Last week, I shared the three traits that really matter most if you’re going to have staying power and be effective in American politics: compassion, credibility, and consistency. Those three qualities, balanced between each other will help you stand out from the masses when you’re trying to be heard. They’ll increase your access, and keepContinue reading “In Advocacy, Consistency Makes You Bold”
Category Archives: Leadership
3 Things You DON’T Have to Do to Make An Impact In Politics, 2024 Edition
It was early 2016. I was working for a member of Congress, and all the visitors to our office that day wanted to talk about was a political candidate they didn’t like. A candidate who wasn’t my boss. They were passionate, concerned people who wanted to be heard. But in the midst of their opportunityContinue reading “3 Things You DON’T Have to Do to Make An Impact In Politics, 2024 Edition”
Volume Does Not Equal Value
“We have to get in front of them again.” “We need more people in this meeting.” “They really need to hear this from a lot of people.” “Say it louder.” These are a few of my least favorite lines to hear from advocacy organizations. Even though they’re not always wrong. There are absolutely times inContinue reading “Volume Does Not Equal Value”
Can You Find a Way to “Like” Your Opposition?
Politicians don’t need us to like them to win re-election. They simply need fewer people to like their opponent. But campaign politics is fundamentally different from governance politics. In governance politics, winners have to find ways to bring people together in even the narrowest alliances.
How Many Times Do I Have To Say This?!?!?
A few months back I was in DC for some hill visits with new-ish advocates. And they were tired. Dog tired. Going to DC is no joke. It takes a toll on you. Like any business travel, it throws off your system. Your sleep, your diet, your energy – it’s all off. But when you’reContinue reading “How Many Times Do I Have To Say This?!?!?”
The Most Concerning Talking Point You’ll Hear from Congress Right Now
Three separate meetings. Three very different members of congress. From both major parties. One message: you should expect a shutdown this fall. That’s the most concerning talking point I’m hearing consistently out of DC. Just a couple of weeks after they will return from the August recess period, Congress will face yet another fiscal cliff.Continue reading “The Most Concerning Talking Point You’ll Hear from Congress Right Now”
Balancing Urgency and Resolve; A Quick Mantra for Advocates
I’m writing this short piece as I sit on a flight after a productive week in our nation’s capital. Over the course of five long days…
Moments in Leadership: Nimitz and the Flight to Nowhere
Sometimes, we should remember that our whole story isn’t written in one failure.
Why I Threw Away Talking Points in Advocacy
When I went on active duty, the conflict in Iraq had reached its high point. The dominant tactic from enemy forces on the ground had shifted, employing a devastating tactic: improvised explosive devices. Accordingly, our training was geared toward preparing us to think about the battle space in a different way – a way thatContinue reading “Why I Threw Away Talking Points in Advocacy”
The One Where We Talk Mental Health
There’s been one big addition to my work routine over the last several months that I haven’t really shared here. It’s not a project I own – I’m just a contributor. But it’s been a fun growth experience along the way. It’s challenged our team and helped us stretch. It’s also helping show our teamContinue reading “The One Where We Talk Mental Health”
Part of the Possible 