How to choose a politician
Every four years, I – like many other people – face the same issue: a ballot filled with unknown or uninspiring names of candidates for elections. It doesn’t matter whether it’s the local dog catcher or the president of the nation, being able to vote is a sacred rite and a precious civil right. It’s important to take it seriously. But how do I choose who to vote for so that I am not just checking off boxes based on the spelling or position of their name? More importantly, how do I vote for politicians so that I don’t end up being disappointed four years later?
#1 Do your homework
In this digitally connected world, where unlimited information is available at our finger tips, there is no excuse for not taking the time to research the candidates. Beyond the usually curated information available on the candidate’s website, a simple search on Google, Facebook or LinkedIn, etc. can unearth a plethora of information about the candidates’ experience, background and outlook. And if the candidate doesn’t have any social media presence or even a basic website, that should tell you something, i.e. they didn’t do their homework…
#2 Ignore the issues
Talk is cheap in politics. That’s why there is so much of it coming out of the mouths of politicians. The most valuable words are those that prompt voters to action. Politicians – and the media – can create all kinds of issues that drive voters to the polls and newspaper stands. But the fact is that the world is constantly in flux. Conditions change, and new, unanticipated issues may arise the day after the election. Similarly, the hot button, seemingly urgent issues of hidden emails, open romantic affairs or potential foreign threats often vanish from the media radar the day after polls close .
#3 Plans are meant to be broken
Just as the changing conditions in the world affect issues of the day, these changing conditions also change any plans a politician may have. A politician can present a highly detailed plan that might actually solve the issue only to find that political or economic circumstances require a change in plan. And that is if we are lucky. The last thing you want is a leader who isn’t able to change their plans or adjust their approach. Look for a politician who understands the art of negotiating and compromise. Politics is called the art of compromise, and a good politician knows how and when to do so.
#4 Decision-making is decisive
Politics is also sometimes called the art of the possible. But they key job of a leader is to understand what options are possible and to chose one. Decision-making never happens in a vacuum. The best option one day may be the worse option the next day. It takes incredible skill to make decisions on the fly as circumstances change. Look for a politician who can keep cool in a crisis but doesn’t dither when a decision needs to be made. Decision-making is easy to make when you aren’t the one making the decision.
#5 Accepting ambiguity is an asset
Sometimes the answers are not clear. Being able to patiently wait until you have more information to make a decision is critical. People prefer simple answers to complex questions, although those answers are usually wrong. A true leader understands the value of ambiguity and the strength of the complexity of an issue. Look for a politician who is curious by nature and open to learning. Few issues in this world have easy answers, and a wise leader understands that solutions often come slowly over time.
#6 See the big picture
Leaders lead everybody. Not just their own followers. It’s important to pick a person who can see the concerns of all of the constituents. They may not necessarily agree on the severity or solution to the problem, but it is important that they hear and understand the concerns of everyone. A good leader is playing a long game on a large playing field that includes all kinds of players. They understand that they cannot be all things to all people, but they can put the interests of the nation or group as a whole above their own personal interests. That their efforts are just one part in the march of history.
#7 Heavy doesn’t weigh the crown
Politicians are known for having big egos. It takes a lot to put yourself out there at the mercy of the general public. Losing can be brutal and crush a person’s spirit. Winning is is intoxicating. But just as much as we want the losing party to walk away graciously…we also want the winner to accept humbly. The job of leadership involves ego management. In addition to managing the other egos around the table, managing their own egos is the most important thing of all. Look for someone with the ability to laugh at themselves. These people are not magicians. They are fellow humans after all. They could be you…
