Watching political debates is like putting a group of toddlers together in a room with one lollipop: There’s going to be a lot of whining, temper tantrums, name-calling, and gibberish.

I believe that some of the people who decide to pursue a political career do so out of a desire to initiate change. They’ve faced or witnessed injustices they want to end, or have grown tired of the ineptitude of their current representative or government. I can’t help but assume, however, that a hunger for power and attention also plays a role. This compelled me to look at the data we collected for our Values Profile, focusing specifically on people who indicated that they are interested in pursuing a career in politics. What does this group of politically minded people value? When I compared people who are not interested in a career in politics to would-be politicians here’s where they differ in terms of values:

Intellectual Creativity

(Note: Scores run on a scale from 0 to 100; the higher the score, the more important the value).

• Score for non-politicians: 58
• Score for would-be politicians: 64

People with this value thrive on projects that allow them to express their creativity. They hunger for the freedom to generate new and original ideas and solutions. They’re resourceful and imaginative.

Free-thinking

• Score for non-politicians: 59
• Score for would-be politicians: 65

People with this value are more idealist than realist. They have an unconventional way of thinking, which sometimes give people the impression that they are not grounded.

Knowledge

• Score for non-politicians: 61
• Score for would-be politicians: 72

People with this value have an insatiable desire for knowledge, and frequently seek out opportunities to expand their intellectual horizons. They enjoy learning for the pure pleasure of it.

Innovation

• Score for non-politicians: 67
• Score for would-be politicians: 77

People with this value believe that it is essential for the world to continue to progress and advance new theories, ideas, and inventions. They believe that relying on outmoded ways of thinking or maintaining the status quo is limiting, not to mention risky.

Financial Security

• Score for non-politicians: 60
• Score for would-be politicians: 69

People with this value recognize the value of money as a necessary tool for everyday living and for assuring their future. They prefer to avoid getting into extreme ventures that put their financial stability at risk.

At this point, you’re probably thinking, “These are great values that every politician should have. I’d vote for these people!” Well, hold on to that thought. Some of you might not like the next set of values.

Here’s what else our political group considers important:

Power

• Score for non-politicians: 49
• Score for would-be politicians: 61

People with this value are not comfortable being in a subordinate position. They want the power to influence others and make an impact on the world. They want to be the ones to make the decisions and dictate how things are to be done.

Career Success

• Score for non-politicians: 64
• Score for would-be politicians: 71

People with this value view their work as their life, which means that other priorities, like social relationships, take a backseat. They take pride in what they have accomplished in their career…or at least want to be able to say as much when they look back on it. They also tend to be workaholics.

Competition

• Score for non-politicians: 49
• Score for would-be politicians: 61

People with this value enjoy showing others what they are capable of. They are not afraid to go after what they want, even if it means stepping on a few toes along the way. They hate to lose and can actually be a little over-competitive.

Recognition

• Score for non-politicians: 48
• Score for would-be politicians: 60

People with this value want to feel appreciated. They want tangible signs that others are grateful for their input and hard work, whether through praise, rewards, or the like. To be remembered for their achievements would be in itself the ultimate accomplishment.

Personal Pride

• Score for non-politicians: 51
• Score for would-be politicians: 66

People with this value want to be able to achieve great things, and are often on the lookout for opportunities to prove themselves, at least in their own eyes. They want to do or create something of value.

Self-Interest

• Score for non-politicians: 51
• Score for would-be politicians: 61

People with this value place greater importance on their own needs than the needs of others – they prefer to look out for themselves. Above all else, it’s their personal happiness and success that matters most to them.
We cannot fault politicians for wanting to build a career that offers them security and gives them an opportunity to do something of value with their life – it’s what most people would want, whether they have political interests or not. But when you throw in a hunger for power and status, things can get rather messy.

A strong politician knows how to wield authority to the benefit of others. He or she can shoulder the responsibility that power entails. It’s the weaker politicians who falter, who use their power to pursue their own interests. When every move you make is judged by millions of people who will crucify you if you take one step out of line, you better have someone strong at the helm with a good head on his or her shoulders. This is why I propose that politicians take a personality test, and then post their results for the world to see. I want to vote for the real person, not the one who hides behind smiles and empty promises.

I’m also hoping that one day in the future, will be able to clone George Washington and Winston Churchill and put them back in charge.

Insightfully yours,

Queen D