“And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” –John F. Kennedy
Three million people brave the cold weather on the Washington DC mall. All eager to witness the swearing in of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the USA. Still more gather around televisions, computers, smartphones and radios to tune in. Yes, it’s a celebration. But Americans also want to know what will be done to improve the economy, the education system, the health system?
Now what if the tables were turned?
Picture this. It’s you. You’re standing at the Lincoln Memorial U.S. Capital looking out. Instead of a sea of strangers, you see familiar faces. Your family. Employees. You see the people who count on you, and the people who support you. Why are they there? Because they’re waiting with anticipation to hear from you. Because YOU are the USA President.
Huh? U-S-A. Ur State of Affairs. You are president of Ur State of Affairs. And it’s time for a change. Change YOU can believe. And you must lead that change—make it happen. As the “leader of the free world” (your world), you may not know the answer or solution to your most pressing challenge. But you know that something needs to change—must change.
As President, USA, standing at the podium, what will you say to your loved ones and the people who are counting on you? Here are five questions worth answering:
1. What will you say about the reality of your current state of affairs?
Pick one: Personal? Financial? Business? Convey an understanding of the current challenges and problems faced.
2. What type of change can they expect to see under your leadership?
More of this? Less of that? Make the change tangible. A change from what to what.
3. What will you attack (accomplish) first?
Lots of needs and wants. Limited resources. Be decisive about where you will begin.
4. What are next steps to move in that direction?
Your listeners want to know how to get “there” from here. Outline specific actions.
5. What can they do to help?
Invite them to be part of the solution. Ask for what you need. Convey how the change benefits them. Give them specific direction, so they can do their part.
Congratulations! As President of Ur State of Affairs, it’s time to execute, follow up and follow through. And by the way, make sure you have your own cabinet in place. Find the go-to person in your support network for specific challenges along your journey to change for the better. So what do you think? Do you believe in you? Or are you in for more of the same in 2009?
