As the historical dust settles on his presidency, one wonders what Bill Clinton's next move will be. Once you put "Leader of the Free World" at the head of your resume, anything else is bound to be a comedown. Perhaps his young age and considerable energy indicate that he will not be forever warehoused as some baby-boomer icon. His future may be bright--and his future choices may help the rest of us find our way, too.
The Crystal Ball Clinton has rarely discussed his future plans in public, and he won't make any official decisions until he leaves office. He wants to focus on the establishment of his presidential library, try his hand on the speaking circuit, and write a couple of books. This path is neither creative nor controversial; there are presidential precedents for all of the above. He will be a Senate spouse, of course, but nobody expects him to settle for the luncheons, teas, and other ceremonial duties that supportive mates traditionally undertake.
If Vice President Gore won the Oval Office, Clinton may have been offered a prestigious post at the United Nations. Under George W. Bush, however, no such offer is expected. Without the presidential mantle, Clinton would have less negotiating clout in international affairs. Any of his efforts on behalf of the UN are likely to be ad hoc. Yet his experience, stature, and political savvy could prove useful--plus, he has already established personal relations with a number of world leaders.
His Top Advisor Speaks What if Bill Clinton asked me for advice? Stranger things have happened, but not many. I would suggest he take time to review his skills and think about new ways to apply them. He's an adroit and charismatic communicator, policymaker, persuader, negotiator, and leader--possessive of empathy, intellectual capital, and historical perspective. While some of his career options are obvious, I would encourage him to use his unique vantage point, fame quotient, and considerable skill base to do something exciting and different.
His family, to be sure, could use a major breadwinner. He all but relinquished this role to the First Lady during his public policy career. Now the tables have turned, and it may be time to make some serious money and dive into the private sector. Clinton may well take a seat on a number of corporate boards, perhaps in the entertainment and new media industry. These positions offer valuable stock options and don't require much time on the job. Many ex-politicians find their fortunes via this route.
Clinton might want to establish a "think tank" or public policy research organization that reflects his policy priorities, causes, and ideological viewpoints. This would give him an institutional platform to expound upon on a wide range of issues--without seeming like an ex-President who second-guesses his successor. It would also be an apt venue from which to enter the lucrative lecture circuit and publish books on his pet topics.
Could he be lured by the bright lights of showbiz? Picture Bill Clinton as a broadcast or cable news commentator; perhaps even a talk show host. He loves to play golf, but the pro circuit is not a feasible career option. How about an honorary leadership position with a charitable organization, one that allows him to raise money and play lots of golf. Or he might become a terrific motivational speaker, much like his friend Tony Robbins. Who knows?
Preparing a Presidential Dossier Whatever his new path, President Clinton needs to update his resume. The biographical sketch on the White House web site needs a bit of work. It's entirely too precious and those family and kiddie photos have to go. I think he should develop a version for each of the different career goals that he has in mind, tailor the content to each function, highlight any relevant skills and achievements, and demonstrate how his current abilities apply to a future job.
We know he can handle difficult interviews. Clinton is one of the most gracious and tenacious interviewees of our time, and he has definitely faced a few tough questions. He is especially good at acknowledging strengths and weaknesses--hard lessons and human frailties have led him to genuine self-improvement.
Rules for the Rest of Us There are abundant lessons to be drawn from the Clinton era about career management and transition. We could all learn a few things from Bill and Hillary about overcoming career setbacks, forging dramatic image changes, and maintaining a sense of integrity. A career is what you do, not what you are. If you believe in yourself, stay tough and confident in the face of difficulty, and focus on a cherished goal, you will emerge from the career abyss.
There are second acts in American lives, despite what Scott Fitzgerald said. Whether you're a CEO or small business entrepreneur, new jobseeker or involuntary retiree, career mishaps and challenges shouldn't be more than a bump in the road. With the right approach and sustained effort, you can repackage your skills and experience and find an interested employer.
