On Friday US President, Barack Obama was awarded the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize. For those who champion his brand, and his promise of hope and change, this recognition can be viewed as a reward for his on-brand behavior. For those who do not connect with the Obama brand and those who are uncertain about his international strategy, especially in Iraq and Afghanistan, they are left scratching their head about why he received this award so early in his presidency.
In my view, the reward of Nobel Peace Prize winner reiterates that the US President continues to hold a strong international brand. It is difficult to argue that Obama has not attempted to reach out to the rest of the world and demonstrate the US interest in once again being a part of the world community. I believe that is why he was recognized with this most prestigious award. The awarding could also be the awarders demonstration that they want the US to play a significant role in this regard and that the award is incentive to continue to be active.
The other day I had the privilege of meeting a company President who was discussing her organization's brand. She pointed out the importance of separating her personal brand from the organization's. It will be interesting to see how successful President Obama is in doing so in the future. Right now it appears that his brand and the US brand are one in the same on the international stage. Should they be? Will the reward of the Nobel Peace Prize enable Obama to recruit and retain his brand champions, and those of the US?
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