Walter vs. Mike

Walter Cronkite was one of the greatest broadcasters of all time. He was authentic and trusted and believed, and he had a huge amount of influence.

Mike Bloomberg is the Mayor of New York. His job is not to be a public speaker or even to spread his ideas. His job is to make New York work--to get people to come, to visit, to start businesses, to go to school. To make the city appealing and functional.

Standing on a corner in New York today, it occured to me that many businesses and most big brands are stuck on being Walter. In fact, I think they need to be Mike. Starbucks works when it's like a functioning city. So do consulting firms, talent agencies, factories and supermarkets.

It's hard to be a mayor. You don't get to be in charge, really. You can help set the table, and then get out of the way and let the village/city function the best you can.