The National Election hype has been raging for a while and soon it will be decision time. My brother is well qualified to discuss national politics because of his 33 years of teaching High School AP Government Classes. My only brush with politics has been in the Corporate World. When it comes to corporations, the word politics has a negative connotation. It suggests that something has not been handled fairly behind closed doors. It creates a perceived environment that there is not a level playing field for everyone. It is used as a personal excuse as to why someone did not get promoted, why we can't get a motion passed, or the purchase of needed equipment. One source defined Politics as: The use of Intrigue or Strategy in obtaining any position of power or control. Intrigue: to arouse curiosity or interest of by unusual, new, or otherwise fascinating or compelling qualities. Strategy is good, right? I applaud those that use a strategy to reach a goal. Unusual is generally tied to being creative, which should be admired. Power and control can be positive in the right context. So, if loosely translated, when someone gains a position of power through unusual methods, are they seen as creative or crooked? I believe it all goes back to their intent. How the strategy was used, the reputation of the decision maker, and who benefitted from the decision. Sometimes, if we explain the rationale used, and people trust the source, the decision is accepted. Clarity of the how (process used) builds trust in the result. The challenge is that if we do not know these things we will make up our own answers based on our perception of the situation. The less clarity we get, the more we suspect the process is fixed. To keep "politics" out of our decisions as leaders: use clearly defined objectives, a process that is transparent, and be consistent. One time, I was up for a new internal position that was perfect based on my experiences. I was sure I had the position. When they called me and said I was not going to get it, I was livid. Once I found out who they awarded the position to, I agreed with the decision. They were just as qualified as I and their current role was being eliminated. I was embarrassed that I got so blinded by my own perception, that I could not see a better option. Now, before I make a decision (given the time), I will set it down so I can be sure I have looked at it from many angles, before committing. I will also use that process on November 3rd in order to feel good about my choice.
Rein Kansman
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