is: "Just because you're different doesn't mean you can't be disciplined." The Democrats' campaign stayed ruthlessly "on message" and despite attacks from many different quarters, Obama refused to take the bait. This was because he was more concerned about what he was saying to his target audience than what the opposition were saying about him.
To illustrate the point, Taylor quotes Henry Ford: "The competitor to be feared is the one who doesn't bother about you at all, but goes about making his own business better all the time."
In summary, Taylor says Obama's successful campaign should inspire CEOs to "embrace what makes you different [rather than] apologize for it. Develop a message that sticks, and stick with it regardless of what your rivals say and do. Above all, stay focused on your constituents rather than your competition."
How Obama Became CEO of the USA - and What It Means for CEOs Everywhere
Bill Taylor, Harvard Business Online, 05/11/08
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