Yes. We. Can.
November 10th, 2008 Posted in General, Leadership, NewsletterThis is not a political article. I understand that there are many of you who voted for Barack Obama and many who voted for John McCain. I know that the passions run deep and after politics 24/7 I believe most people are thankful the election is over and will now pray for our new President and pray that he makes the right decisions for our country.
However, as someone who studies and teaches leadership I can’t help but analyze, from a leadership perspective, why America chose Barack Obama as our new President and leader. Why were so many people energized by his candidacy? Why were so many young and new voters engaged in his campaign? What was it about him that brought so many different people together?
Some argue that it was the unpopularity of President Bush, the financial crisis, and his campaign’s use of technology while others say it was because he was to be the first black President. Yet, these reasons don’t explain why people of all races celebrated his election victory in the streets. They don’t account for the hope and tears in people’s eyes. They don’t begin to describe the wave of powerful emotions felt around the world. And they don’t adequately express why a majority of voters chose to follow him.
While researching and reading an article the other day about Obama’s “Yes we can” speech the answer struck me like a bolt of lightning. The reasons why he was chosen to lead this county were big and profound, and yet they could be explained by three simple words. Yes. We. Can.
Yes. We. Can. I believe they are three words that elected the next President of the United States. They are three words that demonstrate the power of positive leadership. They are three words at the heart of any meaningful movement in society. And they are three words that every leader needs to know in order to lead their business, organization, school, church, and community more effectively. Let’s look at these words more closely.
YES.
Does any other word invoke more positive energy than “Yes”? It is the first word in the positive leader’s dictionary. “Yes” signifies optimism, hope and possibility. Despite what the critics say, Optimism is necessary to create success. Belief is fundamental. Hope is a strategy. All are essential to effectively lead and inspire others. Positive leaders don’t focus on how things are. They focus on how they should be. They share their vision for a brighter and better future and their optimism, hope and faith attract people to their positive vision and cause.
In the process of leading others it is their optimism that allows them and their team to overcome adversity, negativity and challenges. At the heart of any movement is a leader whose positive energy is greater than anyone’s negativity and whose certainty is greater than the cynics’ doubt. Ronald Reagan’s optimism energized people during the 80’s and Barack Obama’s optimism and message of hope and positive change clearly resonated with people today.
Question: As a leader are you sharing your vision, optimism, and positive energy with your organization/team?
WE.
Great leaders transform me into WE. They know that by themselves they can do nothing but together “We” can accomplish amazing results. Great leaders don’t just get people to believe in them. They inspire people to believe in themselves. If you listen to Obama’s speeches he repeatedly said, “I’m not asking you to just believe in my ability to change Washington. I’m asking you to believe in yours.” He inspired people to be part of something bigger than themselves and he encouraged them to be part of the process and solution.
Obama often made statements such as, “We can do this, We are the change we have been waiting for, Yes we can create positive change.” In essence, he invited people on the bus to be part of his team and then he empowered them to drive their own bus. In doing this he created a fleet of buses all working together with a shared vision, focus and direction. Supporters organized thousands of meetings around the country. Volunteers knocked on doors. Millions of people donated to the campaign. Artists created viral songs and videos such as “Yes we can.”
WE eventually became millions of people who enthusiastically accepted his invitation to become a part of the team. On one level McCain and Obama competed for the Presidency while on another level Obama mobilized “WE” into a powerful movement…and that made all the difference.
Questions: As a leader have you invited your team on the bus? Have you empowered them to be part of the solution? Are you a me team or a we team?
CAN.
CAN says that if you share your positive vision, stay positive, bring people together and empower them to take action then together you CAN accomplish what you set out to do. Great leaders inspire faith and confidence in people that their hope, optimism and actions will make a difference and have a positive outcome. CAN creates a self-fulfilling prophecy. Because you and your team believe that they can succeed, you do.
While some people say that hope and positive energy are nothing but pollyana, CAN is the fuel that turns optimism and hope into action and results. Most people don’t want to sit on the sidelines. Most people have a desire to accomplish something meaningful. In many cases they just don’t know where to start and what to do. CAN shows people what’s possible when WE come together with a positive vision and together WE take action.
CAN is the difference between talking about change and creating it. Great leaders don’t just talk about hope. They talk about action. They talk about collective teamwork and individual responsibility. They inspire hope and they encourage people to act on this hope. At the heart of this hope and action is CAN which acts as the bridge between a positive vision and real positive change.
