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Happy To Be Politically Naive
April, 2005
By Donna Zajonc

"You are really naive!" This is how some describe me.

In recent weeks I have traveled a great deal and met many new people at book signings, speeches and seminars. While The Politics of Hope message has been well received, at the same time I have also heard statements like - "We like what you are saying about transforming American politics, but it will never work," and "It's not realistic to think that the power and greed which motivates political leaders will ever change. Why bother?"

I understand those thoughts and feelings of resignation. I must confess my own inner voice has been more negative over the last couple of months. I, too, have wondered if things will ever change.

My response to these "gremlins" was to call my personal coach and ask for help in understanding and clearing myself of these nasty internal voices that were zapping my hope for a better day. (After all, I wrote a book with the words "hope" and "politics" in the same title. I'm not allowed to lose hope!)

I admitted that I was wondering if I am, indeed, naive. She then read to me the definition of naive. It is from the Latin word "nativuus" meaning fresh, new and simple. Naive shares the same root word as "nativity" which means "to be born." Hence we have Nativity Scene, that barnyard setting which depicts the birth of Jesus.

"Oh my", I said. "I guess I am naive and proud of it!" I dream of a new birth of democracy. I believe in a simple and fresh idea of an emergent political system where collaboration and the common well being are the focal points of political conversation and noble leaders are known for their honesty and integrity as the norm rather than exception.

After I hung up from my call, I started to play in my mind. Maybe we should start a new political party: The Naive Party! The bumper sticker would read "Trust, Listen and Collaborate!" The political slogan could be "Put TLC into politics!"

Kidding aside, there are millions of Americans who are broken hearted at the current state of American politics and long for a fresh, new and simple approach to doing the people's business.

The reality is there are politicians who are creating a fresh and new way of working together. One example is in my own backyard and involves two amazing local political leaders. This story - which appears in my book, The Politics of Hope - may renew your hope as it did for me.

Newly elected King County (Seattle) Councilwomen Julia Patterson and Kathy Lambert attended their first County Council budget meeting in December, 2000. Both women had been elected to the County Council in the previous month and wanted to learn more about the budget issues facing the County before they took office in January. Since both had recently served several terms in the Washington Legislature, they were seasoned politicians.

Julia, an urban liberal Democrat and Kathy, a suburban, more conservative Republican, fought like cats and dogs in the Washington House of Representatives. During one legislative session, they requested a department head to help them mediate their strong difference on a bill. Trust was not an apt description of their relationship. Neither trusted the other's motives. What happened in that December budget meeting, however, changed their political relationship forever.

Kathy told me, "We watched the current County Council members quarrel over small details. They took every opportunity to manipulate and accuse each other of malicious intent. The back-stabbing, ugly things they said to each other were embarrassing. I could not believe my eyes and ears!"

Then Julia reached over and put her arm around me and whispered, "I will never treat you like that. No matter what happens, let's trust one another."

In that moment, Kathy and Julia made a pact that they would never intentionally harm each other. Each promised to trust what the other had to say and assume that her actions and statements were truthful, and in service to the common good.

Kathy continued to describe their new relationship, "We built trust and synergy for our programs even though we come at issues from a different perspective. Our pact to genuinely listen and trust one another made the difference."

"We know now that our different perspectives make our work stronger and we welcome input instead of rejecting the other's views," Kathy concluded.

In August, 2003, Kathy and Julia cosponsored the first-ever "De-publican" fundraising event, where they jointly raised money to support their mutual reelections! Hundreds of people attended to support them and this simple idea. Thank you Julia and Kathy for your real life example of restoring hope for our political future!

We know that our marriages, family relationships and businesses do not thrive unless we are able to listen to each other and work together. How could such a simple concept have escaped the notice of our political leaders? If this is naive then I readily accept my naivete!

I invite you to identify and claim your own dream for democracy, by answering these two questions:

• What would be your naive desire for politics if you knew anything was possible?
• How might you keep your vision of democracy alive?

Now allow your dream to take root and believe in its possibility. Share it with others. Acknowledge that the dream defies the prevailing current realities - with the growing exceptions of leaders like Kathy and Julia. Boldly proclaim "I am Naive!" The world is in desperate need of the "fresh, new, and simple" ideas that are at the heart of The Politics of Hope.

I have room for one or two new coaching clients beginning in May. If you are considering running for public office (or know someone that is) you may want to consider my coaching program that prepares ordinary citizens to become extraordinary public leaders. Political coaching will help you manage the pressures of public life and keep alive your vision for political service.

Email me at donna@politicsofhope.com or call me at 206-780-9900 for a complimentary session. I look forward to hearing from you.

Donna's Schedule of Upcoming Events

I am now scheduling keynote speeches. If you belong to an organization, church, or community gathering where I might present The Politics of Hope ideas, please contact me for speaking opportunities. Click here for more information.

Donna Zajonc is a Political Leadership Coach, a former three-term Oregon Legislator and was her party's nominee for Secretary of State. She has also managed several campaigns including a highly visible governor's campaign. Donna challenges her clients to prepare for public office with the same rigor that all professionals seek.