Congress needs a new perspective. A shift in focus is essential. However, a nimble, open mind is required to achieve a new perspective, not one locked down in the weeds. A new perspective must be a microcosm of the nation, because when speaking about the American People, it is inclusive—the All.
I liken the nation to a blended family, and we must get beyond the stepchild phase! Having lived this scenario and coached others, once the jockeying for position subsided, there was a place for each family member with something to contribute, not just take away. We’re all under one roof, and must learn to work together for the “good of the house” with at least respect and civility. This doesn’t mean everyone agrees on everything—it means there is room for others’ opinions!
Once called a Melting Pot nation, we’ve morphed into a blended family. What’s the difference?
Immigrants brought their traditions and morés when they arrived, often chastised and segregated into “neighborhoods.” The blended family, like the TV show, Modern Family, shares different cultures and morés as a result of people building families and relationships outside their original families.
Wanted—A healthy dose of emotional intelligence
Congress needs a healthy dose of emotional intelligence (EI)! Part of EI is the ability to express empathy and manage one’s impulses. Importantly, EI measures one’s perception of an impact on others. The true leader is part of a team focused on a shared vision.
Just like companies are retooling with new ways to work, so must the Congress. Successful shifts come from clearly projected visions and strategies to achieve them. When focused on power, the question becomes, “To do what?” Power is not about always getting one’s way. It is a force to be wielded with respect to “do the peoples’ work, and recognition it can be reflected back when abused.
The big reveal for how candidates’ feel is how they address people who disagree with them. The immaturity of name calling and rudeness is unprecedented to date. Their blatant focus is on getting re-elected, not governing. In fact, I’m not sure they know how to govern. The issues are beyond constituents.
Running for office is not a test of one’s ability to govern. There is an art to governance, and I created such a program for leaders and boards of directors. The nuance is beyond what got a person to the board, but what they can do while on the board! Governing is inclusive and requires cooperation beyond compromise.
Besides, governing a country is different than running a company. A chairperson or CEO has the last word; that’s why they’re paid the “big bucks.” Not so for POTUS or Congress Members when having to balance the three parts of the federal government. (This is what would trip up Trump!)
Rather than compromise, we can strive toward consensus that can provide more of what all involved want. Compromise is 1+1=1/2 while consensus is 1 + 1=3—Much more productive and satisfying when all receive something of what they want rather than feeling they gave up something.
Here are my two solutions to advance the U.S. Congress and the government’s ability to govern:
1. Term limits, like the president has. The Framers never intended governing to be a career. The idea was the citizen patriot would bring skills and knowledge to governing and leave the country better and stronger than they found it.
2. Election reform is pivotal. Effective, qualified people are sidelined because of the grueling campaign process to be a candidate and the cost involved—particularly, the cost in time and energy to raise money. The candidate’s focus must be on solutions and support of the nation, not fundraising.
What do you think! Please leave your comments. -MC
c7e4232e6ad5e385652b43c83aeae033-1331863127
