Thoughts onPurpose:
Intentional Leadership - "Vote Early ...and Often"
By Tom Lane
One week after final election results, the presidential campaign is yesterday's news. With the drama subsiding, it is easy to forget that for almost two years we followed the news, watched debates, read campaign platforms, and finally got the chance to stand in line and cast our ballot.
Each of us who voted did so with the intention of creating a desired future. We chose the candidate we believed was more likely to make that future come true, and acted accordingly - in record numbers.
While the high level of engagement and high voter turnout is great news for our democracy, it has also created some fall-out. If your candidate prevailed, it was likely a jubilant and triumphant event. But if your candidate did not win, the incredible effort, hope and engagement can leave a wake of resentment.
Regardless of which group we belong to, the question we all have to grapple with is: "What now?"
Consider this: what if the decisions we make in the wake of this election are even more significant and profound than our choice in the voting booth? What if we woke up every morning, thought about our desired future, and asked ourselves, "What action do I take today to get there from here?"
We can start today. For example, if the candidate you voted for was victorious, how will you respond? Will you reach out to those who chose differently than you? Will you attempt to understand their point of view and find common ground? Will you invite and encourage others to join a bigger conversation of purpose?
Or, will you celebrate in a way that diminishes the losing side? Will you exercise your newfound power for the good of all - or just those who voted the way you did? Will you find more reasons to be right, or to do what's right for the greatest good?
If the candidate you favored does not prevail, how will you respond? Will you congratulate the victors and offer them your support? Will you seek out reconciliation and unity? Will you attempt to see how your vision might be accomplished with their leadership?
Or, will you lament with others who share your pain and plot your electoral revenge? Will you spend your time writing angry letters to the editor, or place defiant bumper stickers on your car?
Someone has to blaze the way down the path less traveled - and it isn't easy. There are plenty of people who would rather stay in their customary way of thinking than reach out and try something new. That is why we need everyday leaders in our businesses, schools, organizations and neighborhoods to do the real work of listening and creating possibilities.
I think there is an invitation in front of us to keep voting toward our future - keep making important daily choices that lead the way to civility and unity. As the old joke went in Chicago, "Vote early and vote often." Make the tough choice. Someone has to do it, and it happens that you are perfect for the job