These are the 4 books that influenced my thinking on lobbying and campaigning.
Chris Rose, How To Win Campaigns: This is the NGO campaign bible. Anyone serious about influencing public policy and political decisions should have a dog eared copy. It breaks down stages and steps in setting up and delivering a winning campaign. It is a how to manual. Some consider it too detailed. They are wrong.
Chris Rose, What Makes People Tick: If you want to understand what’s behind Greenpeace’s winning campaigns, read this book and How To Win Campaigns. The only side effect of applying the advice here is you will win the votes you need. You may not be satisfied when you use this because whilst you win, people are not supporting them for the same reasons as you want them to. If that’s your hang up, take the win.
Sam Carpenter, Work the System: I came across this many years ago. It introduced me to systems approach thinking. From this I was able to chunk down and systemise most of the legislative and regulatory work. I now have a series of simple check lists and SOPs I consider. The book helped me realise the benefit of adopting a mechanical approach, and parking emotions at the door.
William F. Hietman, The Knowledge Work Factory: Once you realise that the steps in the adoption of a law or policy are similar 99% of the time, and the actions you can take to influence don’t change, you’ll benefit from this book. I learned that 90% of what I do can be systemised and the output standardised. It frees up a lot of time for deep work. It is less exhausting than joining the hyperactive hive mind.
I realise the politics behind each file are unique. But, the idea of creating ‘bespoke’ legislative campaigns for every issue fills me with horror. It is akin to ordering a bespoke craftsman made car. Apart from the expense, there are too few experienced craftsmen to take you through the journey.