A career in politics and government is a fascinating one. Early in my career, I held several different jobs, all for the same legislative caucus. My parents, who didn’t have a background in politics, began to wonder if I could hold a job. I reassured them with the analogy that I’m in the same arena, just taking a different seat.
The analogy held strong over the decades as I moved to other caucuses, levels, and branches of government. In addition to the positions outside of government, including campaigns and government affairs consulting.
My now forty-year career never had a ‘master plan’ and there were many zigs and zags. One notable detour was going to law school to become a lawyer, while continuing to work full-time.
Throughout my long career and the many different roles I’ve held, three dominant lessons have risen to the top:
- Work hard, all the time. Your work ethic is always on display, whether you realize it or not.
As a teenager, my parents taught me to work hard today, and the tomorrows will take care of themselves. Sometimes I doubted myself for not thinking and acting ahead for my self-interest while holding a job. But over my career, following my parents’ advice has turned up more opportunities than I ever could have imagined.
- Treat people well.
Politics is a small world, and you will inevitably cross paths with people time and again. During the first campaign I managed, the opposing manager and I personally got along. Professionally, we possessed the singular mission of defeating each other’s candidate. Later, we were both legislative staffers, and our good relationship continued there and for years to come. Treating people well is not only the right thing to do, but also a smart long game to play for your career.
- Learning never stops if you’re open to it.
The topics in government and politics are endless. Your seat in the arena gives you a license to pursue information; be sure to seek out new information. Ask questions. Pick up the phone. Email someone who has expertise. Read a book on the subject. Don’t rely only on the information that gets deposited on your doorstep.
The nature of the body politic has changed dramatically since I entered its employment arena forty years ago. Some days, I feel that we’ve gone from an American sporting arena back to the days of the Roman Coliseum. Regardless, the lessons above have stood the test of time, and I believe they will continue to do so.
