I'm not writing this blog today to debate anyone on politics. However, after assisting several men in beginning their positions as new executives and reading The First 90 Days: Critical Success Strategies for New Leaders at All Levels by Michael Watkins, I would like to point out some observations.

First, unlike Rush Limbaugh, I hope and pray that Mr. Obama will be a great President. In reviewing the past Presidents who were considered great by historians most, if not all of them, were leaders in times of crisis. For example, Abraham Lincoln, FDR, Kennedy, Reagan, Bush, etc. Former President Clinton loathed the fact that in his presidency he didn't have an active crisis to deal with. For those presidents who were fortunate (or unfortunate) to be considered great in times of crises, Mr. Watkins points out they were men who were "visionaries, directive, and charismatic. They had to be men with strong values, determined, courageous, able to emotionally connect to the people around them as well as have the steel fortitude to speak the truth and force the issues."

In his inauguration speech, it appears Mr. Obama understood the moment:

"Our journey has never been one of short cuts or settling for less...rather it has been the risk takers, the doers,...the men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom."

However as you and I know, actions speak louder than words.

Secondly, those unfortunate Presidents who did not make the great list were men who presided during periods of transitions when times called for realignment. The times called for them to be "conservative in their approach, diplomatic, consensus building, leveraging, and agenda driven" according to Mr. Watkins.

So, which one will Mr. Obama be? He has roughly 90 days to leave a lasting impression and show  the American people and the world that he has signed up to be a hero, to tell the truth and make decisions no matter how much it hurts. I'm hopeful he will be open, honest, direct, pull no punches, and drive an agenda that calls for sacrifice from each of us. As General Douglas McArthur prayed for his son, I pray the same for Mr. Obama:

"Build me a son, O Lord, who will be strong enough to know when he is weak, and brave enough to face himself when he is afraid; one, who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat, and humble and gentle in victory. Build me a son whose wishbone will not be where his backbone should be; a son who will know Thee and that to know himself is the foundation stone of knowledge."

And for you and me, during these times which one are you called to be? Are you going to be a hero because of the actions you take? Or will you line up with the average person who in times past has not been considered great?

What do you think? Is Mr. Obama the man for these times?

rb