In politics, the background noise and chatter never stops. The critics, the columnists, the opposition, and the anonymous social media sages all have a truckload of opinions, a barrel of proverbial ink and an internet megaphone. They all believe that they are the smartest ones in the room even though they’ve never run for office, created a private sector business, or advanced anything meaningful in the public domain other than their own bloviation. Only the strong and determined public official can get things done in spite of the din of noise emanating from the naysayers. And here is the true serum of the day—if you let the noise set your agenda, you will never accomplish anything worth remembering.
The smart leaders know how to keep the trains moving on time and refuse to fold when the boobirds get vocal as they try to tear down while you are building up. When opponents and the misguided minority try to derail you, you need to march forward and soldier on. When the internet stalkers and cranky editorialists turn sour and peddle their versions of hate, the strong leaders stare straight ahead, unbowed, and complete theirmission. It is the satisfaction of getting the job done that propels you forward, forces you to kick it up another notch, even though the malcontents attempt to roil and distract you. This is the time to hone your focused and concentrate on following through with the plan.
Over the years, New Jersey has seen its fair share of leaders refuse to be intimidated by the Morton Downey loudmouth crowd and instead opt for their work to do the talking.
Former Newark Mayor Cory Booker pushed ahead with public safety reforms and redevelopment despite brutal and unrelenting criticism from entrenched interests. Whether people agreed with him or not, he didn’t let the daily coordinated outrage dictate his well-thought-out decisions.
Governor Christine Todd Whitman faced pushback when she pursued tax cuts while championing environmental protections. She didn’t let the pundits define or derail her. I was in the assembly when the incoming missiles were launched, and the governor batted them aside and marshaled on with her plan.
Former United States Senator Bill Bradley spent years championing the important but unappealing topics of tax and campaign finance reform. He didn’t chase the applause, he stuck to his morals and continued moving forward with the tenants he thought would strengthen the country in the long run.
Former Camden Mayor Dana Redd pushed through far-reaching public safety reforms despite blistering criticism from activists and political opponents. She stayed focused and brought about staggering and astonishing positive changes that has changed lives and will continue to change that portion of state forever. I served with Mayor Redd in the state senate from 2008–2010 —she was truly fantastic.
These are leaders who weren’t obsessed with editorials or angry social media posts and were able to make a real difference. These leaders understand that true and consequential leadership requires thick skin. If you are doing something meaningful or disruptive, someone will always be screaming bloody murder. Real leadership is about outcomes, not applause. It isn’t about pleasing the haters, it is about trusting yourjudgement and keeping to the core mission.
New Jersey doesn’t reward timidity or cowardice. It rewards hard work and focus. It rewards strategic thinkers who are also strategic doers. History will always remember the brave, not the loud.
