Are you a seasoned professional? Consider running for office in your professional body

“If you want a thing done well, do it yourself” Napoleon Bonaparte

Politics is often seen as a dirty game, and for good reason. From dare-devil stunts, to a history of opponent victimization and even elimination, it can be challenging to see politics from any other perspective than that of a dirty, nasty game that clean professionals shouldn’t touch even with a ten-foot pole.

But let’s pause and reflect of why politics exists. Indeed, how politics, whether at the national, local or professional level affects individuals.

Politics, which by the way permeates every facet of our lives, is important. Politics affects where you live, where you go to college, your health and your rights. This is why, when it comes to professional level politics, we cannot afford to leave it in the hands of amateurs or people who do not uphold prerequisite professional orientation and ethics.

More specifically, here is why politics is important and why seasoned professionals should sign up to run for office in their respective professional bodies.

a)?????Professional politics affects your career (obviously!)

In industries with robust professional bodies, the entities are usually mandated by law to act on behalf of members. This may include legislation and advocacy among other tasks. In the supply chain profession in Kenya, #KISM is the national body for professionals in the practice of procurement and supply chain. This body was formed by government to represent professionals and draws its authority from the law

b)????You participate in the governance of your profession

Running for office in your professional body is a key way of getting legitimate power to govern or participate in the governance of your profession.

Legally constituted professional bodies are mandated to lay down the groundwork and frameworks which will guide professions for many years. Your experience, knowledge, and expertise definitely is significant in shaping policy documents for posterity.

c)?????You become part of change processes in the profession

Nothing is static. But it is wisdom universally acknowledged that good change is the change that moves people forward. Being part of the politics of your profession gives you the legitimacy to lobby for meaningful and effective change. And for good reason: You are a consummate professional, who, together with other seasoned professionals of goodwill, stand a good chance of making a difference.

d)????A better understanding of your profession

This is a good bonus. Campaigning and canvassing for votes will open your eyes to a new side of your profession. You will learn from and engage directly with professional colleagues you’d otherwise never have met. You will be forced to ponder issues, to think outside the box, to innovate and push yourself to levels you may otherwise never have reached. The reward for your service is a new world in your profession.

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I am currently vying for KISM Council come 2023. I believe the advancement of a profession I love and have been in for a little over two decades, investing my experiences, my skills and my time to serve is important. I have the passion and drive, I have the commitment and focus, and I believe, together with my team, we can only make KISM a better institution than it is today. #TeamJK #TustawisheKISM