Hello, I'm Jim Thomas. We've heard that type of opening thousands of times.
I retired from the New York State Senate after 31 years serving Deputy Majority Leader Tom Libous for 27 years in many positions and Senator Patty Ritchie for 4 years. I’m currently a State Vice Chair of the Conservative Party. I’ve managed over 50 political campaigns at every level of office from town council to congress.
Some would consider it a disadvantage to be hired straight from college to a government/political position. But I had two great leaders as mentors in Senator Tom Libous and his Chief of Staff Bob Nielsen. They both were interested in teaching younger staffers and giving them the chance to succeed or fail. Mistakes weren't a death sentence. It was a learning experience. They also believed in cross training and promoting from within.
Some of the top lessons I’ve learned along the way: Strategy is where it all starts; Listening is crucial to leadership and communications; Relationships are the key to success; and Paying Attention to Detail is what ties all of it together.