Question: Have you inspired confidence in your team that together you can accomplish what you set out to do?
WORDS matter. When we hear “I love you” it matters. When we hear “You’re not good enough” it matters. When we hear “Yes we can” it matters. And it’s not just the words that matter but the energy, meaning and belief behind the words that matters. The words “Yes we can” were not invented by President-elect Obama. In fact there’s even a wonderful children’s book titled “Yes we can.” These words are not owned by any political party or country. They are available to any leader, in any profession, with a vision and a desire to unite others and generate positive change. And as America faces one of the biggest challenges of our time we don’t just need to hear these words from our President but from each other. Now is a time to come together as one nation under God to overcome our adversity and challenges with positive beliefs and positive actions.
YES. WE. CAN.
Join the conversation. Share your thoughts on “Yes. We. Can.” by clicking here.
Stay Positive!
-Jon
Tags: jon gordon, Leadership, Obama, yes we can
44 Responses to “Yes. We. Can.”
By Scott Sandoz aka Chief Rainmaker on Nov 10, 2008
We had an important meeting of the minds this weekend….(a tough, yet needed conversation) and after 7 hours of dileberation…..the setiment was “Yes We Can”
Thank you John for confirming our thoughts and feelings
You are amazing!!
“everything is energy”
By Jane Barr on Nov 10, 2008
Say “Yes We Can” 50 times each morning and see where your head goes. Thanks for the expose on this phrase. I think you are right on the spot.
By Kim Savoie on Nov 10, 2008
Well said.
By Jan Ostler-Walker on Nov 10, 2008
Thanks for reminding us that in the spirit of the USA, there is always hope. That speech was so awesome…..
By E. Stephens on Nov 10, 2008
Jon, “Yes We Can” gave meaning today to me as I fight a recurrence of cancer and embark this week on radiation treatments. Thanks.
By Malinda@BlueSkyGrp on Nov 10, 2008
Great article, Yes. We. Can. It has a high Universal vibration. Thanks for starting my week on a higher vibration. Yes. Yes. Yes!
By Fred Hensel on Nov 10, 2008
The only problem is there needs to be substance to back the words. Barack has none. In addition, we CANNOT support Barack’s position on abortion, the economy, and our security, and must fight his agenda as much as we can. His fiscal actions may bankrupt the country, or at least cause high inflation and high unemployment. Can we overcome another Jimmy Carter disaster??? YES WE CAN!!!
By Candace Curtis on Nov 10, 2008
Excellent article and even better timing. Thank you for an outstanding start to my week. I had the pleasure of hearing you speak at the WCR education session at the NAR convention. As a Realtor and LCP of my Women’s Council chapter, I must always stay postive and thankful. Your books have helped me learn how to be better at this and to help me share it with those I work with everyday. Thank you!
By John on Nov 10, 2008
Jon,
I agree wholeheartedly with your assessment. In fact as I have been thinking about the election and why it was so polarizing, I’ve got a hypothesis. I think bill O’Reilly, Rush Limbauh et al cost the Reppublican Party the election.
The Republicans have been all about fear, and smear for the last year. (Some would argue longer) and why? Because they’ve been getting their cues from the media. The more I listen to the talking heads scream and rant, the more angery and fearful I get.
The Republican Party has to step back and learn from this. The American people are tired of ranting and raving, regardles of the ratings. Remember these guys are paid to keep you listening so you will buy their soap. Don’t drink the Kool Aid.
Keep up the positive message and Take Good Care
By Granny Gin on Nov 10, 2008
Thank you Jon!
From the Crabby Old Ladies Guild (from every political party) we were joyful to see such a positive campaign. And Mr. Hensel is right in the need for substance now. But, let’s see what the coming agenda is and if it doesn’t have substance, we can all get to work to change that…we can all do our part to achieve peace and prosperity for all Americans - YES WE CAN.
By Jerry on Nov 10, 2008
Watching a video of President-elect Barack Obama’s election day speech, I was moved to write the following to send to my mailing list. My inspiration is similar to your thoughts on the power of Yes We Can.
Yes We Can
Yes we can. A slogan of confidence, hope, and positive action.
Yes we can. Three words that inspire, combining the positive of yes, the connection of we, and the ability to succeed of can.
