In politics, embracing non-political professionals is becoming a crucial strategy for parties aiming to bolster trust and innovation. Some of the most successful politicians were “non-political” professionals, from Ronald Reagan, to Silvio Berlusconi, or even Donald J. Trump and Vladimir Zelinsky. Bringing in external people from the world of business, sport or even Hollywood can really help parties looking to reposition themselves as fresh, and innovative. However, not all people who come from different backgrounds start at the very top of political life, and it’s imperative to strike a balance between internal and external viewpoints while ensuring clear communication and equitable treatment for all party members.
Embracing diversity to fuel innovation
Diversity within political parties is more than a buzzword—it’s essential for resilience and effectiveness. By embracing a diverse base that includes non-political professionals from various backgrounds, parties can tap into a wealth of perspectives and experiences. This diverse pool of talent enriches discussions, promotes creative problem-solving, and enhances the party’s relevance to a broader segment of the population. Not to mention, it can also tighten relationships with various businesses and other sectors.
Balancing internal loyalty with external innovation
While external insights are invaluable, maintaining a balance with internal viewpoints ensures continuity and cohesion. Internal members bring institutional knowledge, an understanding of party dynamics, and a sense of loyalty that can’t be replicated by newcomers alone. Integrating external points must be done in a way that complements rather than disrupts existing party culture and values.
That is why clear internal communication is crucial for fostering understanding and buy-in when recruiting non-political professionals. Party members need to understand why these individuals are being recruited and how their expertise will benefit the organisation. Moreover, it’s essential to assure internal members that their contributions are valued and that they will not be overlooked or disadvantaged in favour of external hires. Ensuring equitable compensation for both internal and external talent is vital to maintaining morale and promoting internal mobility.
Setting up non-political professionals for success
Non-political professionals should be fully immersed in party activities from day one but with adequate guidance and support. While they may be “thrown in to swim in the deep end”, it’s crucial to provide them with the tools, resources, and mentorship they need to navigate the complexities of politics, their new workplace, and the party effectively. This approach not only accelerates their integration into the organisation but also sets them up for long-term success as influential contributors.
To harness the full potential of non-political professionals, parties must also create spaces for them to showcase their ideas and worth. Initiatives like weekly brainstorming meetings, strategy sessions, or task forces can provide platforms for collaboration and innovation. Encouraging active participation and valuing diverse perspectives creates a culture of creativity and adaptability within the party, ultimately leading to more robust policies and strategies – and through these internal platforms and groups newcomers will have the chance to speak their minds and share their ideas right away, also allowing them to be set up for success. This will also show your party membership why it’s important to bring in external expertise and voices, and how it’s beneficial to the whole organisation.
Success story: from actor the wartime leader
Let’s take a look at one of the outsiders that entered politics with rather big success – Ukraine’s President. Zelensky, originally a comedian and actor, gained national fame in Ukraine by starring in the TV show called “Servant of the People,” where he played a teacher who becomes president. The show became a huge success and is currently still available in many countries.
Leveraging his popularity and outsider status, he founded a political party with the same name (i.e. Servant of the People) in 2018. Zelensky ran for president in 2019 on an anti-corruption and reform platform, resonating with many Ukrainians disillusioned with traditional politicians. His campaign focused on transparency, anti-corruption, and a fresh approach to governance. He won the election by a landslide against the incumbent President Poroshenko, demonstrating how a non-political expert can achieve significant success in politics, effectively leading the country during a tumultuous period, including the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Zelensky’s success can be attributed to his ability to connect with voters through relatable, everyday language and his use of social media to engage directly with the public; he almost completely avoided traditional news outlet platforms during the campaign. His outsider status allowed him to distance himself from the entrenched political elite, appealing to voters’ desire for change. Additionally, his background in entertainment provided him with exceptional communication skills, charisma and stage presence, enabling him to effectively convey his vision and inspire trust.
Building a stronger, more inclusive party
Incorporating non-political professionals helps political parties build trust and foster innovation. By embracing diversity, balancing insights, communicating transparently, and providing supportive onboarding, parties can harness the full potential of their talent pool, ultimately strengthening their credibility and positioning them for success.
