Whether or not you agree with recent efforts to overhaul health care in the US, the process undertaken by both sides in the debate offers some guidance on the role of leadership in the political process – and possible lessons to consider for make-or-break initiatives in your own organization.

In the epic political battle over health care, the New York Times offers a glimpse at the level of maneuvering that took place to achieve President Obama’s agenda:

“The Democratic effort to secure the 216 votes needed for passage of the legislation came together only after last-minute negotiations involving the White House, the House leadership and a group of Democratic opponents of abortion rights…”

National politics or corporate politics, Nyman Group offers its perspective on the seven things leaders can do to gather the support of the rank and file, especially in behind-the-scenes negotiations:

1. Look for opportunities to identify common ground -- and put a special focus on pointing out mutual interests. 
2. Understand the underlying needs of the other side; what are the “surface” needs and how do they relate to the less obvious needs of the opposing faction?
3. Use questions in the negotiation process in order to understand the concerns.
4. Balance emotion with a reasoned approach; it’s OK to be passionate but it’s counter-productive to be emotional.

5. Anticipate the questions; be prepared for issues like to come up in discussions.
6. “Read the tea leaves” by watching your counterparts’ body language and tone of voice – it can speak volumes about motives and agendas.
7. Re-phrase or paraphrase to show active listening throughout the discussion; this turns listening from a spectator sport into a productive tool for negotiations.

The glass ceiling appears to have a few more cracks in it, especially in the world of foreign affairs. A recent article in The Washington Post (Jan. 11, 2010) focused on the growing number of females in the highest ranks of global diplomacy — from Latin America’s only female ambassador (Colombia’s Carolina Barco) to Oman’s ambassador to the US (Hunaina Sultan Al-Mughairy), who is the first woman from a Muslim nation to serve this function.

Although women in diplomatic circles are still a minority group, the newspaper points out that there are now 25 female ambassadors in Washington, the highest number ever, citing the high level of visibility of leadership role models such as Hillary Clinton. Because of Clinton’s role in women’s rights issues internationally, other nations are finding it easier (and possibly wiser) to appoint more women to diplomatic roles in their dealings with Washington.

The role of women is changing in circles outside Washington as well. Nyman Group’s piece on coaching for women in traditionally conservative law firms may be of interest to you.