Obama and Christie Together - And It Feels So Right!

As shocking as the photos of the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy were, nearly as unexpected were the photos of President Obama and Governor Chris Christie. . .working together, sharing the same goals.

Tragic it was a tragedy that provided the photo-op.  Here were two titans of opposing political parties, cooperating together, to offer relief to the hundreds of thousands who suffered the ravages of the storm.  The two, of different political beliefs (at least on some issues) found common ground in the need to offer assistance to those in great need of it.   I believe most Americans were relieved and reassured to see this type of cooperative leadership.

It is also tragic there cannot be greater cooperation like this daily.  What's at stake in America is precious:   the charter to take care of our citizenry, the desire to lead the world to democracy and the protection of freedom.   Instead of cooperation and negotiation to attain these goals, we often find the exact opposite, conflict and deadlock.

Polls tell us that most Americans decry this stagnation due to polarization.  They are angry that their government cannot get more things done;  their legislators are seemingly more concerned with "winning" than actually bringing the American dream to fruition.

Before we get too carried away in political assessment however, I believe we also need to examine our own leadership in the workplace.   There have been many times that I have witnessed deadlock because people refused to get along, even though the stakes were high.    Political warfare, resulting in stagnation, does not just happen in the US government;  it also happens senselessly in any size of workplace.

Whether on the national scene, or the workplace, I believe true leaders should:

• Yes, advocate for what they believe in; but also be prepared to temper their tactics so there is room for negotiation to achieve goals for the overall good.
• Be honest.  Are you alarmed by the amount of "truth meters" that seem to be necessary in the current election?  The tampering or twisting of facts, or just plain fabrications, may result in a short-term "win," but long term, it results in fostering the doubt of your constituency.
• Look at one's own position with a keenly critical eye.   Do you truly understand all sides of the issue?  Do you thoroughly understand opposing viewpoints?   Are you prepared to alter your position for the greater good of all involved?

The leader that people want to follow is the one that understands that deadlock is fruitless, but that cooperation, and building consensus builds both stronger governments and stronger workplaces.