During and after every significant election I always try to discuss helpful lessons for business because they are usually there in abundance. This year does not disappoint. Two years ago, it appeared that regardless of one's political stripe, given the state of the economy, winning a second term was a near impossibility for Obama so how did he do it? Loyalists, detractors, & cynics alike have frequently called him the luckiest politician in the modern era because he has run against such weak opposition with the singular exception of Hillary Clinton [who he can thank for making him a better candidate & politician].
Obama 2012: Luck v. Design
Was his second term victory yet another stroke of luck? Hardly. His political team planned out this second victory with the same “surgical strike precision” it took for the S.E.A.L.S. to snag Osama Bin Laden mapping out a campaign & victory based on a “government ‘not so secret’ document”-the census. At the same time their task was made far simpler by a radical GOP primary which yielded a smart, competent, man who unfortunately showed himself to be a poor politician. Listening to Tina Brown this morning describe the cover story of Newsweek, she drew a conclusion about Obama that is a critical lesson for everyone in business. She said the result of the election was an example of when “luck meets opportunity” and I agree. Obama prepared for the things that would lead one to believe he was “just lucky” enabling him to map out a successful plan, be prepared to get Osama Bin Laden, be prepared to deploy a more action oriented FEMA when Hurricane Sandy struck & much more. Retired but famous golfing pro Lee Trevino had a fantastic saying about "good fortune." He said: “I’d rather be lucky than good; it’s a funny thing though because I find that the more I practice, the luckier I get!”
Prepare, Prepare Prepare
Whether you are a line employee, someone who is running a business or a team, or someone searching for a job in today's tight market-the key is to prepare yourself to maximize your ability to make the best of every opportunity that comes your way.
Obama 2012: Luck v. Design
Was his second term victory yet another stroke of luck? Hardly. His political team planned out this second victory with the same “surgical strike precision” it took for the S.E.A.L.S. to snag Osama Bin Laden mapping out a campaign & victory based on a “government ‘not so secret’ document”-the census. At the same time their task was made far simpler by a radical GOP primary which yielded a smart, competent, man who unfortunately showed himself to be a poor politician. Listening to Tina Brown this morning describe the cover story of Newsweek, she drew a conclusion about Obama that is a critical lesson for everyone in business. She said the result of the election was an example of when “luck meets opportunity” and I agree. Obama prepared for the things that would lead one to believe he was “just lucky” enabling him to map out a successful plan, be prepared to get Osama Bin Laden, be prepared to deploy a more action oriented FEMA when Hurricane Sandy struck & much more. Retired but famous golfing pro Lee Trevino had a fantastic saying about "good fortune." He said: “I’d rather be lucky than good; it’s a funny thing though because I find that the more I practice, the luckier I get!”
Prepare, Prepare Prepare
Whether you are a line employee, someone who is running a business or a team, or someone searching for a job in today's tight market-the key is to prepare yourself to maximize your ability to make the best of every opportunity that comes your way.