In a time when political slogans are more slander than support, more fearful than hopeful, yes we can captures the positive, loving, inspiring nature of humanity.
Surely this election marks the dramatic shift millions have awaited, the shift from warring against what we don’t want to peacefully joining together in what we do want.
Can we do it? Yes we can.
Yes we can if we give more than we take, if we help more than we seek help, if we act from love not fear, from compassion not anger, from connection not separation.
There is nothing more powerful than love, more inspiring than yes, more comforting than mutual support.
Yes we can is more than a political slogan, more than a catchy phrase , and not just a people’s tag line. Make yes we can your slogan, your governing belief, your inspiration.
Remember that you are not just you, but a part of and connected to all beings. I am also we. And so are you.
Jerry
By Luis on Nov 10, 2008
John: I live in Mexico but I was at Georgia at november 4 and I saw the hope and tears of happines of people and a genuine compromise of becomming part of the We, of the Yes We Can. We feel the same at Mexico and other parts of the world. I love your phrase: “We is something bigger than me”
By elan star on Nov 10, 2008
Dear Jon
You are so brilliant-and concise
I am sharing your
YES
WE
CAN
with my lists
and prompting musicians to take on the phrase for a plethora of new “Yes I Can ” based music.
We must all use this phrase in every variation possible
in conjunction with the positive attributes that enhance its potency and true healing and empowering effectiveness
“YES WE CAN”
Our grassroots proliferating the simple phrase and then seeing the diverse and manifold variations on the theme and their unique practical brilliance will re enhance the dream.
Asking for guidance for this new “global” president
will affect proper decisions in a positive manner than
being against any policies.
Focusing on he positive solutions even more important.
NEtworks of groups and forums on what we can contribute as grassroots special interest data collectors and editors on alternate energy efficiency and social solutions that we can implement
personally will truly empower us all to take roles now..not later
I vote for more networks of e mail lists sharing the latest daily discoveries in science and mind body spirit and empowerment as well as financial solutions at the home level will help the giant work ahead and will prevent any delay in manifesting
“Yes We Can” in tangible ways.
The phrase “Yes We Can” is a new
“I AM THAT I AM”
in a manner of speaking.
Elan Sun Star
Hawaii
By Jon Gordon on Nov 10, 2008
Please remember I did not write this from a political perspective. My hope was to stimulate a discussion of positive leadership not which policies or politics you support.
By eokeefe on Nov 10, 2008
Yes, you are correct they are positive power-ful words, but I could see through the
words. Your actions must match the words.
I am one that didn’t vote for Barack Obama,
but I do pray that he makes the right
choices for our Great Country. Thanks
By Kunbi Korostensky ND on Nov 10, 2008
Thank you so much Jon for echoing what I have also perceived, Yes We Can!
I am in Switzerland and I can assure you that no other presidential campaign has ever held the entire Europe in its wake as Barack Obama. I believe the energy of WE has also been felt by all human beings across all continents.
YES WE CAN, And Together WE WILL CHANGE THE WORLD with our love and compassion.
Blessings
Kunbi
By Amy McDermott LMHC on Nov 10, 2008
As a psychotherapist in St. Augustine FL, my approach in working with my clients is an expression of my total belief in our ability to not only heal ourselves physically and emotionally, but to bring dynamic, positive change into our lives. As clients begin to make the shift from their current unproductive (negative) way of thinking and being to a positive ‘Yes I can’ way, they are stunned by the results. As one client said as he began to shift his way of thinking and being, “It changed everything!” He got a job promotion and all of his relationships improved.
The world won’t change until we change. The only way to do this is to change our thinking, and It Changes Everything. Yes we can…Yes you can…Yes I can.
Keep up your excellent work, Jon.
Regards Amy
By Laura on Nov 10, 2008
Jon
I thank you for your article that immediately filled me with excitement of what is possible when leaders including all of the people in any leading role from parents including their children to managers of restaurants/stores including their staff and patrons in their quest to make things better for everyone.
I am in Canada and was thoroughly energized by the speeches of both McCain and Obama because they both included all of the people. They both made sure that everyone out there knew everyone mattered.
May all of the countries, including (especially) ours learn from these two wise men that politics doesn’t have to be backstabbing to have the people understand that they are being heard and it matters and together we can change the world for the better.
Yes. We. Can.
Laura
Brougham, Ontario, Canada
By Cattee on Nov 10, 2008
Do you have any of your articles translated to Spanish?
