Comments on: Wake Up. Be Optimistic. Lead.

By: John Carmichael

John Carmichael — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:55:58 +0000

Brad, we would all like to see all of these traits exemplified in the coming administration. I'm curious… what would you recommend we the governed, use as metrics for these ideals established? When compared to who?

I'm not much for the touchy feely, I would like to pragmatically identify methods of determining the Bovine Scatological spin -vs- obvious and tangible critique or kudos.

By: chase_barf55451

chase_barf55451 — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:55:58 +0000

Since this discussion is economic/business based, I will raise but one question. Does anyone else have a problem with his redistribution of wealth policy and the increase in the negative contribution rate of at least 40% of Americans?

By: Blake

Blake — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:55:57 +0000

I agree in the six principals provided in your post. The election is over so I'll save the political explanations (mostly), for later. I am, however, unclear how people believe we will see any of these principals from his administration, when nothing in his past supports it. I guess it is similar to a VC's job though… to invest and believe in something that is totally unproven. However, I doubt most VC's would invest a significant asset into something with a checkered past. Maybe the risk / reward equation will pay off in our political landscape. Maybe not.

I do wonder what the explanation will be (eg: Bush) if the sky doesn't open up and start raining skittles for all.

By: jamesoclark

jamesoclark — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:55:57 +0000

I'm totally with you on this. I feel like last night was just the beginning. I'm ready to help, support and put forth what I have to offer. Obama's leadership is inspiring.

By: nancy_c8303

nancy_c8303 — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:55:57 +0000

Brad – I read Fred's post earlier today and sent it along to the a circle of friends and family. Some share my joy that Obama is now our President Elect, some do not.

Whatever their view, my hope is Obama's leadership will unite us as Americans as the Reagan administration did in troubling times. As Fred mentions, there will be times of challenge. I believe Obama has what it takes to surround himself with those best equipped to make the tough decisions our country will face.

On another note, I was warmed by the grace with which John McCain delivered his concession speech and have no doubt he will support his Commander in Chief as they both work for our beloved country.

It feels good to have the election behind us. Soon we'll be waving good-bye to the current administration and focusing on our future.

By: sigmawaite

sigmawaite — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:55:57 +0000

http://www.avc.com/a_vc/2008/11/barack-hussein.ht...

By: bfeld

bfeld — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:55:57 +0000

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if – as part of the transition process – Obama and his team actually put out a quantitative scorecard against which they’d like to be measured.

I really have no idea what would be on this. The interactions between all the various policies and systems of government are completely overwhelming. I guess that’s part of the problem!

By: luca8090

luca8090 — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:55:57 +0000

Your "be optimistic" captures another thing that we'll be getting from an Obama administration, even while it's not in office yet: a wave of uplifting optimism that we can get out of the doldrums we're stuck in, both domestically and internationally. We desperately need it.

Anybody who listened to his speech last night and did not feel that sentiment must had forgotten his meds…

By: kelly_taylo4868

kelly_taylo4868 — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:55:57 +0000

"Leading effectively is less about mastering situations – or even mastering social skill sets – than about developing a genuine interest in and talent for fostering positive feelings in the people whose cooperation and support you need."

taken from HBR Sept 2008 "Social Intelligence and the Biology of Leadership"

By: bfeld

bfeld — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:55:57 +0000

Now that the election is over, it’d be awesome if everyone could stop using campaign attack language like “redistribution of wealth policy.” Both candidates espoused tax plan changes which can be classified as “redistribution of wealth”, making it an irrelevant phrase. I’m not really sure what the phrase “negative contribution rate” actually means, so I don’t really care that much about it.

Given the current economic dynamics of our country (and the world), there is no question that we need to change our tax policies and our spending policies. As someone who has paid a lot of taxes throughout my adult life, I expect to have my taxes increase to cover the last eight years of profligate government spending combined with the current economic meltdown. That’s just reality; I can bitch about it all I want, but that doesn’t change reality.

There are a wide range of things that I’d like to see that are inconsistent with the current state of our economy. As a result, I’m much more focused on clear leadership from people that can actually inspire action from the great people throughout this country and throughout the world. We haven’t had that leadership for a while; hopefully Obama can deliver on the hope that so many Americans are excited about. If that results in me paying more taxes and some other people paying less taxes, so be it.