Early voting offers convenience for voters and reduces stress on Election Day, yet many people still hesitate to take advantage of it. Behavioral nudges, as explored in Richard Thaler’s Nudge, can guide voters toward casting their ballots early by making the process easier, more visible, and more appealing. By leveraging principles like social proof, reminders, and accessibility, campaigns can increase early voting participation, ensuring that more voices are heard and reducing last-minute barriers to turnout.

Motivating a campaign team, from volunteers to senior staff, is one of the most important tasks for a political candidate or leader. As Dale Carnegie writes in How to Win Friends and Influence People, “Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain—and most fools do. But it takes character and self-control to be understanding and forgiving.” Instead of pointing out flaws or mistakes, effective leaders inspire action and loyalty by praising effort and offering constructive guidance. In this blog post, we’ll explore how praise, not criticism, can elevate your team and drive your campaign forward.

Can a meaningful message outshine a massive war chest? In politics, it’s meaning—not money—that makes the difference. The Insight: Sutherland argues, “We don’t value things; we value their meaning.” This is especially true in political campaigns, where a deeply meaningful message can inspire voters far more than flashy ads or massive budgets.

Behind every successful political campaign is a team that works tirelessly to strategize, organize, and execute. But assembling a winning team isn’t just about finding the best talent—it’s about knowing yourself as a candidate. Your strengths, weaknesses, and leadership style play a pivotal role in shaping the team that will help you succeed. As Sun Tzu wisely said, “The enlightened ruler lays his plans well ahead; the good general cultivates his resources.” In politics, your “resources” are your team, and self-knowledge is the foundation for building a group that complements your abilities and vision.

Every candidate brings a unique leadership style to the table, shaped by their experiences, personality, and values. Knowing your leadership style—and how to use it effectively—can set you apart, inspire trust, and energize your campaign. Sun Tzu observed, “The general who wins the battle makes many calculations in his temple before the battle is fought.” Understanding your leadership style is one of those critical “calculations.” It allows you to lead with authenticity and adapt your approach to connect with voters and build a strong campaign team.

In politics, the distance between decision-makers and those affected by their decisions can lead to ineffective or even harmful policies. Leaders with “skin in the game,” however, are directly connected to the outcomes of their decisions, ensuring policies are not only well-considered but also practical and beneficial to those they serve. As Nassim Taleb writes in Skin in the Game, “You can only truly understand an issue if you are exposed to its consequences.” Leaders with personal stakes in the policies they advocate are more likely to approach governance with care, empathy, and accountability, resulting in better outcomes for everyone.

In politics, criticism is inevitable. Whether it’s from opponents, the media, or even supporters, how you respond to criticism can define your leadership. As Dale Carnegie wrote in How to Win Friends and Influence People, “Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain—and most fools do.” Criticism doesn’t have to be a setback. When handled with grace and strategy, it can become an opportunity to demonstrate humility, resilience, and strength. This post explores practical ways to turn criticism into a powerful tool for growth and connection.

What’s the secret to inspiring action and transforming a campaign into a movement? Zig Ziglar had the answer. Zig Ziglar, a legend in personal development, believed that positivity was the fuel for success. While his lessons were often tailored for individuals, they hold profound wisdom for campaigns aiming to connect with voters on a deeper level. His philosophy teaches us that politics isn’t just about issues—it’s about people, connection, and belief in a brighter future.

While voting is often seen as the pinnacle of civic duty, true civic engagement extends far beyond the ballot box. From attending town hall meetings to volunteering for community initiatives, active participation strengthens democracy and builds resilient communities. Behavioral nudges, as described in Richard Thaler’s Nudge, can inspire people to embrace these broader forms of civic involvement by making participation easier, more rewarding, and more accessible. In this post, we’ll explore how campaigns and policymakers can use nudges to encourage meaningful civic engagement beyond Election Day.

Politics isn’t just about what you know—it’s about how you connect. The most successful candidates are not just knowledgeable; they’re emotionally intelligent. They understand their own emotions, empathize with others, and adapt to challenging situations with grace and composure. As Sun Tzu said, “The greatest victory is that which requires no battle.” In politics, emotional intelligence (EQ) allows candidates to win hearts and minds without unnecessary conflict.