Five words that guide my vote
The qualities that tell you who I am voting for without telling you who I am voting for
Having spent four decades in the rapidly evolving tech of corporate America, I witnessed firsthand how corporate culture thrives or falters based on leadership that excels or falters.
I'm fortunate to have worked for companies prioritizing employee development to grow my skills. StrengthsFinder was an influential training program with a personalized assessment of my five most prominent strengths. Focusing on and developing these strengths, I was happier, more successful, and grew personally.
The lessons I learned from StrengthsFinder have proven invaluable beyond the corporate world. My ability to assess the strengths of others is a direct result of my strengths of strategic thinking, organization, relationship building, communication, and the desire to learn.
When assessing a political candidate, I closely examine their words and actions that hint at their prominent strengths. While it's not the only factor, I see these qualities as essential for effective leadership. The five words I prioritize in my voting are:
Integrity
Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost. - John Quincy Adams
A valuable life lesson I learned is the importance of choosing friends carefully, as they significantly shape my character. When surrounded by people with integrity, we find ourselves among individuals who are true to their word, trustworthy, and committed to personal excellence.
Morality is a cornerstone of integrity. A person of integrity lives a life that not only strengthens and supports themselves but also uplifts the lives of others. Their actions and words inspire confidence in their character and motivate others to emulate their integrity.
Vision
A politician thinks of the next election. A statesman, of the next generation. - James Freeman Clarke
A fundamental responsibility of a leader is to establish a clear vision, effectively communicate it, and use it to guide their leadership. This vision should encompass the current position and how they see the future.
A visionary leader is a strategic thinker who tackles immediate challenges and anticipates the long-term implications of their actions. By understanding and aligning current needs with the overall vision, they make informed decisions moving forward to a better place.
Communication
People will forget what you said, they will forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel. - Maya Angelou
Effective leaders possess exceptional communication skills, and listening is a crucial piece of that. How you convey your message significantly impacts the respect you earn. Active listening demonstrates that your audience's voices are valued and heard.
People remember how you make them feel. Human nature is often judgmental. Effective leaders use words that uplift and inspire, not demean. This approach is essential for building and maintaining strong relationships, which are the foundation of successful leadership.
Empathy
Voting is the expression of our commitment to ourselves, one another, this country and this world." - Sharon Salzberg
Empathy involves stepping into another person's shoes and feeling their emotions as your own. A compassionate leader understands that people yearn for connection and seek to be understood on a personal level.
Empathy is about listening actively and responding in a way that fosters trust, helps address problems, and provides support. This is a challenging task, even for the most experienced leaders. They must find a compassionate approach that resonates and connects with a broader audience.
Decisiveness
The best leaders are the ones who know they don't have all the answers, but they know how to find them. - Unknown
Leaders are constantly faced with decisions, ranging from straightforward to complex and multifaceted. Making the best decisions often requires evaluating one's knowledge and experience, understanding personal limitations, and seeking input from others.
A decisive leader recognizes the value of collective wisdom. By consulting experts on a given issue, they tap into the power of multiple minds to arrive at the best solution. This demonstrates a willingness to relinquish some control to achieve the optimal outcome.
Empowerment… why you should vote
In a democracy, the people are the government. – Unknown
Your vote holds immense power. I shared five words that capture the qualities I seek in a candidate. You may value those qualities or possess different ones. Either way, your vote is your chance to use your values to shape how you’ll be governed.
Unfortunately, our nation is often viewed as a sea divided into red, blue, and purple waves. This may empower you if your political views align with where you live. However, if they don't, it can be disheartening. Regardless of this alignment, your vote is essential.
Democracy is fragile. History shows that democracies crumble when people use the freedoms of democracy to weaken it. Remember, we are the government, and our elected officials are its managers.
Do your homework—dig into candidates’ stances on tough issues considering their temperament, leadership style, and vision for a better world. Informed decisions are crucial in safeguarding, strengthening, and ensuring our freedoms and the longevity of our democracy.