Resilience is the backbone of any successful campaign. When leaders and teams share risks and responsibilities, they foster trust, loyalty, and adaptability. As Nassim Taleb writes in Skin in the Game, “You can’t become antifragile if you have no skin in the game.”
One of history’s most enduring examples of resilience built on skin in the game is Alexander the Great. His ability to lead by example, shoulder the burdens of his soldiers, and inspire loyalty helped him overcome insurmountable odds and create one of the largest empires the world has ever known.
What Makes a Campaign Resilient?
1. Shared Responsibility
Resilient campaigns are built on the principle that everyone has a role to play—and everyone is accountable for the outcome.
- Example: A candidate who knocks on doors alongside their volunteers demonstrates shared responsibility, creating a culture of commitment and unity.
2. Adaptability
When setbacks occur, resilient campaigns find innovative ways to recover. Skin in the game ensures that everyone on the team is invested in solving problems.
3. Loyalty Built on Trust
Leaders who show they’re willing to share the risks of their decisions inspire fierce loyalty in their teams and supporters.
- Example: Alexander the Great earned the devotion of his army by enduring the same hardships they faced, from long marches through the desert to intense battles.
How Alexander the Great Exemplified Resilient Leadership
1. Sharing Risks with His Soldiers
Alexander didn’t just issue orders—he fought alongside his men, often placing himself in the front lines of battle. This willingness to share the dangers of war fostered unparalleled loyalty among his troops.
- Example: During the grueling march through the Gedrosian Desert, Alexander refused water until his soldiers had enough, showing his commitment to their well-being over his own comfort.
2. Adapting to Challenges
Alexander’s campaigns were marked by their adaptability. Whether facing the disciplined phalanxes of Persia or navigating unknown territories in India, he adjusted his strategies to match the circumstances.
- Lesson for Campaigns: Resilient teams are those that can pivot quickly, learn from setbacks, and find new ways to succeed.
3. Inspiring Loyalty Through Action
Alexander’s ability to lead by example and demonstrate his commitment to shared success inspired loyalty that endured even in the toughest conditions. His army followed him across thousands of miles because they believed in his vision and trusted his leadership.
How Campaigns Can Build Alexander’s Resilience
1. Lead by Example
As a candidate, show your team and voters that you’re willing to share the challenges of the campaign.
- Example: Be the first to arrive at events, engage with volunteers, and participate in the hard work of voter outreach.
2. Create a Culture of Accountability
Resilient campaigns ensure that every team member feels responsible for the campaign’s success.
- Tip: Recognize individual contributions regularly to foster a sense of shared purpose.
3. Prepare for the Unexpected
Just as Alexander adapted to new terrains and adversaries, campaigns must be ready to pivot when faced with setbacks.
- Example: If a strategy isn’t working, such as low event attendance, brainstorm innovative solutions with your team and adjust quickly.
Why Skin in the Game Matters for Resilience
1. It Strengthens Team Bonds
When leaders and teams share risks, they create a sense of unity and mutual respect that helps them persevere through challenges.
2. It Encourages Creative Problem-Solving
Teams with skin in the game are more likely to innovate and find solutions because they’re personally invested in the outcome.
3. It Inspires Confidence in Voters
A resilient campaign with shared stakes sends a clear message: the candidate and their team are committed to the community, no matter the obstacles.
Final Thoughts
Resilience is about more than surviving setbacks—it’s about growing stronger because of them. Leaders like Alexander the Great show us that sharing risks, adapting to challenges, and leading by example are the keys to building lasting loyalty and achieving extraordinary success.
As Nassim Taleb says, “Antifragility is beyond resilience or robustness. The resilient resists shocks and stays the same; the antifragile gets better.” By fostering a campaign culture with skin in the game, you create a team that thrives under pressure and inspires trust.
Ready to build a campaign that leads with resilience and inspires loyalty? At Next Generation Political Consulting, we specialize in helping candidates create strategies rooted in shared stakes and adaptability. Let’s craft a plan that ensures your campaign grows stronger through every challenge.
