Michelle Obama's 'Go High' Mantra: A Call for Emotional Intelligence and Disciplined Intention
In the realm of leadership, where every word and action carries weight, Michelle Obama's 'Go High' motto has become a beacon of wisdom. This phrase, born from the depths of her family's experience, is more than just a call to rise above adversity; it's a profound reminder of the importance of emotional intelligence and disciplined intention. While the original message resonated with many, Obama's recent clarification adds a new layer of depth, urging leaders to embrace composure and self-awareness in an era defined by instant reactions and performative outrage.
A Call for Composure in a World of Instant Reactions
In an age where emotions can be weaponized and every reaction amplified, Obama's emphasis on 'being outcome determinative' is a refreshing reminder of the value of thoughtfulness. She argues that 'going high' is not about suppressing emotions but rather about channeling them in a way that serves a greater purpose. This is particularly relevant in today's political and cultural landscape, where 'going low' can often bring engagement and attention, even if it means stooping to the level of bullies.
The Power of Emotional Intelligence
Obama's perspective aligns with the executive leadership school of thought that emotional regulation, not suppression, drives performance and trust. This is the foundation of emotional intelligence, a concept popularized by psychologist Daniel Goleman. According to Goleman, emotional intelligence is essential to leading effectively under pressure. Without it, even the smartest leaders can struggle to make their way forward.
Leadership as a Gun: Use It Wisely
Obama's comparison of leadership to a gun is particularly insightful. Just as a gun can cause a lot of damage if not handled responsibly, leaders can cause a lot of harm if they don't use their platforms wisely. This is why she stresses the importance of 'putting the safety lock on,' meaning leaders should think before they speak and consider the impact of their words and actions. This helps avoid public 'tantrums' and presents leaders as more composed and coherent.
The Kitchen Table as a Metaphor for Emotional Regulation
Obama also uses the kitchen table as a metaphor for emotional regulation. While it's a perfect place to air out frustrations, she warns against overexaggerating problems and turning them into a level '10.' By taking a step back, she suggests, people can often find that their problems are not as bad as they initially thought. This is the essence of 'going high' - communicating what you really feel, clearly and calmly.
Leadership Beyond Reactivity
Obama's 'Go High' mantra serves as a reminder that leadership isn't about reactive strength; it's about disciplined intention. This is a message that resonates with business leaders who view emotional control as essential to responsibility. Simon Sinek, for instance, warns against leaders displaying arrogance and narcissism, advocating instead for composure and humility. The best leaders, according to Sinek, are those who give away credit, take responsibility, and serve quietly, even when no one's watching.
The Future of Leadership: A Call for Self-Awareness
In the future, leaders who embrace self-awareness and emotional intelligence will likely thrive. This is not just a call for leaders in politics or corporate boardrooms, but for anyone in a position of influence. As Obama says, 'You’ll find out that half the stuff you threw out there in anger isn’t even true, and it’s not how you really feel.' This is a powerful reminder of the importance of being true to oneself and communicating clearly and calmly.
In conclusion, Michelle Obama's 'Go High' mantra is a call for emotional intelligence and disciplined intention. It's a reminder that leadership is not about reacting to the world but about shaping it. In an era defined by instant reactions and performative outrage, this message is more relevant than ever. It's a call to rise above the noise, to lead with composure and self-awareness, and to make a positive impact on the world.
