Rules For Being a Good Politician

Rules For Being a Good Politician
1. Be humbleThere is no positional power.Be aware of how little power you have individually.Power is only a product of collective action
2. Be nice to othersKeep people on side — you might need their support later
3. Think strategicallyWhere is the power?How can I get others to agree?Who will back me?Create a situation where everyone gains something
4. SpecialisePick a topic that interests you and research it thoroughly.Become one of the experts in the Parliament on your topic.Eventually, others will seek your point of view, publicly and privately, and this will give you considerable standing and influence
5. Have clear, achievable goalsKnow what you want to achieve from the time you are elected.Do not try to change the world.Pick objectives that are measurable (this is good for your own morale).
6. Understand the issuesResearch. If you are discussing any issue – local to international – make sure you have all the most up-to-date information
7. Listen to othersDo not think you understand it all. Others’ experience will probably be different to yours, and they may help you re-think your view.Anyway, in a democracy their view also counts
8. Learn how to say “no”kindly and with respectSometimes this is not easy! But you might need that person’s support later so avoid offending
9. Understand your InstitutionThe more you understand the rules of procedure and the traditions of nations and the parliament, the more you will be able to use these to achieve your goals
10. Earn respectShow you respect the views and experience of othersDemonstrate that you can be trusted
By: Vicki Bourne. Former Senator. Australian Parliament.