Daily rallies, fixed smiles, shaking hundreds of hands and making promises without authority to execute on those promises are over.  The globally awaited real work begins and will not stop 24/7 for the next 4 years.

What do You belive are the most critical leadership behaviors President O. must exhibit now?

I believe there are 2 foundational requirements.  First he must continue to select and listen to advisors who have experience, intellect and even opinions different than his. Constantly he must be challenged to think more broadly and critically than we are used to doing.  To reclaim a leadership spot at the global table, in times when no one leader knows “the” answer to world challenges, his ability to listen, question, assimilate and decide is front and center.

Secondly, a strength wants to be modulated.  President Obama has a fast CPU — his ability to process information and reach conclusions quickly is obvious.  With this strength comes the possibility of both missing critical information and being irritated by those who do not have this skill.  Will he be patient and attentive to other world leaders whose experience and wisdom he needs if they don’t exactly match his style….

Think about your viewpoint a moment — what do you say are the 2 most critical leadership behaviors the world needs to see from Obama? Feel free to use the comment field below to post your views.