This post first appeared on IBM Business of Government. Read the original article.
Robert Frost’s poem “Build Soil” offers profound political insight while highlighting the importance of forward-looking strategies.
The poem suggests building for the future by rejuvenating the land, symbolizing progress and development. Similarly, James Carville, a rural strategist, advises a hands-off approach when dealing with certain political situations, coining the phrase “play possum” and urging to “do nothing” to let events unfold naturally. Despite their contrasting backgrounds – Frost, a New England Yankee, and Carville, a Cajun from Louisiana – both emphasize the importance of nurturing growth and development.
Values for Stabilization: Navigating Political Turmoil
Faced with the dynamic political landscape, it’s essential to ground ourselves in core values. For me, this work marks the “end of the beginning,” a period for reflection amidst the chaos in our nation’s capital. I turn to sources studying public values, distilling them into simple, understandable principles. My list, though not grouped or ranked, includes:
- Accountability: Accountability demands a commitment to deliver tangible outcomes that benefit people, whether through fulfilling campaign promises or upholding public trust. Results should be measurable and reflective of public concern.
- Integrity: Integrity, as defined by the OECD, involves aligning actions with shared ethical values, prioritizing public interest over personal gain, and maintaining transparency.
- Fairness: Fairness is about respect for individual dignity, and impartial judgment based on agreed-upon standards. Its application varies depending on individual perspectives.
- Openness: Openness entails making government operations and information accessible to the public and engaging citizens in decision-making processes.
- Variety: Recognized as a strength in both corporate and government settings, variety encourages multiple perspectives, fostering innovation and better problem-solving.
- Leadership: Leadership, in various interpretations, involves translating visions into realities, producing results rather than merely being liked, and inspiring consensus.
- Respect for the Rule of Law: Upholding the rule of law ensures equal treatment under the law, accountability for all, and a robust independent judiciary.
- Patriotism: Patriotism involves a deep affection for one’s country, leading to a commitment to its well-being and readiness to sacrifice for its advancement.
- Courage: Courage transcends mere fearlessness, embodying the pursuit of significant goals despite the potential for failure and its dire consequences.
- Patience: Patience combines immediate action on pressing issues with a long-term perspective, allowing for the evolution of better solutions.
Planting Seeds of Change: Embracing Uncertainty
As we move forward, “building soil” and “letting things germinate” become pertinent metaphors. We must prepare for post-storm cleanup, accepting that defending or opposing a president’s actions can be futile, akin to resisting natural disasters. Instead, focus on resilience – readying ourselves for recovery and reconstruction.
Your thoughts and additional values are welcome. Together, we can cultivate a more robust and principled political landscape.