Tuesday, October 05, 2004

When You're Number Two

Chief Operating Officers and other c-suite subordinates, take note. Tuesday's vice presidential debate will show the importance of serving the team, while at the same time, how to use your own views and values to create differentiation.

Vice President Dick Cheney is the consummate number two role player, but don't let appearances fool you. He can speak candidly and persuasively about the president's policies while remaining strong and independent in his own views. Vice presidential hopeful John Edwards has a different challenge. How to show gravitas yet still advance the candidacy of the Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry.

What to watch or look for:
1.) Who pulls the first punches on issues vs. personality
2.) Who makes a better emotional connection with voters
3.) Who shows that while he may be his "own man," this race isn't about them

Tuesday's debate will present the standard bearer of effective leadership brand: When to know when it's about you, and when to know when it's about your organization or something larger.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Win, lose or draw, it's not clear whether the debates are going to woo more voters, most of which have already picked their candidate.

It may sound cliche, but there's still a ways to go...

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