OBAMA LEADERSHIP...NOT

May 30, 1979 the worst airline disaster in U.S. history occurred in Chicago when an American Airlines DC10 crashed on takeoff. Over 250 died on the plane and on the ground. I was still working in New York, a mid level manager for American and witnessed first hand what real leadership looks like.
Bob Crandall, the then President of American, demonstrated what leadership is all about... taking charge, laying out plans, being visible and demanding results.
He was faced with 2 issues. One, the crash and its aftermath and the other being American's biggest competitor announcing a unique marketing initiative that could result in a long lasting competitive disadvantage if not acted on.
The day of the crash, he immediately summoned his top brass and appointed one of them to be on point for the crash, the other to answer the competitive challenge. They each determined the management resources needed and went to work. Crandall was given daily briefings on both issues and communicated the status to everyone. He did it often and was most visible. Everyone knew what was happening and that we were doing all that we could.
So how does this relate to the oil spill and Obama's handling of the matter? Well, unlike Crandall, Obama has had no executive experience at all. From community organizer to professor, to state senator to senator in DC, he has never had the executive opportunity to lead. So when faced with this oil crisis, he can't seem to walk and chew gum at the same time.
What would Crandall do or for that matter any qualified executive?
First, divide the crisis into 2 parts; plug the hole and protect the beaches.
He can't solve the former as the government is ill equipped having no technology and little experience in such a venture. BP is obviously in charge and more than anyone, wants this leak plugged. Keep the pressure on BP, demand updates and have the VP or some other top executive give daily briefings on the progress.
Where he can have an impact is by marshaling all the resources and manpower of the federal government to relentlessly attack the oil in the gulf and on the beaches. Do this very visibly and communicate daily. This is where he has failed miserably and even his democratic allies have said so. Obama needs to take a cue from Bobby Jindal, the Governor of LA, who is on the front lines everyday, taking charge, orchestrating activities and demanding results.
So why is Obama not doing this.. simple, he doesn't know how to lead nor has he anyone around him who does.