Raising the Bar: The Qualities We Deserve, But Don't Always Get From Our Elected Officials
My New Year's Wish for Leaders of Today and Tomorrow
On Sunday, I rang in the optimism that comes with a new year by thanking and celebrating with more than 60 campaign friends and supporters. It was a wonderful way to express my gratitude for all that I learned in 2022, especially as I wrap up a busy election year and wind down my time serving in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. While snacking on waffles, ice cream, and hot cocoa with my guests, I shared some reflections on what this year has meant to me and my hopes for our future work together.
I spent the vast majority of 2022 crisscrossing the state as I campaigned to become Massachusetts’ next Lieutenant Governor. While we didn’t win the primary election, I am incredibly proud of my team and the values-based, people-centered campaign we ran, and the 141,000 voters who believed in me and my commitment to putting people — especially the most marginalized among us — first. I put my heart and soul into my campaign and openly shared my own personal and financial struggles to build genuine connections with people across the state. I invited residents to share their frustrations and fears as well as their hopes and dreams for the kind of future we can build together. I am truly honored that so many people trusted me with their deeply personal stories and I am grateful for what these interactions taught me about the power of grit, love, and our shared humanity. These were the most meaningful moments I experienced as a candidate for statewide office. I will forever be grateful for having the opportunity to build and deepen relationships with so many across the state. (And, I hope to keep getting invited to community events, cultural festivals, radio and TV shows, and family BBQs!)
Today is Inauguration Day in Massachusetts; an especially exciting day for anyone who will be sworn into elected office for the very first time. I wish all state-level elected officials and new members of the Massachusetts General Court the best of luck in their new roles. It takes courage to run for office and hard work (and sometimes luck) to win. But, getting elected to office or rising to a position of power in a hall of government or other organization does not automatically mean that one is a leader.
True leaders — whether a CEO of a Fortune 500 company, a Team Lead at a small non-profit organization, or the Speaker of the House of the Massachusetts House of Representatives — create the conditions for others to succeed. True leaders also encourage every person to contribute to the overall success of their organization and its broad, public mission. Unfortunately, far too often in American and Massachusetts politics, people with positional power are assumed to be leaders, even if they withhold information, shirk accountability, fail to invest in the conditions for success, and manipulate colleagues’ and the public’s trust. To fulfill the promise of our democracy and live up to our fullest potential as a state and as a nation, we must set a higher bar for the qualities we expect leaders in our state and country to embody.
Throughout my life, I have come to appreciate the similarities between the qualities that make someone a good friend and the qualities that make someone a good leader. The top ones for me are trustworthiness, empathy, vulnerability, honesty, and inclusivity. Below is a more comprehensive list of qualities that make someone a good friend and a good leader:
Integrity
Honesty
Commitment
Inclusive
Good listening skills
Ability to be vulnerable
Mutually supportive
Dependable
Trustworthy
Loyal
Empathetic
Non-judgmental
Is confident and instills confidence in others
Courage to do what is right
Healthy boundaries
Able to engage in constructive and helpful conflict
Can laugh at oneself/has a sense of humor
My wish for 2023 and beyond is that every person elected to serve the public embodies the qualities that are essential to friendship. And, my hope, starting now, is that you will help hold them accountable to these qualities and values.
To health, connection, and friendship in 2023!
Tami
PS. Yesterday, I launched POD for the People! my new podcast. I invite you to listen, subscribe, and join the community at tamigouveia.us/pod.
Sources:
Wooll, M. 'We are the champions' plus other qualities every good friend should have. May 2022. Accessed January 31, 2023: https://www.betterup.com/blog/qualities-of-a-good-friendBetterup.com.
Degges-White, S. The 13 essential traits of good friends. March 23, 2013. Access January 1, 2023: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/lifetime-connections/201503/the-13-essential-traits-good-friends.