I love your YES,WE,CAN letter!
By Joan Fitzgerald on Nov 10, 2008
What a wonderful message. I’m sending this out to some of my friends who voted for McCain. We need to come together as a nation and words like this really make us think about what that takes. Let’s all get behind Obama and give him a chance to do great things!
By Reggie on Nov 10, 2008
Thanks for not going negative with this. I read it holding my breath as most motivational/inspirational writers since teh election have really gone down a path of total disappointment, anger and . . . malice in their writings.
YES we the people of the United States CAN if in GOD we trust!
By Rose on Nov 10, 2008
I agree with “eokeefe”’s message here & disagree with your (Jon Gordon’s)Nov. 10th comment that you “did not write this from a political perspective. My hope was to stimulate a discussion of positive leadership not which policies or politics you support.” I disagree with your (Jon Gordon’s) statement, “The reasons why he was chosen to lead this county were big and profound, and yet they could be explained by three simple words. Yes. We. Can.”
..a majority of voters voted for Carter, too
…. Hitler had lots of supporters…
My thoughts on your Obama article are that you can unsubscribe me from my long subscription with you. That is a shame.
-Rose
By Patty Walters on Nov 10, 2008
YES Jon! WE Can and WILL! Thanks for your message –perfect timing for messages to leaders in all organizations and communities. Bless you and the work you are doing!
By Marilyn Krichko on Nov 10, 2008
I agree. It’s hard not to want to support someone saying YES WE CAN especially when the other campaign spent countless amounts of energy with attacking comments. This is the first campaign where I actualy feel like I need to do something after the election - that was due to the ‘WE’ factor.Barrack Obama made me feel like it is my duty to do something instead of pointing my finger at Washington. If he can do that for me, he can do that for other people and then yes, we can change our nation and the world for the better.
By Jon Gordon on Nov 10, 2008
Sorry you feel that way Rose!! I wish you all the best. For what it’s worth, Carter indeed was not a good President but he is a great human being and a wonderful faithful man that I admire. He didn’t lead well as a president but i believe he led well by example as a person. There are different types of leaders and they lead in different ways. that’s an entirely different discussion altogether. And the article i wrote today could have easily been written about Ronald Reagan as well. He restored America’s hope and optimism with his own. I hope you’ll join me in praying for the new President regardless of your feelings. I hope he’ll run this country as effectivley as he ran his campaign. I agree that it’s all about actions.
By Marilyn Krichko on Nov 10, 2008
Rose:
I am sorry you feel the way you do about Jon’s article. I know Jon, and I know that he wrote it from a leadership perspective, not a political one. Please don’t miss out because of one thing he wrote that you disagree with. I am not political at all, but this election felt so powerful with YES WE CAN that for the first time in my life, I personally feel the need to do something. In my opinion that’s about leadership not politics.
By Brandon on Nov 10, 2008
was it his hope and optimism? or was he tapping into the american public’s?when you realize that neither candidate was true change.it remains to be seen if obama is a true change candidate.once he repeals both patriot acts 1 and 2 and decides not to implement his plan for continued support of shady corporate entities and refuse to play into their greed then just maybe I’ll start to let my guard down.If we hear about him trying to impose mandatory community service on the americans and they go along willingly.Then we are no longer free and all me may very well have left is hope and optimism that someday a true patriot and freedom lover will be voted into the presidency when the american people finally realize that you’re only going to get the same old same old from the democrats and republicans.It’s really a monopoly,to keep the power in their hands by giving us the illusion of truth and keeping out the third party candidates who would immediately spoil the corrupt parties and policies of too many years of a sleeping america.
By Edward G. on Nov 10, 2008
This a terrific piece of non-political writing on politics, John, and your call for unity is much needed. Thanks. E. Grinnan
By Joni on Nov 10, 2008
I have so much appreciated Jon’s consistently positive message during these troubling times. His newsletter in my email box is always a day brightener.
It’s so amazing to me that so many of the people I know fail to credit positive attitude as a factor in this political campaign season. I did a little informal survey of what went on in my own community, and the people who sent out very positive, forward-thinking campaign materials did much better overall than those who ran more than one negative campaign piece.
As my husband says, “Some people get it, and some people never will.”
