Leadership lessons of presidential campaigns

Every four years the U.S. elects a new president. The process is not simple, and is not short.

As this process plays in the media, and because it requires leadership is to get the job and do the job, there are lessons from the process for the taking. These lectures, taken directly from the 2008 campaign, are lessons that will be visible in any future (and past many) campaigns.

Consider this article as a first step in these lessons.

Create opportunities for communication

Perhaps more than ever, political candidates excel in finding opportunities to communicate their messages. And 'in this communication that attempt to define themselves and their message and mobilize support for their vision of the future.

Leaders need to do these same things.

While the scope and subject of conversation will be different, you have the same needs to define the future of your organization, to communicate your message, to mobilize your team to the organization's goals, and more. But most of all leaders in inadequate communication. Employee surveys consistently show that communication is less adequate in their organizations. This message seems to fall on deaf ears for too many leaders.

As a leader you must communicate more effectively, more consistently and more often. Use the lesson of the candidates: they never miss an opportunity to share their message with those who hope to lead.

How well you measure up to their model?

Hone Your messages

The political candidates work hard to hone their messages. They spend enormous amounts of time training their key messages and crystallization, philosophies and beliefs. Provide regular posts (see above about creating opportunities). The best (and ultimately most successful) candidates not only hone their message, but does not get tired of that message, but remain about constant for the long haul. They also have a team of managers, strategists and speech writers to help them and give them the answers they need to continue to improve.

You may not have to have managers, strategies and writers speec. (Probably you are not giving speeches 6, or more, almost every day either!) But, you need to do all these things for maximum impact.

The main messages of your organization clear and consistent? People know the principles that guide the organization as a leader and general? Do not you work hard to stay on message, and do not switch to something new when you are tired of talking of the same initiative or project? And last but equally important, are getting heard and incorporating feedback from others to help you improve your communication skills?

Errors admission

Innovation will create some errors. When you are trying new things, not everything is going to work the first time (or at all). As leaders in organizations must be willing to admit your mistakes. Why? Because if you do not even anyone else.

Your silence will be interpreted as: do not make mistakes or errors are not tolerated in the workplace. If you want to allow the errors (and the lessons that come from them), you must make it clear that mistakes are OK. The fastest way to do this is to admit your own. Also, when you admit your mistakes, build your credibility and trust with others.

Whether it is raised by the media or their opponents, the presidential candidates typically have to deal with errors and / or errors of judgment. Generally speaking a few good candidates in this field. Everyone tries to deflect questions, change the subject or, in some other way, deny there was any error at all.

There is great danger to the candidates with this approach. It seems from the outside that people do not want to admit a mistake because of ego or a perceived lack of judgment. If considered in a light most personal and up close, you realize you do not admit a mistake is a mistake - the credibility and trust of the costs (at least).

Unfortunately, many leaders are afraid or reluctant to admit their mistakes for the same reasons, the candidates, and they face the same problems to do it.

Building networks

Candidates know they can not win a nomination alone. They must have endorsements, contributions, support, help and more from a wide range of people. That's why the best politicians are usually large networkers.

Former President George H.W. Bush and his wife Barbara are the legends for their handwritten notes. And 'well-documented that between them they have written thousands of personal notes to people - and they began long before Mr. Bush decided he wanted to be President Bush. The message is clear - to achieve the objectives of large scale we need help and support from many. All candidates - even those who do not win - know and act on this fact.

However, in many organizations, individual leaders become insular. They may have a network inside the organization, but rarely do work hard to maintain and develop their network - especially outside of their function or organization. The best leaders know they need to grow a wide assortment of friends, colleagues, supporters, and more. This network will serve them in many ways, often in ways not seen that is created.

If you have a solid network, consider how you can tap to support the efforts of those they lead. Who know what could be a resource for the project team? Who might be able to help your employee gain some new experiences star? What opportunities can the network offer you and your people? And what can you do for them in return?

Take a tip from candidates. While you can never ask for a financial donation from the network, the network will still be crucial to your success and your personal leadership. Investing time to build and nurture it.

Presidential politics is not business, but very common these events offer an opportunity to learn and apply the lessons that can benefit you and your organization. As you can see, read and listen to campaign materials, think about more than just sound bites and political position. Keep thinking that uphold the principles that can serve as a leader and can help identify and develop his successor and other future leaders of your organization.

Potential Pointer: Change comes to us from all directions, some can choose, others are pushed on us. There are ways to help open up to change, or if the attempt is given to you. When you are more open to the possibilities change might offer, you will be happier, healthier and more satisfied in life ....