Creating a prototype isn’t the same as leading a team of thousands. You need to keep your mission constant but your tactics fluid as you scale. This is the challenge President Barack Obama faced after winning the 2008 election.
In the second part of the interview, we dive into how he grappled with the Great Recession, the Affordable Care Act, and the disastrous rollout of healthcare.gov. Through it all, he learned to let first principles guide the way, even as he and his staff adapted to new realities and changing rules.
The only thing that matters right now is that this has to work.
Scale the business
- During crises, taking bold action is often necessary to seize opportunities and avert disaster. However, as organizations grow, they become more resistant to change. Balancing risk-taking with stability is crucial for sustained growth and success.
- To scale a business or enact change, expect unexpected resistance and use balanced persuasion to communicate the benefits and build public support.
- In both politics and business, staying true to the mission is key to success. Avoid the distraction of opposing forces and evolving strategy without forgetting why you started in the first place.
Risk taking and persistence
It’s important to regularly check in with oneself to ensure actions align with core values and mission. Success requires risk-taking and persistence, but staying true to the mission can guide us through challenges.
Regularly reassessing motivation and adapting tactics can lead to lasting change, not only in technology but also in broader issues like climate change. Personal values can align with professional work for better leadership.
The reason that the climate change issue was so important to me was because I want my daughters to have a planet that is at least as habitable as mine is. And that’s where, being able to connect what you’re doing on a day-to-day basis to the real, concrete love that you feel for your children.
First principles
- Even with a dedicated team and a clear mission, adapting to new challenges is crucial to achieving success. Stick to your first principles, but be flexible in your approach to overcome obstacles and scale up effectively.
- As your business scales, the skills needed will change. Stay true to your mission, but be adaptable. Cultural differences can arise as you grow and stick to your principles. During crises, take risks and act quickly.
