The Inaugural Speech & Situational Leadership

Regardless of one’s political views, President Obama is leading a country that is very different than it was ten years ago (of course, the world is very different). The US has lost its naïveté for being “untouchable” from terrorist influence, is engaged in unpopular conflicts and formed uneasy alliances and is now suffering with the rest of the world – a global financial crisis. In his inaugural speech, President Obama acknowledges the current situation and calls to Americans to take responsibility for promoting “American ideals,” tolerance of people and religions, and to put our political differences behind us to work together to solve America’s problems. The speech lists the priorities of his presidency: economic recovery, improved medical care, wise use of our resources (energy), education, and a strong international presence that includes diplomatic and military strength.

As inaugural speeches are eagerly anticipated, the historical significance of President Obama’s speech is no exception. Peter J. Woolley, a political scientist from Farleigh Dickenson University, aptly stated that inaugural speeches (including Obama’s) “says old things in a new way and sometimes forgotten things in a new way.” (www.blog.nj.com/njv_guest_blog). As a leader, it is important to deliver a clear vision and a plan to achieve the vision. Historically, inaugural speeches have been similar – using many recurring themes of patriotism, unity, and democracy. President Obama’s speech mentions past themes, which he delivers in a clear and uplifting manner. From a leadership perspective, the situational leadership approach can be found.

Situational leadership theory argues that various situations demand different leadership; a leader must adapt his/her style to the demands of various situations (Northouse, p. 91). Situational leadership is made up of two characteristics: directive and supportive. Leaders must evaluate their subordinates to adapt or to alter the degree to which they direct or support their subordinates. Members of Obama’s cabinet, the U.S. military, and house and senate representatives - are all immediate “subordinates.” Undoubtedly, the “subordinates” are divided in their political beliefs (management and agenda), approach to the economy, global conflicts, and domestic issues that range from healthcare to education. Division, confusion, anger, anxiety, and frustration are behaviors exhibited by many subordinates. As a situational leader, President Obama will need to determine, as he goes through his presidency, when to take a directing, supporting, coaching or a delegating approach.

A directing tone is found throughout the speech, outlining goals and priorities. The words are further supported by President Obama’s recent cabinet appointments – appointing individuals with specific duties that pertain to the issues listed in his speech. Unfortunately, a few errors in judgment or performance expectations fell short when some nominees did not meet standards. Showing leadership, President Obama took responsibility and admitted to his mistakes. He has also been very strong and specific in some of conversations and meetings with members of his own political party as well as the party “across the aisle.” Utilizing a directing style, Obama will need to closely supervise the subordinates.

Coaching is evident in the inaugural speech. President Obama acknowledges the pain and challenges Americans face; however, his speech confidently states that the challenges will be met. The President harkens back to American roots of humility, restraint, hard work, and the defense of the weak and the innocent. He eloquently states that we have “duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly…” As a coach, he must find words to motivate. He must put himself into the “shoes” of his subordinates to understand their feelings and fears. He will need to offer suggestions and encouragement, but in the end, the President must make the final decision on how to achieve the goals he has stated.

The supportive approach is similar to coaching; however, with this approach, the President will need to provide support, listen and allow his subordinates to take control of some basic decisions. The secretaries of various departments will be in this position – they will need to work with the President to achieve his goals, but will be left to run the day to day operations of their organizations. Obama’s speech acknowledges that work needs to be done to re-build the country’s infrastructure, improve health care and education and “harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories…” Programs that work will move forward and programs that do not work will end. He specifically states that “those of us who manage the public’s dollars will be held to account…”

Tying back to the directing style, President Obama must delegate the huge number of tasks that must be set upon to accomplish his vision of “remaking America.” The areas of health, energy, education, finance. The tasks at hand are immense. Delegating to his “change agents” will be extremely important. The President must deliver clear and concise objectives, offer support and coach when necessary.

Situational leadership appears to suit President Obama’s personality and style – he is a good communicator, inspires, is practical-minded, and able to empathize with people. Most importantly, this particular style of leadership is “prescriptive” or is directing. Right now, America needs direction and the inaugural speech provided an outline or prescription for getting things back on track.