Page 16 - The New Articulate Executive_ Look, Act and Sound Like a Leader

LEADERSHIP COMMUNICATIONS 7

middle of a deep recession to become the fi rst African-American
president.
Millions of Americans immediately recognized a good thing
when they saw it. The majority who voted for him say they did so
largely on his extraordinary ability to articulate his vision and reveal

his intelligence, clearly define problems and solutions, simplify the
complex, rationally debate any issue, engage in intelligent conversa-
tion, resonate with the masses, enlist vast support, secure loyal fol-
lowings, capture the mood of the nation, win over Independents and
Republicans alike, enlighten the uninformed, and discuss challeng-
ing crises with a cool head. In other words, Obama positioned him-
self as a capable leader at a critical historical moment when the
whole country was crying out for leadership. This is not the kind of
thing you can do with just text messages, e-mails, and tweets
(although it is true, as we mentioned earlier, that Obama was the

first presidential candidate to harness the vast leverage of YouTube
and Twitter to reach millions of mostly young voters).
Maybe businesspeople should borrow from the experience of
politicians. The question here is, can you walk into a room any-
where, anytime, and make things happen? Wonderful things unfold
when people talk face-to-face in private offices, conference rooms,

boardrooms, corridors, auditoriums—and yes, even on the golf
course. Deals are cut. Decisions are made. Obstacles are cast aside.
Whatever the job, the job gets done.
That’s why now more than ever is the time to capitalize on the
huge added value that leadership communications brings to any
business proposition or transaction. As Warren Buffett would cer-
tainly concur, it could be the best business investment you ever made.
That’s what this book is all about.
Read on.