Solidarity Sunday: The Power of What We Believe
Being a local union Business Manager may be one of the most thankless jobs in organized labor, maybe even in the trades altogether. On the surface, it seems like a noble pursuit: you've got ideas, a vision for how to strengthen the union, and a desire to lead. Then you take that office, sit behind that desk, and suddenly the bullets start flying. Critics emerge, challenges pile up, and you start to wonder: Am I doing the right thing?
In those moments, the best thing you can do is go back to what you believe.
The Anchor of Belief
"We believe" statements are some of the most powerful anchors a leader can use. These aren't slogans or fluffy motivational lines, they are the convictions at the very core of why you stepped up to lead in the first place. When you write them down and keep them close, they become your compass. They buoy you against self-doubt, steel you against the critics, embolden you in the face of opposition, and sustain you even when disagreements arise within your own organization.
So what do you believe?
Have you ever written it down? For yourself, your leadership team, your members, or your family? If not, it's worth the exercise.
I'm not talking about the beliefs you grew up with or your religious or political convictions, I'm talking about those hard-worn beliefs that you've come to count on based on your experience and your aspirations. Write them down.
Why? Because all behavior is driven by identity. Every decision we make, whether it's what we buy, how we work, how we vote, or how we lead, flows from who we believe ourselves to be in the world.
When you clearly articulate your beliefs, you manifest them in your daily actions. This isn't wishful thinking or vague optimism. This is about truth, grounded in psychology and reinforced by experience.
Our Own "We Believe"
As an example, when we started Union Up, we knew we had to define what we believe. As parents of 3 boys ourselves, we knew we had to tie our company to core beliefs we could live out every day. We put it in writing, and it guides every decision we make:
- We believe that for our country to survive, there must be a pathway to the middle class, regardless of background, socioeconomic status, race, creed, or religion.
- We believe many young people today (especially young men) are lost and need to belong to and believe in something greater than themselves.
- We believe union apprenticeship and membership is uniquely suited as a pathway to that end.
- We believe that our 30 years of marketing, technology, and consumer behavior experience can help grow this path for the union entities we serve.
These aren't just words. They guide our decisions, shape our projects, and keep us grounded when challenges come.
Your Turn
So what is it that you believe?
If you're a leader in labor, or even a member of the working class, your "we believe" statements matter. They're not just for speeches or mission statements, they're your shield and your compass. Write them down. Share them with your administration. Keep them in front of your members. And most importantly, remind yourself of them when the weight of leadership feels heaviest.
Because when the storms come (and they always do) belief is what will carry you through.
Speaking of Things We Believe In
Union Up sponsored the Union Sportsmen's Alliance Fall sporting clays shoot in Griffin, GA yesterday. While our team didn't fair very well on the course, we had a great time with many of our local union clients in attendance. Special shout out to Kenny Mullins with Atlanta North Georgia Building Trades, Stacey Mixson with IBEW 1316, and David Pollard with U.S.A. for getting us involved in sponsoring the event. Union Sportsmen's Alliance supports conservation and promotion of hunting, fishing, shooting, and the great outdoors and we are proud sponsors of U.S.A. and their efforts. We look forward to participating again next year.
