Scoring Obama's first 100 days: 64 out of 80.
Being president of the largest economy on earth (just) may not feel immediately comparable to being a marketing director...but the same principles apply. How would we evaluate Obama as Marketer in Chief?
Principle 1. "Hit the ground running" - 9 out of ten on this one. The waves caused by the decision to close 'Gitmo' alone merit this score.
Principle 2. "Suppress the marketing psyche" - 10 out of ten here. We identified the key 'anti-marketing' characteristics as humility, patience and empathy. Obama does a good job of exuding, (or at least successfully faking) all of these.
Principle 3. "Resist the quick wins itch" - just 5 out of ten on this. The critical factor is to listen and learn, rather than rush-through ill-conceived plans. It depends which side of the political divide you sit as to how you judge the fiscal stimulus, but what's certain is that widespread buy-in. Many groups in US society are alienated by these initial decisions.
Principle 4. "Build the role of the whole function" - 7 out of ten. The jury's out on this one, It's open to question how far Obama is legitimising his approach to big-tent, collaborative government, rather than cult of personality. More work to do on this, for sure.
Principle 5. "Recruit internal allies" - 9 out of ten. Obama has fine-tuned the language of government to appeal to all functions.
Principle 6. "Adapt your personal experience to the prevailing culture" 9 out of 10. Obama is successfully resisting the urge to turn government into a community campaign - something his detractors feared - but is still bringing his background and values to bear.
Principle 7. "Build your front bench rapidly" 5 out of ten. A stuttering start on this one, with days passing between appointments and legal challenges standing in the way of momentum.
Principle 8. "Treat your advisers as partners" 10 out of 10. Obama's relationships with external collaborators - notably other world leaders have been exemplary to date. He shows exceptional willingness to listen.
Grand total. 64 out of 80.
"B+"
Barack is a highly popular member of the school. He has been active on a number of fronts and is clearly highly talented. However, he needs to learn to make friends with his own classmates and ensure he finishes all the projects he starts.
Editor
