Michelle Obama Clarifies 'Go High' Motto, Likens Leadership to a Gun
Former First Lady Michelle Obama has clarified the meaning of her well-known motto, "When they go low, we go high," stating it is about being "outcome determinative" rather than suppressing emotions. She likened leadership and having a public platform to a gun, stressing the importance of learning to use it responsibly and engaging the safety lock. This approach, she explained, helps leaders think before acting, manage their expressions, and avoid public outbursts.
Former First Lady Michelle Obama has provided a clarification regarding her prominent motto, "When they go low, we go high," nearly a decade after its introduction at the 2016 Democratic National Convention. While initially a guiding principle for her family to respond to negativity with dignity, Obama now specifies that the phrase is centered on being "outcome determinative," not on suppressing feelings like anger or pain.
Speaking on the Call Her Daddy podcast, Obama underscored the necessity of thoughtful action, particularly in an era characterized by rapid reactions and public displays of emotion. She drew an analogy between leadership and possessing a public platform, likening it to a gun. She advised individuals to "learn how to use it, put the safety lock on," highlighting that such influence can lead to significant damage or substantial positive contributions.
Obama elaborated that this philosophy does not imply leaders should disregard their emotions. Instead, she suggested that leaders should consider their ultimate objectives and allow these goals to guide their communication. This practice aims to help leaders avoid public "tantrums" and project a more composed and coherent image. The former First Lady reportedly applies this principle in her professional endeavors, including Higher Ground Productions, and within her personal life, advocating for a pause to assess frustrations before expressing them.
Her perspective resonates with contemporary executive leadership paradigms that prioritize emotional regulation—rather than suppression—as a key driver for performance and trust. This concept aligns with emotional intelligence, which psychologist Daniel Goleman popularized as fundamental for effective leadership under pressure.
According to Fortune, Obama's insights are consistent with views held by business leaders who regard emotional control as an essential leadership responsibility. Simon Sinek, known for his "Golden Circle" theory, has cautioned against leaders displaying arrogance, advocating for composure instead. Similarly, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has reportedly focused on transforming his company's culture towards adaptability and less defensiveness.
