Are you losing voters by making too much sense? In politics, logic isn’t always your friend. The Insight: Rory Sutherland warns, “When you demand logic, you pay a hidden price: you destroy magic.” Political campaigns that focus too heavily on logic and reason often fail to connect emotionally with voters.

Mistakes are inevitable in politics. Whether it’s a poorly phrased comment, a controversial decision, or a misstep during a debate, no candidate is immune to errors. What sets great leaders apart is their ability to admit mistakes with humility and turn them into opportunities for growth and connection. Sun Tzu said, “In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.” For candidates, the chaos of a mistake can be reframed into a powerful moment of vulnerability and authenticity—if handled correctly.

Confidence is essential for any political candidate. It shows voters you’re capable, decisive, and ready to lead. But too much confidence can quickly veer into arrogance, alienating the very people you’re trying to connect with. The key is finding the perfect balance between confidence and humility. As Sun Tzu said, “The wise warrior avoids the battle.” In politics, that wisdom comes from knowing when to assert your strength and when to show vulnerability. Balancing these two traits can make your campaign more relatable, trustworthy, and effective.

Facts inform, but stories inspire. In politics, a compelling narrative can capture hearts and minds, turning skeptics into supporters and passive voters into passionate advocates. Dale Carnegie wrote in How to Win Friends and Influence People, “When dealing with people, remember you are not dealing with creatures of logic, but creatures of emotion.” Stories are one of the most powerful tools for connecting emotionally with voters, volunteers, and donors. In this post, we’ll explore how storytelling can help you win people to your side and build a campaign that resonates.

Leadership isn’t just about talking—it’s about truly listening. Are you hearing your voters? Zig Ziglar famously said, “You can’t truly listen to anyone and do anything else at the same time.” In politics, this wisdom is more relevant than ever. Voters don’t just want to be spoken to—they want to be heard. Campaigns that prioritize listening gain a deeper understanding of their communities, build trust, and craft messaging that truly resonates.

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.