Leadership Lessons from Hillary Clinton

Hillary Clinton's testimony before Congress during her confirmation hearings to be U.S. secretary of state was a masterpiece worthy of close study by all who engage in leadership.  She presented herself as poised, supremely knowledgeable, on top of issues both grand and arcane, and, most importantly, extraordinarily capable of handling even the most nettlesome questions from her fellow senators.  

More than one member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee had an ax to grind with Ms. Clinton.  John Kerry, for example, was a rival for the State Department nomination and, according to some sources, believes that President-elect Barack Obama actually promised him the position.  Nonetheless, while demonstrating her consummate grasp of the issues as always, Ms. Clinton managed to fend off Kerry and a few others with a remarkable combination of flattery, disarming statements, and gentle restatements of positions.  In no instance, even when responding to less veiled criticisms of her husband's financial dealings from Republican senators, did Ms. Clinton become defensive or argumentative.  

Leaders in all types of organizations face similar moments when dealing with governing boards and constituents.  Her testimony is worth watching and hearing (click here), not so much for the content relating to foreign affairs as how to skillfully fence with an opponent.  Too bad she didn't show more of this persona during the campaign.