There is an almost palpable feeling this evening, as so many friends and colleagues of mine join in anticipation of tomorrow's inauguration of Barack Obama as the President of The United States.

I urge you to find a way of watching his speech tomorrow, not only to hear the good news (hopefully) of the closure of the Gauntanamo Bay prison camp, and the end of torture as means of gaining information in US facilities. His speech will be an important lesson for those of us who need to inspire people in difficult times.

I anticipate a speech about vision, about mission, values, and a deeper purpose. I also expect a speech that describes the current reality, and then proposes a new possible reality, a dream for Americans to live and work towards. It is vital for the American people that this speech provide hope and possibility, especially after so much fear and sadness.

I also urge us all to then pay attention to this new president's next steps, his first hundred days, as the small victories he can earn will be extremely important. Leadership is not just being able to communicate, although that it is important, it is about implementation, getting things done.

Watch this man work, and consider what you might learn from him for your own leadership skills. And keep him in your thoughts and prayers as he embarks on a journey that will impact us all.