Western Australia is abuzz with election fever as State and Federal polls loom large and bring a parade of policies, plenty of promises and puzzling proposals.
Voters are sharpening their senses, deciding which candidates are worth their trust — and which are not.
While some politicians rise to the occasion with skill and sincerity, others falter under scrutiny and crash out amid blunders, bluster and broken promises.
The flaws that voters are wary of in politicians — like dodging accountability, spinning hollow slogans or over-promising — are not exclusive to the political arena.
They mirror poor leadership traits seen in any organisation.
Yet when it comes to politics, a bad decision can ripple across communities, economies and entire regions.
The challenge lies in separating authentic leaders from performers.
Some candidates are maestros of political pantomime, spinning tales with the finesse of seasoned storytellers but leaving little substance behind when the curtain comes down.
Their glossy policies often unravel under pressure, leaving voters to mutter “all sizzle, no steak”.
Then there are the crowd-pleasers, who pander to public opinion with promises as sweet as pavlova and just as fragile — before they crumble under the weight of reality.
Voters know that when something sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
No election would be complete without the blame-shifting brigade.
When things inevitably go wrong, they are quick to point the finger at their predecessors, the media or even the public.
Accountability is a cornerstone of leadership and shirking it is as well-received as a flat beer on a hot day.
Adding to the fray are the soundbite specialists, who rely on catchy slogans and clever quips but fail to deliver meaningful detail.
Slogans might work in the short term but they cannot replace substance when tough challenges arise.
Equally frustrating are the flip-floppers — candidates whose stances change so frequently they leave voters spinning.
While some adaptability is necessary, constant reversals erode trust.
The ego-driven operators also stand out, campaigning more for self-promotion than public service.
Endless photo opportunities, self-aggrandising speeches and a refusal to admit fault reveal their true priorities.
These candidates are like selfie sticks — focused on their image while keeping others at arm’s length.
Lastly, there are the out-of-touch operators, politicians whose comments and policies reveal a startling disconnect from everyday realities.
As the election draws closer, West Australians will cut through the noise to find leaders who offer more than lip service.
Political leadership is no walk in the park.
The pressures of public office are immense and even the most well-intentioned leaders can stumble.
The difference between those who succeed and those who falter often comes down to one thing: authenticity.
And once the whirlwind of this election season fades, what will remain is not the theatrics but the results.
Professor Gary Martin is CEO of AIM WA and a specialist in workplace and social trends
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