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”
Tag Archives: Leadership
Use These 3 Habits to Thrive Through the 2024 Presidential Election Cycle
It’s here. You’ve known it’s been coming. But it’s really here. In just over a month, American politics ramps up for its most watched contest. And on January 15, the people of Iowa will kick us off with the first-in-the-nation Republican caucus. The very next week, New Hampshire will take center stage, and we’re offContinue reading “Use These 3 Habits to Thrive Through the 2024 Presidential Election Cycle”
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.
Last Week in Washington
But if you want to really stand out as one of those volunteer advocates, and build your own credibility, you have to remember that you are in charge of the agenda.
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”
Part of the Possible 