The most remarkable lines in Barak Obama's inauguration speech were those addressed to Islamic nations: 'We seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect' and, he went on, 'we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.'

The words were conciliatory, the imagery powerful and the approach a complete contrast to his predecessor.

Last year during the election campaign my colleague Polly Howard De La Mare and I carried out a psychological analysis of the then presidential candidate and those few lines demonstrated many of his strengths: clear vision, the ability to see the others' perspective and values driven. These are qualities that he shares with his role model, Abraham Lincoln, arguably the greatest American president. Some may think that by asking us to compare him with the Civil War leader is hugely arrogant. However it also shows a real sense of how he wants his presidency to be conducted and possibly how he wants to be remembered. It gives him a standard to measure himself against and, being self critical, clarity about where he needs to improve.

Our analysis also showed that under pressure he can be judgmental, slow to make decisions and has a tendency to withdraw. There have been times, particularly in the first few months, where these traits have been revealed and he could learn much from Lincoln in this regard who showed a remarkably openness of sprit when confronted with criticism.

Lincoln famously worked to create a cabinet which contained many principle rivals. An analysis we carried out of Obama's Cabinet and his closest advisors shows that whilst they may differ in their political views, their personality profiles are very similar. They appear to be calm, rational, even tempered. The most notable exceptions to this are Rahm Emmuanuel, the White House Chief of Staff and Joe Biden, the Vice President. Both men operate at a more emotional level than the others and as a result could provide the degree of tension and constructive conflict that is necessary, although at the time it may appear extremely unhelpful, for any time to become truly high performing. The big question remains over this team and consequently for the President himself, can they deliver what they have promised?