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Managing Transitions: US Presidential Transfer

1/18/2017

With the change this week to a new administration here in the US the country and the entire world is managing a deep transition. With the end of the Obama presidency comes deep and profound change. Obama had a very progressive agenda and worked hard to bring people together. Trump has a very different style and already post-election has been divisive and focused on a different way of operating.

But through this entire process one thing is sure the US population is resilient, tough, working through the democratic process, and together trying to determine the next right situation. As William Bridges says in the book "Managing Transitions" change is the external difference, but transition is the psychological process that people go through in order to manage through the change. He says there are three phases through moving through a transition process. They are:

The Letting Go phase - here people understand that the old is leaving but they are not quite happy about it. There is a fear of new things, of leaving the old comfort zone, of needing to adjust to something that is different. This phase is often met with resistance and emotional upheaval and results in feelings of fear, anxiety, and sadness. Many people (especially those who did not vote for Trump) felt this right after the election as they passed through feelings like shock, denial, and bargaining and did not want to leave the Obama era.
The Neutral phase - in this phase people feel uncertain, anxious, and are not quite sure yet what the new will hold. They now know that the old is gone, but are not sure of what the new will bring. As a result they feel stressed, anxious, but also this phase can bring about creativity and innovation. Many people are coming into that phase now. The Republicans are figuring out how to bring about the change that they believe will move the country forward and Democrats are trying to determine a pathway through with not having a majority in the Senate, Congress, or in the Presidency.
The New Beginning - this phase represents a new way of operating with people all moving forward again. This phase offers a sense of renewed energy, focus, and dedication to going in a new direction. While the country is not yet there, after the Inauguration the hard work will begin to bring the country together, create a system that works effectively together, and truly create a unified country.

Trump has a hard road ahead of him, but he and Congress will have to work together to unify and/or find the balance through the next four years. As a US citizen the time is now to build bridges and move into the a less divisive experience. What are your next steps to bringing that about?

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Obama and Leadership

1/11/2017

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As we come to the end of Obama's 8 years in office it is time to reflect on the leadership characteristics which I believe made him a good role model for leadership:

Character/Integrity - in 8 years time there was never any scandals, lawsuits, issues. He stayed true to his authentic nature has a person, stayed true to his family values by being a devoted husband and father, stayed true to his vision of a united America by helping more and more human beings in the country and around the world. That shows that he is a man of true character.
Inclusiveness - he worked tirelessly to get more and more and more people feeling included in the American way of life - blacks, Hispanics, women, the LGBT community. He understood that the more diversity there is that feels included or a part of the American fabric the stronger and more united we can become. That is a great leadership characteristic.
Great communications skills - most people cannot argue that Obama is one of the best orators of our time. He is able to connect emotionally to people and truly bring them into this vision of change, believe in what he is saying, and unite people around a common set of values.
Vision - Obama focuses on a big vision and tries to get people to come along. While he had a difficult time with Congress he still had major successes in office by having a compelling vision - such as a growing economy, passing of health care reform, catching and killing Osama Bin Laden, etc. When leaders have a vision and have the oratory skills to have people want to come along with their agenda they can make progress.
Collaborator - Obama in his foreign policy really worked at working inclusively, creating strong ties internationally, and developing a more collaborative style with foreign countries. He pivoted to Asia, opened up communications with Cuba, and worked to de-escalate nuclear tensions with Iran. All of this was ways to enhance collaboration throughout the world.

While Obama had many leadership qualities he also exhibited a great family life that showed great love for his wife and children. There are many traits to emulate by Obama's time in office. What can you take from his qualities and begin to make a habit in your organization today?

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Art of Leadership Blog

Managing Transitions: US Presidential Transfer

Obama and Leadership

Monica Thakrar

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