EDITORIAL: Unlikable offers hints at unelectable

He doesn’t stick his nose into politics, so the wisdom of business leader and syndicated columnist Harvey Mackay’s words comes from a place meant to improve individuals and society.

Mackay, a seven-time national bestseller and supercharged native Minnesotan (age 91!), dispensed some advice in a recent column published in The Press under the headline The Power of Likability (https://cdapress.com/news/2023/sep/24/power-likability/).

In case you missed it and can’t click on the link, we’ll share brief descriptions of his suggestions in a moment.

With local, nonpartisan (repeat: nonpartisan) elections just over a month away, we’re submitting Mackay’s plainspoken truths to voters, with one request: As you consider candidates for city council, school board and other important community positions, when in doubt, choose those who are most likable.

One of the many problems with some of the more notorious elected officials now serving with governing board majorities in Kootenai County is that these people are not likable. That’s not the biggest issue, but it’s an indicator that, had it been heeded by more voters, it would have helped avoid much of the recent drama and mess created by these board majorities.

To put a positive point on it, as Mackay no doubt would, it’s not too late for these elected officials to improve their likability. Here are the Mackay likability morsels to munch on. See the full column for more detailed explanations.

• Make others feel important.

• Use humor — including being able to laugh at yourself.

• Use people’s names — it makes them feel important.

• Be kind. Offer sincere compliments.

​​• Stay positive. People much prefer being around happy, positive people.

• Don't be judgmental.

• Watch your body language.

• Improve your listening skills. Ask questions. Be inquisitive. This also shows you're listening.

• Talk nicely about other people.

If a candidate under consideration is a mismatch in several of these areas, that might be someone to avoid in elected office as much as in day-to-day interactions.