The Election and the Daughter

The presidential election is over — yes I know it’s hard to believe. And the fallout is likely to continue for quite a while. There have been, and tragically, likely will be hate crimes, protests turning violent, pontificating “talking heads” and continued analysis of what went wrong for Secretary Clinton and what went right for Mr. Trump. Ironically, much of the chatter about how commentators and pollsters got it wrong will come from the very commentators and pollsters who got it wrong in the first place.

Yet those of us in public service know that the fabric that makes our country great is made, in significant part, out of the threads which we weave every day doing our jobs as elected and appointed officials.  We carry on when things are going very well, projects are completed, and great new employees are hired. We carry on when disaster, budget cutbacks or violent protests make things very difficult.

The importance of “carrying on” in the name of an amazing nation, despite its flaws and weaknesses, was displayed on the day after the election.  There certainly were protests and tears as well as cheers based on the outcome, but many questions were asked even by local government employees about what all this means.

I have never heard an answer more timely and more beautifully put then the one by an incredible public servant, who also happens to be one of my two beautiful daughters.

The HR Daughter Elyse Rosenberg is a management employee in, wouldn’t you know it, the government of the City of Portland, Ore. Her office is on the very street where many of the protesters marched and some who acted out in the days following the election.

As is the case with most managers, executives and elected officials, people look to us for guidance, hope, understanding and affirmation that the work done day after day in local government is meaningful. In fact, it was Napoleon who defined a leader as “… a dealer in hope.”  As many people question beliefs about the morale and outlooks they might find on the day after the election, here is what Elyse said:

“Getting ready to join hundreds of thousands of public servants at work today. And there is work to do. In my little corner I can listen, seek to understand, build relationships, build trust, strive for equitable outcomes and take the long view. I can use my many blessings to try to help others. I can try to treat others as they want to be treated. I can strive to show kindness. This is the work I can do, and it is my responsibility.”

As we go about our post-election lives, let us not forget to share with others the wisdom of Elyse’s words.