Lessons we can learn from Barack Obama and Joe Biden’s Partnership

Jan 20th, 2017 – Trump’s Presidential swearing-in ceremony and I lay on my couch watching President Obama and Joe Biden walk together.

Thoughts of this exceptional partnership consumed me and I pondered how this rare professional partnership blossomed over the last 8 years and what can the supposed “power hungry, self-centered” corporate world learn from this partnership.

Obama is affable, mostly poker-faced, self-controlled, and a thinker. On the other hand, Biden is jovial, emotional, and a backslapping politician. Two very different personalities partnered to build the “bromance” and made each other succeed in their respective roles whilst handling world’s two most important positions. They personified team work and partnership. 

What can we learn? 

1. ACCEPTANCE – It all starts with accepting each other and focusing on each other’s strengths. Obama did not expect Joe to change himself but both adapted to each other’s style to make the partnership mutually beneficial. Obama and Biden shared the same vision, same values and had a common goal that helped build a foundation to a solid partnership. Accepting difference and constructive criticism must be welcomed by boss and subordinates alike as only then can one understand different perspective. There would be no improvement in status quo if everyone thought alike.
2. MUTUAL RESPECT – Treat each other as partners and equals. Never belittle the contributions of your team. Stand beside each other especially in crisis. It is known in some circles that during some crucial decisions the President & the Vice President were sometimes on a different page. They both took each other’s views positively but once the decision was made, the Vice President backed his chief completely or vice-versa. An analogy for us here is that we must differ during deliberations and present our views even though it may make us seem isolated but once the final decision is made even the naysayers MUST back the decision and ensure no sabotage.
3. TRUST – Obama and Biden never considered each other as competition or threat. In fact, Obama entrusted powers in an otherwise powerless Vice Presidential role to bring out the best from Biden. And on the other hand, Biden leaned onto Obama with full faith. The bond was built on a strong foundation of conviction. There is no room for insecurity or jealous anxiety but partnerships should energize and inspire each other.
4. OPENNESS – One more thing to observe is the age difference between Obama and Biden. Biden is 19 years older to Obama, yet there was always relaxed, free flowing exchange of ideas where Obama was never seen throwing his weight. At the same time, Biden had no inhibitions being second to someone with less experience. They personify “age is just a number” and it does not guarantee wisdom or maturity. Can the corporate world rise above the parochial classification of age/experience and concentrate on building a protective environment and generate opportunities that can lead to mutual growth? Recognizing that someone with lesser experience may have a different perspective or strength which can lead to more efficient teams!
5. CARE AND SUPPORT – The passing away of Beau Biden was a big irreparable loss for doting dad Joe and would have broken a lesser man – but not Joe. The President stood solidly with the Vice President like a brother and gave a lot of love, compassion, space and emotional support during that time. This eventually took their love & respect for each other to a level where it seemed that nothing could get between the two of them. It is said that in toughest times we discover our best friends and forge a deep bond. In the corporate world too, each one of us is working under immense anxiety trying to grow and at the same time struggling to provide enough time for family. Receiving emotional support from colleagues is an antidote like no other.
6. GRATITUDE – Obama awarded Biden with the “Presidential Medal of Freedom” which is the country’s highest civilian award. Thereby, acknowledging Biden’s strong leadership and vision towards building a world they both believed in. Successful leaders have often had a strong No.2 who has extended unflinching support, best advice and has been the eyes and ears of the leader. What differentiates a strong leader from an average one is his/her ability to choose the right partner and moreover give equal or more credit for his/her success.

Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much

And

As Obama said, “Yes We Can”

Disclaimer - The views expressed in this article are mine alone and do not reflect the views of my employer.