Recently I read comments in The Economist about presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama that caught my eye. The British magazine wrote about Obama that he had the ability to deliver the “dose of unity” that America needs. Regarding McCain the same article pointed out that he had a long record of “reaching out to his political opponents.”
What I hear in these statements is that The Economist is recognizing that McCain and Obama are connectors. They build relational bridges to their political opponents rather than burn the bridges across the table.
Given the nasty partisan atmosphere in Washington these days and America’s declining reputation in the world, it may be that voters yearn for a president who reaches out and connects with others, both at home and abroad. Our research at E Pluribus Partners clearly establishes that great leaders have the ability to connect with people and increase connection among a group of people. In fact, a high degree of connection (or social capital as it is also referred to) is necessary for nations to thrive. The ability to bring people together is an essential skill to possess in order to be an effective president.
What do you think about McCain and Obama as connectors? Are you aware of any examples that would help us judge how these two candidates stack up when it comes to their history of increasing connection, community and unity among the people they were responsible for leading.
