3 Leadership Lessons from George Clooney to President Biden
On July 10, 2024, actor George Clooney wrote a thought-provoking op-ed in the New York Times titled “I Love Joe Biden. But We Need a New Nominee.” In his article, Clooney addresses the recent performance issues of President Biden at the presidential debate and offers some valuable leadership lessons. Let’s look at George Clooney’s top three leadership lessons for President Biden.
1. Self-Awareness
Clooney emphasizes the importance of Biden critically and honestly assessing his recent performances and understanding how his age and current capabilities impact his leadership. Clooney states:
The Joe Biden I was with three weeks ago, at the fundraiser, was not the Joe ‘big F-ing deal’ Biden of 2010. He wasn’t even the Joe Biden of 2020.
Clooney’s words highlight that as leaders, we need to stay self-aware and adapt as we grow. This means always checking in with ourselves and being honest about our strengths and weaknesses. It also involves asking others for feedback and really listening to what they say. We should not rely solely on our own perspective. This way, we can get a full picture of what’s really going on and identify where we might need to make changes.
2. Recognize When to Step Aside
Clooney advises Biden to voluntarily step down from seeking re-election, arguing that sometimes stepping aside is necessary for the greater good. Clooney poignantly remarks:
The one battle he cannot win is the fight against time. None of us can.
Knowing when to step aside can be a powerful move. It ensures that our team or organization continues to thrive. Sometimes, the best way to lead is by making room for new energy and ideas. So, think about when stepping aside might actually be the best thing for the larger goal.
3. Support the Emergence of New Leaders
Clooney urges Biden and the Democratic Party to consider new capable leaders. This is crucial for keeping the party vibrant and successful. He suggests:
Let’s hear from Wes Moore and Kamala Harris and Gretchen Whitmer and Gavin Newsom and Andy Beshear and J.B. Pritzker and others.
Supporting new leaders is key for any team or organization. By encouraging and mentoring emerging talent, you ensure fresh ideas and continuous growth. You play a crucial role in helping new leaders develop and succeed, which makes your team or organization stronger.
Next time you’re in a situation where you’re unsure about your effectiveness or role, think of Clooney’s advice:
- Be self-aware, which also means paying close attention to feedback from others.
- Understand when stepping aside might be the best choice for the greater good.
- Remember to support and mentor new leaders to ensure the continued success and vitality of your team.
A video version of this story can be found here:
