Collaboration: Obama's Best Bet

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Then he can go to all sides for counsel on rejuvenating our economy.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg tapped into these values after taking direct control of New York's public schools. His makeover of the education system, developed in concert with schools chancellor Joel Klein, created controversy. It made the effectiveness of principals and other top administrators—rather than classroom teachers—the focal point of reform. Bloomberg and Klein took some real heat for this approach from teachers and parents. Still, they patiently explained their case, listened to the opposition, and negotiated to keep teachers on board. As former New York Mayor Ed Koch told U.S. News & World Report, "Bloomberg's not a charismatic figure, but he has a common decency and calm demeanor that allow him get things done without raising tensions." He's able, in other words, to live the values most needed to bridge a gulf of disagreement.

Finally, here's a third element of leading across divides: Make the mission foremost.

Obama will need to get Americans focused on a common and inspiring mission that reminds them of the identity they share as a people. John F. Kennedy famously rallied Americans with his challenge to put an American on the moon within a decade. It was a clear, focusing goal that appealed to Americans of every political persuasion during the Cold War. Obama will need to find something similar, if not perhaps quite as spectacular, to help Americans celebrate their similarities.

Early in his career, for example, Mandela made it his mission to eradicate prejudice in his native land. He started by learning Afrikaans, the language of white South Africa, so he could get a better sense of the worldview of his oppressors. He even learned about rugby so he could discuss it with them. As Time magazine's Richard Stengel recently wrote, "Mandela understood that blacks and Afrikaners had something fundamental in common: Afrikaners believed themselves to be Africans as deeply as blacks did. He knew, too, that Afrikaners had been the victims of prejudice themselves: The British government and the white English settlers looked down on them." Over time, Mandela persuaded his countrymen to put aside their biases and focus on a greater goal: making South Africa a nation of opportunity for everyone. He came up with a clear mission, and people understood its benefits.

Obama will need to reach out in similar fashion. His party has been entrusted with great power and believes it knows what is right for America. But Republicans believe themselves to be every bit as dedicated to America's success as their Democratic colleagues—and they are. We can all agree that America needs to go on an extended winning streak. If Obama can harness the energy and good ideas on all sides, he will build an incredible and enduring legacy that benefits us all.

John R. Ryan is president of the Center for Creative Leadership, a top-ranked, global provider of executive education. He previously served as chancellor of the State University of New York and superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md. He was a pilot during a 35-year in the Navy, retiring as a vice-admiral.