Run to Win

1. Embrace Your Unique Journey: You Have Something Valuable to Offer

"You don't need to know exactly what you don't know, just that there are experts and specialists like EMILY's List out there, ready to help."

Your unique perspective matters. Every individual has a distinct set of experiences, skills, and insights that can contribute to positive change. Whether you're considering running for office or taking on a leadership role in your community, remember that your background is an asset, not a liability.

Don't let self-doubt hold you back. Many women hesitate to pursue leadership positions because they feel they don't meet 100% of the qualifications. However, research shows that men often apply for jobs when they meet only 60% of the requirements. Embrace the mindset that you can learn and grow into a role.

Key points to remember:

• Your lived experiences provide valuable insights
• Diversity in leadership leads to better decision-making
• Skills can be learned; passion and commitment are essential

2. Build a Strong Team and Support System

"No one changes the world all by themselves."

Surround yourself with diverse talents. A successful campaign or initiative requires a variety of skills and perspectives. Identify key roles that need to be filled, such as strategy, communications, fundraising, and operations. Look for individuals who complement your strengths and can help address your weaknesses.

Cultivate a supportive network. Beyond your immediate team, develop relationships with mentors, allies, and supporters who can provide guidance, encouragement, and resources. This network can include:

• Family and friends
• Professional contacts
• Community leaders
• Like-minded organizations

Remember that building and maintaining these relationships requires effort and reciprocity. Be willing to offer support and assistance to others in your network as well.

3. Master the Art of Making the Ask

"People like to be asked."

Overcome your hesitation. Many people, especially women, feel uncomfortable asking for support, whether it's for campaign contributions, votes, or professional opportunities. Recognize that making the ask is a crucial skill that can be learned and improved with practice.

Prepare and personalize your approach. Before making an ask, do your research and tailor your request to the individual or group you're approaching. Consider the following:

• Their interests and values
• Past involvement or contributions
• Potential concerns or objections

When making the ask:

1. Be clear and specific about what you're requesting
2. Explain the impact of their support
3. Listen actively and be prepared to address questions
4. Follow up and express gratitude, regardless of the outcome

4. Grow a Thicker Skin and Learn from Setbacks

"A loss isn't the end; it's just another step in the journey. Period."

Develop resilience. In politics and leadership, criticism and setbacks are inevitable. Learn to distinguish between constructive feedback and baseless attacks. Develop strategies to maintain your emotional well-being, such as:

• Focusing on your core mission and values
• Seeking support from trusted allies
• Engaging in self-care activities

Learn from defeats. After a loss or setback, take time to reflect and analyze what happened. Conduct a thorough post-mortem:

1. Gather feedback from team members and supporters
2. Identify what worked well and what could be improved
3. Develop an action plan for future efforts

Remember that many successful leaders have faced significant defeats before achieving their goals. Use setbacks as opportunities for growth and refinement of your approach.

5. Campaign with Joy and Celebrate Liberally

"Changing the world with hope is so much longer lasting than changing the world with fear. And hope is fed by joy."

Cultivate a positive atmosphere. Your attitude as a leader sets the tone for your entire team and campaign. Approach your work with enthusiasm and optimism, even in challenging times. This positive energy will be contagious and can inspire supporters and voters alike.

Celebrate milestones and victories. Take time to acknowledge and celebrate achievements, both big and small. This can include:

• Reaching fundraising goals
• Winning endorsements
• Successful events or media appearances
• Election victories

Celebrations serve multiple purposes:

1. Boosting team morale and motivation
2. Recognizing the hard work of supporters and volunteers
3. Creating positive momentum for future efforts

Remember to celebrate in a way that aligns with your values and resonates with your supporters.

6. Tell Your Story Effectively and Authentically

"Your story has impact when someone hears it and is moved by it."

Craft a compelling narrative. Your personal story is a powerful tool for connecting with voters and supporters. Develop a narrative that:

1. Highlights your motivations and values
2. Demonstrates your understanding of key issues
3. Illustrates your ability to effect change

Structure your story using the following elements:

• Situation: The challenges or issues you've faced
• Reaction: How you responded to those challenges
• Resolve: Your commitment to addressing similar issues for others
• Ask: A clear call to action for your audience

Practice and refine your delivery. Effective storytelling requires practice and adaptation. Seek feedback from trusted advisors and be willing to adjust your approach based on audience reactions.

7. Take Calculated Risks and Break the Rules When Necessary

"Break those rules, and you may be surprised by the result."

Challenge conventional wisdom. Many "rules" in politics and leadership are based on outdated assumptions or biases. Be willing to question established norms and explore innovative approaches, especially if they align with your values and goals.

Examples of rule-breaking that have led to success:

• Embracing authenticity in personal style and communication
• Targeting non-traditional voters or supporters
• Utilizing new technologies or platforms for outreach

Assess risks and potential rewards. When considering breaking the rules:

1. Evaluate potential consequences
2. Seek input from trusted advisors
3. Ensure alignment with your core values and mission
4. Develop contingency plans

Remember that calculated risk-taking can set you apart and lead to breakthrough successes.

8. Develop a Clear Strategy and Message

"Your strategic plan and your message are the foundation on which the entire campaign is built."

Define your core message. Develop a clear, concise statement that encapsulates your mission and distinguishes you from others. Your message should:

• Resonate with your target audience
• Address key issues and concerns
• Reflect your authentic voice and values

Create a comprehensive strategy. Build a plan that outlines how you'll achieve your goals, including:

1. Target audiences and voter outreach
2. Fundraising and resource allocation
3. Media and communication strategies
4. Key milestones and timelines

Regularly review and adjust your strategy based on new information and changing circumstances.

9. Practice Gratitude and Acknowledge Your Team

"Expressing gratitude isn't hard, but it easily slips away when you are stressed or just too busy to think about it."

Make gratitude a habit. Regularly express appreciation for the efforts of your team, volunteers, and supporters. This can take many forms:

• Personal thank-you notes
• Public recognition at events or meetings
• Small gestures of appreciation (e.g., team celebrations, small gifts)

Foster a culture of appreciation. Encourage team members to recognize and celebrate each other's contributions. This helps build a positive, supportive environment that can sustain your campaign or organization through challenges.

Benefits of practicing gratitude:

• Increased motivation and morale
• Stronger team cohesion
• Improved retention of valuable team members

10. Prepare for Challenges and Learn to Pivot

"You need to have motivation and a support system to get you through the tough times."

Anticipate obstacles. While you can't predict every challenge, prepare for common issues:

• Funding shortfalls
• Negative media coverage
• Unexpected crises (e.g., health emergencies, natural disasters)

Develop contingency plans and build flexibility into your strategy.

Cultivate adaptability. Be willing to adjust your approach in response to changing circumstances. This might involve:

• Shifting campaign messaging
• Reallocating resources
• Embracing new technologies or methods

Remember that the ability to pivot effectively can turn potential setbacks into opportunities for growth and success.

Last updated: November 6, 2024