THE SEVEN RULES OF NEW POWER
Recently got a new promotion? Read these seven rules that were written for Members of Congress but can apply to any workplace across America.
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Only say it if you mean it. You can vote for a bill or sign a letter even if you don't believe it's the right
thing to do. But don't try and talk about it because if you do, you'll sound fake - and people can pick up fake
a mile away.
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If it's hard to do, it's probably worth doing. If it's easy, someone would have already done it. Don't be put off
by big challenges. Anyone can go to Congress and comfortably get re-elected. I remember hearing this on Capitol
Hill: search for things that can't be done and do them.
- True Believers [fundamentalists] never get anything done. If you're on a crusade, you're going to be very
unhappy very soon. Be passionate about what you believe, but don't think people who think differently from you are
ignorant boobs. Respect other people's decision and persist with your ideals in the long-run.
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If your staff is repeating the same thing, listen closely. You've hired a staff. Listen to them. Even if they are
only out for themselves, it's because their fate is tied to yours. You don't always have to believe what they say,
but at least listen to them.
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Know what you really care about, and always be true to that principle. Be honest with yourself and think about what
you really care about. This is hard one because many members don't really know what they believe in or what they
want to get done in Congress. When you find yourself really getting excited about something, remember it and go
back to it.
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Define yourself - it's OK to not fit the mold. Don't let anybody else tell you what you should or should not
support. Regular people don't think in terms of party politics and definitely won't care about inside baseball on
election day. What you do that's different is what people will remember.
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Balance Congress, campaign, and family, or you will feel very alone very soon. Congress has ruined hundreds of
families before you and will ruin more after you. Make sure that everyone you hire knows your family is a priority,
or you will lose your family.