Is it necessary to run a campaign to achieve career change?
My two favorite indoor "sports" are careers and politics; a recent book written by Chris Matthews makes some interesting observations about the intersection of these endeavors. 
Life's A Campaign: What Politics Has Taught Me About Friendship, Rivalry, Reputation, and Success is the latest book written by this journalist and TV pundit; it is already 2 days overdue at the library, so I need to share some thoughts with you now...
Matthews, (who later pledges to work on his listening skills!), suggests that:
"The whole trick of life is therefore to (a) find people who like you on first meeting, (b) put effort into winning over those people you can, and (c) recognize those whom, to use Donald Trump's phrase, you need to 'work around.' This is what politicians call campaigning. It's something you'll find you have to do in life even if you never run in a single election."
What about it - do successful candidates employ similar strategies when seeking career change or transition? Are we correct to refer to the job search process as a campaign?
- Clearly, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are candidates for the same job? Have you ever competed with a "friendly foe" for the same job? What happened to the relationship after the position was filled? While it is not likely that the outcome of such a contest will result in a "win-win," must the outcome produce a winner and a loser?
- How are the voters and/or the press doing in fulfilling the role of "hiring managers?"
- What role will the Super Delegates play? Are they the Senior Management team or CEO?
What can career changers and job seekers learn from the experience of these political candidates?
