Today is November 5th. Election day here in the U.S.
Like many Americans, I can’t wait for this nerve-wracking campaign to end. Yet, I’m careful what I wish for, as the following weeks, months, and years might be even more exhausting.
As I ran in the streets around my house over the past few days, the election signs posted in my neighbors’ front yards reminded me of one fascinating aspect of U.S. politics.
No matter what, the choice for President only involves two parties: the Democrats and the Republicans. No third-party candidate has won the presidency since the mid-1800s.
I get it; the major parties have extensive organizational structures with donor and volunteer networks across the country that are difficult to replicate.
Also, the U.S. primarily uses a state-by-state winner-take-all electoral system, meaning a third-party candidate would need to win entire states, not just a percentage of the national vote, to be competitive.
One neighbor sign, though, drew my attention. It didn’t call to vote for Trump or Kamala. Instead, it promoted an alternative: my neighbor’s dog, Hector.
You might call this canine move humorous, desperate – or both.
Such a rare contrarian support in politics is quite common in the enterprise world, however.
Everyday contrarian and innovative business leaders succeed in creatively challenging the status quo. In contrast, our political leaders seem stuck in old conventions where it’s all black or white, right or wrong.
I’ve always been fascinated by these contrarian leaders. I’ve had the privilege of working with a handful of them. They’re far from the norm, but their results have always been outstanding.
So, call me a dreamer, but I can’t resist drawing a parallel between these two worlds and making a portrait of my ideal U.S. President: a contrarian President.
For the sake of the exercise, we’ll call him Hector.
Hector masters ambiguity
Hector is not rushing to label things as black or white. He recognizes how complex most situations can be. So, rather than viewing uncertainty as a source of discomfort, Hector harnesses its power to drive innovation, creativity, and growth.
By accepting that not all situations have clear-cut answers, Hector helps foster a mindset of adaptability and openness around him. His free-thinking helps us develop unique solutions to problems and adapt to ever-changing circumstances.
Hector listens intently and talks less
Hector is an expert in gathering and understanding different perspectives before making decisions. Being a lifelong learner focused on self-improvement, he prioritizes listening over speaking and actively seeks diverse opinions and feedback.
Like supporters, opponents feel heard and valued. The deeper insights generated help make more informed decisions for the greater good.
Hector chooses his battles wisely
Although knowing which battles to choose upfront isn’t always obvious, Hector is willing to take calculated risks.
He knows how to spot the most critical challenges worth pursuing with time, energy, and resources.
His discernment helps him focus on the most impactful goals and avoid unnecessary conflicts.
Hector leads with influence
Outstanding leaders can inspire, motivate, and guide their teams without relying on authority. They also know how to be servant leaders, avoiding being the center of attention.
Hector fully understands this and focuses on leading by example, communicating a compelling vision, and building a collaborative culture. He does this by embracing diversity and encouraging team members to take the initiative and own their work.
Hector is the perfect illustration of a contrarian leader. I’m afraid he’s a rare “animal” in today’s political landscape.
But as I reflect on Hector’s qualities, I think our politicians could benefit from such thinking.
The business world shows us that appropriately challenging the status quo can lead to remarkable outcomes.
So, I’ll keep seeking political leaders at all levels who master ambiguity, listen intently, choose battles wisely, and lead with influence. They’ll help reshape our political governance for the better.
And one day, maybe Hector will prevail and get elected to the presidency!