The most important work in politics

It might not be what you think

The most important work in politics isn’t taking a stand or defending our position. It’s not lobbying for a cause (regardless of how good or important) or working to undo a policy we dislike.

No, the most important work in politics is empathizing with others.

It’s understanding why they believe what they do, what their backstory is, what fears might be driving their vote, and what their real goal is. It’s taking time to listen without judgment or assumption.

It’s realizing that given their story, beliefs, and background, they’re rational to think and act the way they do. It’s a willingness to change (whether our perspective, beliefs, or stance on a topic).

Empathizing with others is where the real work begins in politics because never before have Democrats and Republicans been more ideologically divided as they are now.

Let’s begin with empathy instead of our agenda.

A relevant CNN article based on a new Pew poll summarizes the current political paradox in the U.S. this way:

“What these Pew numbers make clear is that while lots and lots of Americans insist they are tired of the partisanship and lack of accomplishments in Washington, they really aren’t.

They are sick of others not agreeing with them.

People like the idea of Congress working together for solutions. But they want the solutions to be their solutions, not the other guy’s. They want to make compromises if the compromise comports with all of their beliefs. Which, of course, isn’t compromise.

The problem with our politics isn’t the people we elect to Congress. It’s us.”