Enliven Daily

“In the news this week: President-elect George Bush this week finally owned up and admitted that the only reason he chose Dan Quayle as his running mate was to guarantee that no one would attempt to assassinate him in the next four years. ‘This guy is a walking, breathing bullet-proof vest,’ said Bush”

I have written many times in this space about new Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown and his remarkable campaign to get elected to Congress.  Every profession can get a bad rap because of some bad apples.  Not all baseball players are cheating steroid users like McGwire, Bonds, Clemens and Arod.  Not all lawyers are snakes although many defense attorneys do creep me out with their tactics.  The list goes on but I think you will agree that filling out “politician” on your tax return assures you more scrutiny and abuse, rightfully so, than any other occupation.  One of the main reasons Scott Brown won was that he did not represent the same old same old when it comes to an elected official.

Now that Brown has his seat at the big table, he has the opportunity to drive positive results and change in his state and our country.  His popularity is sky high thanks to his charisma and appearances which is a good thing but does have its risks.  Everybody always wants the latest trend including if that is a person, a celebrity.  Talk shows all want Brown to appear on them and look no further than this skit from Saturday Night Live (SNL) this past weekend which depicts Brown as a Playboy and some of his colleagues as buffoons.  (Click Here) to see what I mean as I thought it was hilarious.

Here is Brown’s biggest challenge and I can relate but in no way am I comparing myself to Scott Brown.  But like me, Brown does not mind the spotlight and often speaks off the cuff or from the heart as evidenced on election night, when caught up in the euphoria; he announced to the world that his daughters were available.  Not a wise line but also not the crime some people (his critics mostly) are trying to make it out to be either.  Brown needs to find the balance between being loved and being respected as you need both to be an effective leader.  You need to have that likeability quotient but also bring knowledge and talent to the game.  One without the other does not work as many leaders have the knowledge but lack the charisma Brown carries.  In my younger days in the corporate world, I can readily admit that it was my charisma that carried me and I often lacked the experience and knowledge needed for more success.  Over time, I was able to find a good balance and think Brown can or already does.

There is already talk about Scott Brown running for President in the future.  Imagine the SNL clips that would generate which are also where I for our opening quote from Dennis Miller during a “Weekend Update” segment in the 80’s?