The news is buzzing about “No-Drama” Obama’s cabinet picks.  Says the New York Times:  “After running a campaign known for its almost military-like cool and discipline, the president-elect is now assembling a staff whose members are known for their combativeness.  His chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel, is a take-no-prisoners politician known for his willingness to butt heads with adversaries. Mr. Obama’s top liaison to Congress, Phil Schiliro, is a skilled political infighter. His press secretary, Robert Gibbs, is no shrinking violet, as one of the few people who can boast of shouting down Sean Hannity of Fox News on Mr. Hannity’s own show.  And then there’s the consideration that Mr. Obama is giving to Lawrence H. Summers, the outspoken former Harvard president, as Treasury secretary, and Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton as secretary of state, a move so explosively bold that it has sent the Washington press corps into overdrive.”

The nickname “No-Drama” Obama speaks to the president-elect’s sensible and diplomatic demeanor, an attitude that endeared him to the country and the world.  And his cabinet picks have already demonstrated an excellent show of leadership, for Obama realizes that he needs to surround himself with people who complement his strengths, not duplicate them.  Obama is ice and his advisers are fire, and together they will implement a perfect system of checks and balances.  If anyone was worried that Obama’s mild-manneredness wouldn’t stand up to the very serious crises this nation is facing, the new administration will assuage these concerns. 

Those of you who are managers should heed this lesson.  Choosing subordinates who are carbon copies of you does not a strong department make.  If you really want your group to be successful, sit down and think hard about your own style, and the areas where you’re not quite as strong or need improvement.  For example, if you tend to focus on the big picture and neglect some of the steps along the way, look for a candidate who is obsessively detail-oriented.   While it’s natural to gravitate to people who are similar to you, you’ll be a better leader in the long-run if you resist the temptation.