I have lived through elections. I have moderated elections. I am almost electioned out.
Whether international, national, provincial or local – the theatrical stage of elections is played out in glorious colours. No wonder political parties choose blue, red, orange, green – and a rainbow of other colors.
My greatest joy is the after-election party. The one that goes on until the next election occurs.
What does that post-election party look like? Are there any tips (and no pun intended towards celebratory toasts following the election) that newly elected representatives should consider?
You talked lots before.
Don’t forget to talk lots afterwards.
Not just talking to, but talking with others. A message sent is not necessarily a message received. Feel free to ask people what they just heard you say, and feel free
to repeat back to them what you thought they just said. Don’t just invite feedback, learn where the back door is to people’s houses – the front door is fine for electioneering, the back door is where friends are invited in.
What bugged you before is now yours.
Figure the bug out. While on the election trail, you have seen the head of the beast. Now you get to examine the whole beast – with lots of instruction manuals, counselors, and bosses who helped create the beast. Sometimes the beast can become the beauty. Other times a thorough dissection is needed. Trust those who have been serving as the caretakers of the beast. They can tell you how the beast became the bug you disdained – they might even be able to reveal the butterfly behind the caterpillar.
You are now driving the bus.
Chart a path for wholeness, not just the white line at the edge of the highway. One issue does not a true leader make. All ages will be wanting to beat a path to your door. Skate parks or walking parks or car parks or handicap parking or just parking on an issue – you are now the keeper of the parks!!
Expect to disappoint people.
You will. The important part is not to shame people. To disagree or to chart a path contrary to another person’s wishes is not to dishonor them. To curse them and their ideas is to step beyond civility, reasonableness and love for your neighbour – who is now your responsibility as an elected official.
Wake up in the morning – sleep well at night.
A good elected official has both vision and conscience. There is a reason you get out of bed in the morning – you are a public servant. What you see as the good for the citizenry guides your eyes, ears and mouth. And sometimes, your nose comes into play – when something stinks don’t wallow in the manure. Sleep well at night knowing that the action of politics – the compromise of promise – has not dragged you into the compromise of principle.
May you have a life of service, crowned with a legacy of good performed on behalf of your electorate.