By Marisa on Nov 10, 2008
Jon,
I thought your post today was dead on. As far as the negative posts today, I think there may be an emotional aspect to the election that is going off topic because the negative posters are more focused on the recent election than on how this election relates to leadership skills. Today’s post was NOT political or endorsing Barack in any way, it was exactly what you said it was, a leadership tactic that works in many other aspects of our lives.
Thanks for the post!
Marisa
By Sherry on Nov 10, 2008
Another great book: Yes, You can! by Sam Deep and Lyle Sussman.
By susan on Nov 10, 2008
of course we can…we are… and we will continue to…..that is our only right choice….
By Sandi Gordon on Nov 10, 2008
You’ve nailed it, Jon. That’s exactly why I voted for Barack Obama, and those are exactly the characteristics business leaders need to inspire their teams at work.
By Sandi Gordon on Nov 10, 2008
You’ve nailed it Jon. That’s exactly why I voted for Barack Obama, and those are leadership characteristics business leaders need today to inspire their teams.
By michael cates on Nov 10, 2008
I agree about how words mean so much! I/we have built Broadway Gymnastics School on the STRENGTH of WORDS! YES WE CAN!!!!! We will contenue to do so for as long as BGS exists! The children that we work with are directly influenced by us and what we believe and do at the gym! Well we are there to inspire our students whether they are there for remedial gymnastics/fitness or team or just there to help them feel better about themselves! As for Politics and seeing a canidate use this principle to sway so many people rather wories me! Michael
By Maureen Trovato on Nov 11, 2008
“Yes we can”…uplifting, yet very vague as to how. How we achieve and toward what goal we are striving really do matter…not to be a stick in the mud or anything
By Chris on Nov 11, 2008
I had been thinking of the phrase “Yes We Can” just yesterday. My college age daughter was absolutely electrified by this election. I was planning on needlepointing a Christmas ornament for her with the words “Yes We Can” and the year 2008.
By peaches on Nov 12, 2008
While your motivational words may be true regarding leadership, they are distorted when applied to the beliefs they affected in a campaign. Yes We Can give you something for nothing, for FREE, is something we all want. Voting is the easy part - now let’s see if Yes We Will becomes the sacrificial mantra of those same votes of the Me Me Me generation. Keep in mind anyone under 30 is the child of a 60’s revolution that also brought us Jimmy Carter. He also had a campaign that let us to believe in ourselves while mortages were 20% and unemployment was 9.7%. Speeches were great but intellect must follow.
By Dee on Nov 12, 2008
I had alot of fun watching the election in the States and found Barack’s speech at the end really moving and heartfelt as well as the grace in McCain’s speech after he lost.I am sure the he will make a wonderful President and unite the states again.I have never been poltically motivated but it was truly amazing to watch how much one person can help a nation move forward.It was election time here and while the States had “Clash of the Titans” we had “Who wears the sweater vest”it was pretty sad and boring no one tried to change anything they just talked about what the other guy did.
By JoAnn Twaskas on Nov 12, 2008
Your email , Yes, we can, sounds alot like a put down of McCain and a pitch for Obomber….opps sorry…Obama.
Call it what it is and don’t disguise it as a motivational email.
By Brad on Nov 13, 2008
Reagan was the eternal optimist, often painting America as the “shining city on the hill” with “our best days ahead of us.” Reagan was a capitalist who believed in the spirit of American entreprenuership. Reagan believed in the individual’s creavity and yearning for freedom.
Contrast that leadership with our President-elect. Obama wrongly believes in the power of government, promising to “spread the wealth around” like some failed European economy. If Obama believed so highly in the US military, why did he vote to defund the troops? If Obama believed so highly in small businesses, why is he promising to punish them with higher taxes?
The Messiah simply took a page out of Reagan’s book of big hopes and big dreams. Meanwhile, he sold the American electorate on bigger government.
Change we can believe in? Absolutely not.
Give me liberty and freedom any day. Now that is a vision I will follow.
Yes. We. Can. Live. As. Free. People.
By Sally C. Brayton on Nov 14, 2008
“Yes, I Can” are still only words. Obama had an uncanny ability to come up with saleable slogans, but a slogan does not a government make. All the mention of “change” in the world cannot make it happen. Obama’s campaign was full of rhetoric but empty of experience….especially the experience of faildure.
By Pat Berry on Nov 17, 2008
-Great article, thing we should know and do
but along the way failed to do them and then wonder what has happened to our business.
Have a great day, article recommended for reading by Joe Tye spark plug