The street parties that erupted on the night of the election helped us temporarily forget what many were saying throughout the campaign: despite the rhetoric, the good will, and the obviously historic moment, there was no way Obama could ever live up to his charismatic image built out on the campaign trail.
The President of the United States is casually said to be the most powerful man in the world. The reality is actually much more complicated. Power comes in two flavors: personal and institutional. Here's why this distinction is crucial to understanding Obama's troubles.
President Obama rode into office on a massive wave of expectations. These expectations were fueled in part by the historic nature of his campaign, but a large part of his appeal stemmed from tremendous personal charisma. This charisma is an example of personal power. It is bound up in the individual, and cannot be transferred to someone else.
When Obama spoke about hope and the desire to change Washington, he spoke from the realm of his personal power. Upon taking the oath of office, he picked up the mantle of institutional power. When people refer to the "Leader of the Free World," it is this type of power they are referring to.
Institutional power is power by fiat. The Office of The President of the United States conveys certain powers and limitations on whoever holds the position. Theoretically, anyone or anything elected President has the same authority regardless of ability or suitability.
When people expected that Obama would be able to translate his rockstar personality into action and effectiveness in the Oval Office they discounted how difficult it can be to transform one form of power into the other. Politicians and leaders are often able to develop both over long periods of time, but riding one onto the other proves a rare feat.
This is why President Obama will have to build a whole new way of doing business in Washington in order to accomplish anything on his agenda. The Presidential Institution has swallowed up a large part of Obama's personal brand leaving him to go through the motions and try to keep his head above water. All of this while learning how to manage affairs on a day-to-day basis.
A manager personality is more effective in an environment that affords institutional power. A persuader prefers to use personal power to shape situations. Obama is a persuader that now needs to learn effective management. Fast.
President Obama rode into office on a massive wave of expectations. These expectations were fueled in part by the historic nature of his campaign, but a large part of his appeal stemmed from tremendous personal charisma. This charisma is an example of personal power. It is bound up in the individual, and cannot be transferred to someone else.
When Obama spoke about hope and the desire to change Washington, he spoke from the realm of his personal power. Upon taking the oath of office, he picked up the mantle of institutional power. When people refer to the "Leader of the Free World," it is this type of power they are referring to.
Institutional power is power by fiat. The Office of The President of the United States conveys certain powers and limitations on whoever holds the position. Theoretically, anyone or anything elected President has the same authority regardless of ability or suitability.
When people expected that Obama would be able to translate his rockstar personality into action and effectiveness in the Oval Office they discounted how difficult it can be to transform one form of power into the other. Politicians and leaders are often able to develop both over long periods of time, but riding one onto the other proves a rare feat.
For example, politicians rarely rack up high profile accomplishments once they leave office. Rather, they tend to head straight for other rigid institutions such as corporations, executive boards, lobbying firms, or academia and disappear from the public eye.
It is equally difficult to find examples of famous actors, athletes, or other large personalities who successfully run for public office. Ronald Reagan was a success, but certain former body-builders and pro-wrestlers have had less-than stellar records. There are rumors from time to time of political pundits running for office (MSNBC opposites Chris Matthews and Ed Schultz both come to mind), and the jury is still out on comedian Al Franken's recent election to the Senate.
It is equally difficult to find examples of famous actors, athletes, or other large personalities who successfully run for public office. Ronald Reagan was a success, but certain former body-builders and pro-wrestlers have had less-than stellar records. There are rumors from time to time of political pundits running for office (MSNBC opposites Chris Matthews and Ed Schultz both come to mind), and the jury is still out on comedian Al Franken's recent election to the Senate.
There is also the occasional wealthy businessman or CEO who makes a run for governor or third-party candidate, but they tend to closely resemble the politicians they seek to supplant in that they have been successful in a highly institutionalized environment. Can anyone really see a charismatic and successful industry player like Steve Jobs or Warren Buffett running for office?
This is why President Obama will have to build a whole new way of doing business in Washington in order to accomplish anything on his agenda. The Presidential Institution has swallowed up a large part of Obama's personal brand leaving him to go through the motions and try to keep his head above water. All of this while learning how to manage affairs on a day-to-day basis.
A manager personality is more effective in an environment that affords institutional power. A persuader prefers to use personal power to shape situations. Obama is a persuader that now needs to learn effective management. Fast.
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