Week 3 Inagural Speech

1. As the new leader, President Obama embraced all citizens. In most military change of command addresses, the incoming commander begins his speech by acknowledging the high-ranking members of the military who are here to witness it. President Obama eschewed this opening and began his speech with the simple phrase, "My fellow citizens." In doing so, he addressed all of us, not just the powerful or the wealthy. In his address, the new president used the word "I" sparingly. In contrast, he used the word "we" many times. His speech was not just a promise to do his best to address the problems of the nation he now leads, but also a plea to each American to take up the cause and do what we can to help. In his words, "For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies."No leader can do everything alone. Nor can he or she do it all with just a select few. All must do their part. A new leader should reach out to every member to help make the organization better.

2. President Obama was frank about the problems confronting him. President Obama did not shy away from listing all the many issues that plague the United States at this moment in history, from our economic challenges to our damaged reputation in the world. The first step toward fixing a problem is acknowledging that it exists. Don't be afraid to solicit their input for solutions. Just because you're in charge doesn't mean you automatically have all the right answers.

3. President Obama didn’t create unrealistic expectations. President Obama didn't promise to fix every problem in the next four years. Rather, he told us that the challenges we face "will not be met easily or in a short span of time." He told us his intentions and gave us his vision for the country, but he never said it would happen overnight. He said we must "[give] our all to a difficult task."Likewise, don't tell your members that everything will be perfect just because you're in charge now. Promise too much, too soon, and you'll only disappoint them. It's far better to identify your intentions. That way, even if you ultimately fail, at least they knew what you stood for and what you were trying to accomplish.

As Ghandi said: “All compromise is based on give and take, but there can be no give and take on fundamentals. Any compromise on mere fundamentals is a surrender. For it is all give and no take.