The views expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
Choices are often difficult for many of us. According to last examinationMore than a third of American adults say the 2024 presidential election makes them anxious or depressed. I’ve met many colleagues who say they’re at least distracted by the election campaigns (or media coverage of them).
In addition, World Economic Forum Survey identified disinformation and AI-derived disinformation as the biggest global threat over the next two years, rating higher than climate change and war.
When controversial (and sometimes even false) stories dominate our feeds and stress levels are high, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by negativity. But if you take the time to find value in it, entrepreneurs have a lot to learn from this election season.
Notice how people’s real opinions change over time
Truth is essential in all areas of life, especially in building a successful business. Entrepreneurs should use these elections as an opportunity to observe how people’s opinions change over time and discover their hidden motivations.
Rather than getting lost in the chaos of election season, treat it as a reminder to seek the truth and an opportunity to expand your knowledge of human behavior.
For most of this election cycle, Democrats have resigned themselves to the inevitability of having Joe Biden as their party’s nominee. While many Democrats have privately brooded over their displeasure with Biden, it was only after his poor performance in the presidential debate that some Democratic leaders found the courage to speak up about how they really feel.
In this case, it took a critical moment for people to finally express how they really felt. As an entrepreneur, it’s essential to not let it get that far and to continually monitor how your business is doing. An example can be a significant drop in sales or the loss of a major customer before management realizes there are serious issues with product quality or customer support.
The key is often knowing what your team, customers, and competitors really think, and sometimes it’s so simple as creating an environment where people feel really comfortable expressing their opinions. Asking questions, either through one-on-ones or worker surveys, keeping an open mind, and being genuinely interested in their answers can go a good distance toward understanding what people are feeling and where they’re coming from.
Don’t take what you read on the web for granted, seek the advice of the source directly
Misinformation and the distortion of truth are as old as politics itself. However, with the advent of AI, social media, and advanced disinformation and disinformation techniques, finding the truth is harder than ever before.
For example, each Democrats and Republicans will tell you that their party’s policies are higher for the middle class. To “prove” this, they’ll cherry-pick statistics that support their arguments, or worse, they’ll point you to completely false information.
Instead of relying on information that is conveniently handed to you on a plate, do your own research to get the greater picture. In the above scenario, look at the actual numbers on how middle-class incomes change under each party. Use information from a variety of unbiased sources and talk to experts with different backgrounds and areas of expertise.
The same logic applies to your business. Everyone has their own interests and can present information in a way that works for them. Instead of basing business decisions on one metric or one opinion, look at the numbers and make sure you understand the whole picture.
Ask good questions
Finding good answers starts with good questions. For example, in my company I ask, “Why did revenue increase by 10% this year compared to last year?” It seems that I have made measurable progress in each the marketing points of myself and managing my clients, and as a result I have acquired recent clients. Constantly asking questions Why can lead you to the truth about why things are the way they are.
While it’s at all times price asking why, sometimes that’s not enough. Ask yourself if your employees are saying what they mean or what you want to hear. Have opinions modified since you last reached out? What wouldn’t it take for someone to say what they really think?
Just as essential as the query is the person you ask it to. While it’s essential to have trusted sources that you return to time and time again, don’t underestimate the importance of asking questions from those whose opinions you don’t often search out.
Look for people’s hidden beliefs
Understanding a person’s unique perspective and motivations may also help you higher understand why they feel a certain way and help you sort through conflicting ideas.
For example, conservatives as a whole oppose universal health care, though it could personally profit many Republican voters. Without understanding someone’s worldview as a whole, it’s hard to reconcile why someone would oppose something that might directly improve their every day lives.
It’s only when you dig deeper and uncover the underlying incentives that you can begin to understand why people behave the way they do. Once you understand that conservatives imagine in limiting government, you can understand the Republican voter who opposes universal health care though he’s frustrated by the rising cost of health care. In this case, his perspective on the role of politics in general is influencing his opinion on universal health care.
Or if a magnate supports a candidate who opposes taxes, you can infer that his or her own interests may motivate him or her to try to persuade you of what to do. Similarly, if one of your salespeople says you don’t do enough marketing, do not forget the motives that may motivate him or her to do so.
As an entrepreneur, politics and deal-making are key parts of the job. To reach agreements and close deals, it helps to understand where your counterparts’ beliefs come from. Only when you understand their core beliefs and motivations can you start moving forward.
This election season, remember the importance of understanding people’s core beliefs, asking questions, and doing your own research. The truth is the best preparation for the future and may also help you navigate the complexities of running a business. When you feel overwhelmed by politics, do not forget that there is a silver lining in the useful lessons you can learn from it.