The Midterms

With the midterm elections approaching, Americans should think less about their "team" and more about the qualities of each candidate - and whether they are worthy of a leadership position. The festering problems we face require problem-solvers everywhere - including in Congress - and people's problem-solving and leadership abilities are the attributes to consider when voting.

What is the best way to identify a problem-solver in today's polarized climate? We need to look beyond those who talk the talk to those who walk the walk. Instead of focusing on what politicians say, we should focus on what they do and how they do it.

We should ask:

How have they lived their lives?

How have they chosen to live? Leadership is a practice. It is not something that comes with a title and position. Leadership is a choice that is made over time. When considering candidates, look to those who have made that choice, over and over again, even when the going has gotten tough.

What have they done?

Do they have a track record of results? A candidate must demonstrate that they haven’t just talked a big game but have actually accomplished meaningful goals and solved real problems.?Activity is not an accomplishment. Accomplishment in leadership is changing the order of things for the better — not little tactical adjustments but challenges to festering problems presented by the status quo.

Have they stood for principle even when inconvenient?

Simply winning doesn’t mean someone is principled. You know someone has principles when they’re willing to follow those principles even when inconvenient and at a cost to themselves. You know someone has principles when they have rejected what is politically expedient for what is right, when they have had to tell their own supporters that they may disagree, or when they have shown the courage to admit they’re wrong about something.

Have they demonstrated an ability to work well with others?

No leader accomplishes?anything worthwhile acting alone. Leaders know that collaboration is vital to problem-solving. Does a candidate pride themselves on “going it alone”? If so, they likely don’t have a record of accomplishment to match their confidence. True leaders lift others up. They don’t spend all their time worrying about themselves.

Have they demonstrated an ability to problem-solve?

Ultimately, leadership is about solving problems. So often we elect people who describe problems, use them as wedges, and fire up their base to win elections. Instead, let’s look to those who understand their role is to solve problems through humble service defined by collaboration, clear-eyed approaches, and hard work.

Issues and platforms matter, of course, and we should vote for those who represent our best vision for the country. However, if we want our representatives to actually make progress on the issues that matter most to us, we also need to assess whether a candidate can truly lead. Otherwise, they are a reliable vote for the party bosses, but that doesn’t make them a problem-solver. As you consider the candidates, ask yourself whether they are worthy of working for you, or if they simply bring more personality, rhetoric, outrage, and insult to the table. Our Constitution makes you, as a citizen, sovereign. Ask yourself whether the candidate is worthy of the Constitution they swear to uphold.