Next post in the series… What my Sorority taught me about: [FILL IN THE BLANK]”
Today, Politics.
Through various collegiate and professional experiences, I have become more and more exposed to (and interested in) politics. Attending college during the 2004 Presidential election (also being the first where I could vote) opened my eyes to the conflicts that arise when political lines are drawn in the sand (or snow). However, I also learned A LOT about politics within the walls of my sorority, and while serving as President of the Panhellenic Council. Note: if you’re not Greek, that means nothing to you. Translation: I was President of the group that governs all sororities on campus.
- Image is EVERYTHING. A concept that was hard for some to understand, but an important one. When you are out in the community, you are always representing your organization. Whether you like it or not, people will associate you with the group to which you belong or the company that employs you.
- Uninformed voters hold the power. Unfortunately, there are significant numbers of individuals who vote on issues about which they are not knowledgeable. Whether this is during a sorority or Presidential election, these uninformed masses are more difficult to reach and influence, and impossible to predict.
- Stay on message. Deviating from key points, in any conflict, leaves room for misinterpretation and firestorms that you are not prepared to deal with. Trying to pass a new bill or get elected to a new position depends entirely on well-crafted messages.
- Don’t take it personal. In business, and in politics, this is a concept that I still struggle with on a daily basis. Whenever you have an opinion, people are going to disagree with it – no matter what. However, to save your sanity (and friendships) personal feelings need to be taken out of the equation. Disagreements and criticisms are (hopefully) based on the issue at hand, and not your personal qualities. As I said, I still have a hard time separating from my work and opinions, but I am working on it.
What would you add? What have you learned about politics throughout your life experiences?
