Initiating Change

Implementing change is not easy. In fact, it is as difficult as it is frustrating and time consuming as it is, at times, thankless. Nevertheless, it is something that all of us are called upon to do on almost a daily basis. We may need to take a different route to the doctor's because of unexpectedly bad traffic. We may get a new boss and have our responsibilities adjusted. We arrange a fun picnic only to be hit with a heavy rain as we begin loading up the car. The examples go on and on. In the case of our country's government, change is banging on the door because the array of problems facing us demands we face these realities in ways that are different than we have in the past. More than anyone else, President Obama is currently leading the charge to try and motivate his fellow public servants to alter their behavior and perspectives. Thus far, the results of his efforts have been less than stellar.

Lots of people, including political pundits and politicians, have been offerings up comments left and right on Obama's efforts. Some have questioned his motives. Some have said he should stop trying to encourage non-partisan involvement. And some have even suggested his outreach efforts have been disingenuous. But others have praised his efforts. This is the camp in which I fall. For as long as he is president, Obama needs to keep reaching out to his political opponents. Doing so reinforces the ideal that the president is the president of all the people. It places Obama and his administration on the side of building bridges. And it is this kind of activity that depicts communication at its best.

For the past eight years this kind of outreach was rare. Communication was largely one-way. For communication to work, it needs to be two-way where the pertinent parties are in a constant stage of engagement and interaction. This is the most fundamental challenge that Obama and all who represent him face. Day in and day out. AS it happening with the current debate over the proposed economic stimulus package, it does not mean they will always be successful. Nor does it mean there won't always be those who second-guess or mock their efforts. Genuine and honest communication represent the best of us as a people and the best of us as a nation. The eventual pay will eventually happen and it will be most positive.