Post-election reflection

With the election behind us, here is a useful exercise that starts with thinking about your values.

“Your fundamental values and beliefs represent the core of who you are,” argue James Kouzes and Barry Posner in their book “Learning Leadership.” In “Dare to Lead,” Brené Brown adds that value clarity “is an essential support, a North Star in times of darkness.”

Write down the three or more values that are most important to you. I have written about this before, so maybe you already have a list. Mine includes courage, authenticity, gratitude, hope, curiosity, kindness, respect and connection.

Next, write down a few words that come to mind when you think about the person you didn’t vote for, be it Donald Trump or Kamala Harris, as well as everyday citizens who voted for that candidate. For example, I have heard people use terms such as evil, stupid, misinformed, selfish, unpatriotic, uneducated, baby killer, woman hater and more. You can fill in the blanks as you wish.

Third, go back to the list of the core values you wrote down earlier and compare the two lists.

I obviously don’t know what you listed as your values. But, given that (1) most people aspire to high values and (2) there is such a strong political divide in our country, I am guessing that most who do this exercise will see a gap – maybe even a big one – between their values and their views of candidates and people with different political views.

Are you living your values in how you see people with different political views?

Okay, maybe you don’t agree with this exercise at all and prefer to think that “those people” on the other are simply wrong and you are right. Case closed. You obviously have every right to your opinion, but what I am arguing is that embracing perspectives like these toward Americans on the other side of politics is hurting our country – and it’s not healthy for you either!

In an interview with podcaster Kelly Corrigan, journalist Judy Woodruff said that she has seen plenty of division in this country, but the 2024 election was the first time the two sides seemed to be looking at each other as mortal enemies. Are you looking at people on the other political side in such terms? If so, is there a gap between your thoughts and your values?

Author Scott Mautz suggests that each of us “elevate your values to sacred status … do you consistently live by these values and let them guide you? Do you hold your values sacred? Living by your values turns guesses into good decisions. When we go astray from our values, regrets pile up.”

Elevating your values to sacred status is great advice, if not easy to achieve.

If you are thinking negative things about the people who support politicians you dislike, we suspect you are expressing that to others in some way, at least to people on your side of politics. This kind of echo chamber is self-perpetuating and reinforces polarization and division in our country. What is in your heart and what you think really matters — your influence touches others who in turn touch others. You have a lot more power than you might think!

Reflect on your values – and ultimately your heart – and how you think and act toward others. What is in your heart extends to what is in your mind. If there is a gap, what might you want to do differently going forward?

At the end of the day, how we see others is a reflection of ourselves. We need to get past the idea that they do it, so I can, too. That thinking will lead to a downward spiral that could destroy our beautiful country. We can do better, and it has to start with you and me.

For further thought: Are you clear about how you apply your values in daily life?

Is there a disconnect between your values and how you see people who support politicians with views different from yours?

What might you want to do differently to narrow any gap?

Do you think you are contributing to political polarization, and, if so, how might you want to change?

We each have an extraordinary opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives, including our own. Don’t underestimate your impact!