How can you impact political policies?

Roughly 57% of eligible voters cast a ballot in the 2016 US Presidential election.

Shortly after an election, a surprisingly small number of people can recall who was elected or who their elected officials are.

An even smaller number actually engage elected officials over the course of the term. That old saying, "every vote counts" is amplified as we reach out to influence our representatives.

President Obama receives about 10,000 correspondence items a day and reads ten curated items every night he is at the White House. His staff reads and sorts every email and letter sent to the White House. A senior staffer decides what letters provide the best cross section and counter points to address current issues and forwards for the Presidents nightly reading.

Your representatives have a smaller constituency and receive less correspondence. This reduced engagement provides your opportunity to engage, lobby for your voice to be heard.

It takes a personal touch to cut through the noise of today's world; this is your opportunity to be the one to make an impact.

Going Further: Who are your elected officials, from the President to the leader of your kid's school council? What changes do you think need to happen? What is one step you can take to make your voice heard? How can you use the lack of others engagement, to become known by your representatives?

What is your impact on the organizations tone?

Consider two aspects of this inquiry; when you are in the organization and when you are away.

During the vacation season, there was a noticeable shift in organizational tone when different team members were out of the office enjoying Summer fun. Business books will raise the question of how the reader influences others while in the office. The observation piqued my curiosity to consider what the office is like when I am not around and serves as a barometer of my influence.

My assumption is you desire to be a positive contributor to the mission objectives, grow the people around you and get paid. If you start your day with the mindset, "come hell or high water, my goals will be met, and the people don't matter," personal investigation of this inquiry is timely.

You will be hard pressed to find a book in your library that encourages back-stabbing, lying, gossiping, cheating, and hurting others to get ahead. Bestselling authors and organizational experts depend on similar tactics to enhance the individual and grow the team. Elements of the world-class team include producing a great product and a workforce committed to the mission and each other.

I want the office tone conducive to each member having the direction, structure, and freedom to maximize their gifts and talents to accomplish the objectives. There should be no fear of sharing bad news or mistakes, but a willingness to bring issues to light for resolution. The team must support each other, without office politics burying creativity or stunting learning and growth. Anything less reveals leadership gaps and must be addressed. Everyone impacts the organization for good or ill, and this responsibility is realized at every level.

How do things change when I am away? Is there more laughter? Are decisions made faster or slower? Does structure remain? Is the team empowered? How do they feel supported? Am I the bottleneck when away? Is each voice heard? Is everyone depended upon and held accountable for their work?

Asking these questions and getting honest answers is scary. Scarier yet is not asking and allowing the organization to flounder in dysfunction, with you and I as the reason.

For further reading: Ego is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday