At this point, I can’t keep track of how many of these “morning briefings” I’ve attended. Where DC-based political operatives “prepare” out-of-town advocates to go storm Capitol Hill. And they almost all follow the same script…
Category Archives: Leadership
‘I Can Do More Here.”
DC is a tough town. It’s a transactional town. Yes you can accomplish something of significance there. But does that significance align with the purpose you want to serve in life?
The Do’s and Dont’s to Survive Political Division and Help Your Cause Succeed
As I’ve chatted with advocates and volunteers since the most recent US election, one thing is clear: no one really knows what to expect in 2023. Many Americans are looking around and scratching their heads. Even those who were pleasantly surprised by the outcome are coming to the realization that we dialed up two moreContinue reading “The Do’s and Dont’s to Survive Political Division and Help Your Cause Succeed”
Need a boost for your sense of optimism? Start here
“I want to know how you can be so optimistic.” I don’t know why, but this has become a common thread in my conversations lately. As I’ve been briefing advocates on the current political landscape, and helping friends make sense of the recent election, a thought like this almost always creeps into the conversation. UntilContinue reading “Need a boost for your sense of optimism? Start here”
Keeping Your Head on Election Day
But Election Day isn’t a finish line – it’s a starting block. It’s the anticipation of the starting gun for a foot race. It’s getting into position to act. Successful advocates distinguish themselves by realizing that, and visualizing how they’ll react when the starting gun fires.
Become a Better Advocate: Have Hard Conversations
“How do we get our leaders to stop fighting and start working?” I cannot begin to tell you how many times I’ve been asked that question. Even working for centrist members of Congress, that sentiment came up nearly every week I was on the job. For almost a decade. I can tell you since IContinue reading “Become a Better Advocate: Have Hard Conversations”
Moments of Leadership from the Marines – Respect and Expect; Two Sides of the Same Coin
His lack of pride in the moment helped me feel a little more pride in myself.
“Do You Really Believe this Sh!t?”
The easiest people in the world to dismiss are those who don’t show up.
With All Due Respect, That’s Chicken Sh*t
There are a lot of great stories about former Speaker of the House, John Boehner. And as a fellow Ohioan, I’m contractually obligated to share great stories about Ohioans. With recent events in the Buckeye state, I felt there was no better time than the present to share. A number of years ago, I wasContinue reading “With All Due Respect, That’s Chicken Sh*t”
Falling Out of Love With Your Plan
I internalized the importance of keeping our plans grounded in the reality that our environment – and the challenges we’re trying to conquer – are constantly evolving.
That evolution holds no regard for our egos.
Part of the Possible 