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Changing Hawaii
SILLY, silly me. I used to think that the members of the Hawaii state Legislature and local journalists didn't have anything in common. 10 qualities this
state’s legislators
should haveThe former make the laws; the latter cover the law-making process.
Legislators want only the "good news" about the session to be shared with the public.
The media are far more interested in how tax money is being spent, or the unusual and sometimes baffling things senators and reps are advocating, like mandating official naps and snack money for state government workers.
How different could two professions be?
Then I read an article in the Jan./Feb. issue of the Columbia Journalism Review, "The 10 Qualities of Successful Editors," by Marshall Loeb.
According to the distinguished writer/editor and a panel of his peers, the best magazine editors in the nation share 10 characteristics.
Coincidentally, they are some of the very same traits our political leaders should have as well. Imagine that!
1) They should be "obsessively curious about absolutely everything in the world," not merely focusing on the familiar or pet issues.
2) They should have the ability to empathize with people and what is important to them.
3) At the same time, they must have the self-confidence NOT to be swayed by political polls or popular opinion or temporary setbacks.
4) They must be fearless when it comes to dealing with special interests, their peers, all levels and branches of government, and other pushy factions.
5) Required are the physical stamina "needed to fill the grinding demands of the job" and the intellectual stamina to remain sharp and focused.
6) They don't necessarily have to come up with the best ideas, but must be capable of spotting "sensational performance" and stimulating it. In other words, supporting the right things.
7) They need to leave the comfort and security of their offices and get out into their respective communities to find out what folks are talking about.
8) They should surround themselves with staffers "more knowledgeable and more talented than they."
9) Nobody likes to be the bad guy/gal, but the ability to say no -- emphatically, unequivocally and loudly, if necessary -- is a lost art.
10) They must be more like a "nurturing parent than a dictatorial, finger-waving, stern uncle." By the way, when was the last time you encountered a legislator who was humble and not arrogant, calm and communicative not cocky?
THE thought-provoking article concluded by saying that, if you are truly great in what you do, "you serve as a teacher and role model. And staff members try to emulate you.
"They may even employ some of your lessons, your principles, your practices for years to come.
"And if you're that good, you will have achieved not only a touch of greatness but also a bit of immortality."
Whoa. Wouldn't it be fantastic if all lawmakers aspired to cultivate the aforementioned 10 characteristics?
Wouldn't it be even better if incumbents -- when realizing that they don't have and never will have these traits -- decided NOT run for re-election and to let others have a chance at public service?
Silly, silly me.
Diane Yukihiro Chang's column runs Monday and Friday.
She can be reached by phone at 525-8607, via e-mail at
dchang@starbulletin.com, or by fax at 523-7863.