It’s no secret that I’m a personal and professional development junkie. I enjoy digesting the thoughts of those who’ve come up with ways to maximize their effectiveness, and reach the top tiers of their fields. It’s why I can’t get enough of Simon Sinek, Adam Grant and so many more.
Just the other day, while holding my newborn son while he slept off a milk-induced coma, I dove back into the work of John C. Maxwell – author of so many well known tracts focused on developing leaders. As I was working through Leading in Tough Times, a particular quote struck a chord…
The Need For Meaningful Coalitions
There’s no secret behind the success of federal infrastructure legislation over the last several years. Despite a longer than desired process, comprehensive legislation addressing infrastructure spending made major progress under both the Trump and Biden Administrations, and in the midst of congressional gridlock. How’d it happen?
Infrastructure crosses boundaries – both physical and metaphorical.
The breadth of our economy means the physical infrastructure that brings it all together affects individuals and special interest groups from incredibly diverse backgrounds. Our inland waterway system alone services the needs of manufacturing, defense, and agriculture while creating union jobs, promoting international trade and carrying rockets to launch facilities. A little something for everyone!
All of those cross-industry connections mean that infrastructure can generate a massive coalition force.
Building Coalitions that Matter
But it’s not enough that lots of different types of folks care about the same issue. No, they have to build the metaphorical bridges that will allow them to work together when it matters. They have to create trust.
That’s because, notably, coalitions working toward a broad cause like infrastructure spending often times include special interest groups that frequently stand on opposite sides of other issues. So how do they do it?
It requires a recognition that members of the coalition can complement each other’s efforts. By acknowledging the value of their differing influences and relationships, these emerging partnerships begin by recognizing the best qualities of “the other side.” Concurrently, they willfully set aside other fractious issues. In short, they value each other by their best moments, and for a time, ignore the rest.
You Win With People
And that’s the real secret sauce of coalitions. By choosing to set aside the issues of frequent disagreement, aligning your shared interests, and telling your stories to a broader audience you multiply your opportunities for success. You win with, and because of, the people.
Doesn’t your agenda deserve the same level of commitment? If you think so, how are you actively working to bring others into your tent? Who are the traditional opposition leaders who need to be brought to your table?
I’d challenge you to think on these questions. Who can you list right now and know – despite your other disagreements – could work to address a shared concern? Check your biases, and begin by valuing them by their best moments. The good work can follow from there.
Part of the Possible 