In July last year I was nominated as a PN candidate for the upcoming European Parliament elections. I was a stranger to politics but I was up to the challenge because I wanted to contribute. My outlook has evolved during the last six months and I have learnt a number of important lessons which I feel compelled to share.

Listening

Listening isn’t always easy, but it’s always important. When someone tells you their biggest concern is a pothole in the road, it’s natural to feel that they’re missing the bigger picture. But the reality is that everyone’s perspective is valid because it forms part of the larger mosaic of reality. Listening more and talking less helps us get a more complete understanding of our country and its people.

Viral enthusiasm

Enthusiasm is viral. There are thousands of people out there who are passionate about politics without being myopic or partisan. People from all walks of life follow politics and I’ve had the pleasure to listen to fantastic arguments on complicated issues by ordinary people who simply have a passion for what they’re doing. Enthusiasm is what drives them to achieve results and it also inspires enthusiasm in others. It’s viral... and I’ve caught the bug.

Paying attention

I used to follow politics from a distance, happily trotting along in my own little world. Now that I’m following things more closely I’m suddenly realising how enriching it is on both a personal and professional level. The best things in life are often found in the detail, so paying attention to the detail is extremely beneficial, whether or not we are in politics.

Dark realities

Have you ever noticed how our politicians are always impressed by house visits? Now I know why. House visits bring you face-to-face with realities  faced by families. . I’ve walked into houses where people cried and shared their issues. I’ve walked into houses where I could see a degree of poverty. I’ve walked into houses where I could smell the sense of anger and desperation.  I’ve walked into houses where I experienced with my own eyes severe health issues. It’s tough, and you walk out wanting to help but the numbers overpower you. And yet you find strength in learning from these people and how they handle their challenging situations. We all live in our own bubble and those of us who are comfortable very often forget that there are other people who are much less comfortable.

Respect

Respect is key. We may have different political beliefs and disagree on a certain issues, but even when we take a clear stand, our respect for the opposing position must shine through. If we treat people the way we want to be treated, we will gain respect. This is not rocket science but it’s particularly relevant to the world of politics because you are constantly confronted by situations in which you must defend your position and challenge others.

The power of the media

Every word you say can be amplified by the media. Before I joined politics I underestimated how this could affect our political discourse on a day-to-day basis. Now I understand the sensitivities involved in politics and how a spontaneous comment can so easily be turned into a headline. The fear of a bad headline can cripple politicians and force them to be populist. But instead of worrying about being misinterpreted, politicians should use their opportunities proactively to make a difference.

Do not change

I was often warned that politics could change me. At the onset of my campaign, an extremely respected politician told me that I would find politics very interesting, yet it was important that I work hard without letting politics change who I am. It is not always easy, mainly because the campaign makes you focus on getting elected instead of just giving your contribution. It can easily become all about the end result rather than how you got there or what you did with your time. But this is exactly what people do not like about politics. Why vote for someone only to realise they were pretending to be someone else? People value honesty, even when they disagree with your positions.

Perception

Politics is also about the management of perceptions. It is useless arguing the fact itself if you cannot sit back and understand the perception. As twisted as it can be, this is the starting point. 

You cannot please everyone

It’s a fact. You cannot please everyone and you shouldn’t even try because doing so drops you into an obsolete comfort zone where you do or say nothing just to avoid being criticised. This is the mentality that preserves the status quo and makes politicians irrelevant. Politicians should by their very nature be change-seeking and they must have the courage to fight for that change even at the risk of being disliked by though who have an interest in things.

The digital world

We live in a digital world where the social network is more anti-social than anything else, where the amount of ‘Likes’ or a re-tweet gives you a rush. Everything is rushed, impulsive and benchmarked. I’m learning to hold back, to go back to basics and think.

I’m sure the next three months will present their own lessons and challenges. Each experience will bring me closer to the people I wish to serve and help me prepare myself for the task at hand. Today I feel more ready than ever, even though there is always much more to learn.

Jonathan Shaw is a P.N. candidate for the European Parliamentary elections.

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