Joe Biden will come into office confronting challenges that would test anyone’s leadership efforts. The same principles that apply at all levels of leadership will serve him well now.
Joe Biden will assume the office of the President of the United States on January 20, 2021. He takes the job at a turbulent time in America — one of instability, uncertainty and unrest. We are in the throes of a great and resurgent health crisis, widespread financial insecurity, and deep, divisive social challenges. Sadly, we have come to a point where political disagreements are increasingly characterized by tribal hatred.
Biden comes to the job with decades of experience in government, but he has never faced a leadership challenge like this one. Few people have, so it might seem fruitless to offer leadership advice. However, foundational leadership principles tend to apply universally, whether you’re leading a team, a company, or a country. Here are three recommendations that apply at all levels of leadership, including the level Biden is ascending to:
• Be clear with your purpose.
• Be strong and resolute.
• Be authentic.
Clarity of Purpose
Successful leaders articulate a clear purpose that people can believe in and embrace. Biden must be clear and consistent about his overarching purpose — to set the country on a course of healing in order to enable meaningful progress. Everything his administration does, every action and policy, should directly support that purpose.
We are confronting an unprecedented combination of threats to America’s ongoing quest of its ideal—to be “more perfect.” And let’s remember that, at our best, we are a country with a wide diversity of opinions and objectives, and we treasure the lively, passionate debate of issues. Mutual tribal hatred works against that. Everything Biden does must move us from tribal hatred to good-faith debate in order to restore the country’s ability to honestly and collaboratively confront the many difficult problems that we face together.
Strength and Resolve
This is Biden’s moment to establish himself as decisive and well-reasoned. While his agenda is long and detailed, it’s time to ruthlessly prioritize. Setting the healing from COVID ahead of the other priorities makes sense. The new president will inevitably disappoint some and delight others with his subsequent choices, and that’s fine. If the purpose is clear and the whole agenda clearly supports the underlying purpose, leaders can make the tough decisions and maintain or even strengthen the support of their followers.
It’s also important for Biden to convey unfailing confidence in our ultimate success even as he endures attacks, challenges, and attempts to undermine his agenda. These things belittle his opponents, not him. In the interest of the country, people will join Biden’s mission of healing and progress. Not because he bludgeons them into it, but because they increasingly see it as a brighter future.
Biden also must show that he welcomes myriad voices and diverse thought. Enlist the best and brightest and let them shine. Do special outreach to those who’ve opposed him. Make key appointments from across the aisle and embark on a listening tour in the red states, perhaps, to show that he genuinely intends to be the American President. Make it clear that he knows that he alone cannot fix it. Show that he’s proud and self-assured enough to work with people smarter than himself. Mine the country’s golden resources.
Authenticity
Biden has shown more of his true character as he has moved from candidate to elected leader. This is essential for all leaders: show your true voice. If you are a gentle soul, be gentle. Show your empathy.
Biden must demonstrate that he understands the country is riven — that those who opposed him are frustrated, and those who supported him are worried about ongoing resistance to the reality of his election. He understands how huge the stakes are. That’s why he stepped forward to undertake this. Now he must emphasize that he is serious about healing, which starts with gradually lessening the hate.
Biden’s nature is to be conciliatory, empathetic, and kind. Most people already recognize that. Now, he should also find a spot or two to be combative. He shouldn’t be afraid to swing Thor’s hammer and give people a glimpse of the tempered steel that is within the velvet human cloak. They won’t forget it. It will make it clear that gentle does not equal weak.
Finally, effective leaders don’t get distracted by noise. They know what they have to do and set about it. To this end, Biden should articulate his goals and enlist his team to methodically, relentlessly pursue his agenda.