About 70 countries in the world, home to over 50% of the world’s population would hold elections in 2024. While these elections are definitely important to the citizens of these countries, the American election always garners interest globally. With the ‘sudden’ emergence of Kamala Harris as the Democratic Presidential candidate, I have observed with keen interest the power of storytelling. I am quite sure it is not news that the American elections would be holding in November this year.
Honestly, when the elections began to make news across channels, I deliberately avoided it. Reason being that there was nothing interesting or new about the major candidates (Donald Trump and Joe Biden) in my opinion. Trump would always be himself; no surprises. Joe was looking too frail and the debate was the straw that broke the camel’s back. I was not surprised when Joe Biden stepped down from the race for a second term and nominated Kamala Harris for the job. This is not the focus of my writing today; back to my reason for writing.
I am in awe at the turn of events since Kamala Harris became the DNC’s presidential candidate. From listening to Tim Walz share his story and the incredible work he has done all his life to Kamala formally accepting her nomination and sharing stories about her parents and the encounters that have shaped her life and decisions. It has been a rollercoaster of beautiful emotions evoked through the power of storytelling.
Here are five key lessons you can learn as a leader to enable you craft a compelling story about your journey.
- The opportunity to step up can come at any time, so you must be ready when it comes to your doorstep. Many people do not pay attention to building capacity for the next level or even think that they are qualified to aspire higher. This mindset makes them unprepared when opportunities come. The speed at which Kamala has owned her campaign is phenomenal. One would have thought she had it planned before Joe Biden stepped down.
- Pay attention to your story. Write your story yourself, do not expect others to do justice to your story. When you are deliberate about documenting your journey, you own the narrative. This can only be achieved when you take time out to reflect on your journey, identify pivotal moments in your life and how they have shaped your decisions overtime.
- Amplify the aspect of your story that stands you out; that resonates with your audience and helps them recognize that you are one of them. Once you connect emotionally with an audience, you have their hearts and, in this case, most likely their votes.
- Be deliberate about the life you live today because it will most likely determine how far you go and the opportunities you can leverage. If you have your eyes on the highest seat in the land, your track record should speak to your ability to handle that office with utmost respect, honour and forthrightness. You should not put yourself in a position where you have to keep putting out fires and explaining negative circumstances in your life.
- Be your authentic self; be true to who you really are. If you have to hide your true self, most likely you are unfit to lead others. Campaign managers and advisors will suggest strategies they believe would get you the votes, never fall for the temptation of losing yourself and the values your live by in the process.
Winning an election is one thing, leading successfully is a whole different ball game. As I watch the election season in the United States of America, I continue to learn how effective communication can make or mar a candidate’s chances of winning an election.
