Learning from One Another: A Look Back on Our Webinar Series


Recently we wrapped up a virtual tour of all 50 states via webinar. During these sessions we were able to discuss the many challenges of the election ecocycle including

  • Poll workers
  • Ballot processing
  • Chain of custody
  • Cyber Security
  • Precinct Management
  • And more

We covered how Integra seamlessly meets these challenges. Hopefully you or someone from your state were able to join us for one of these amazing collaborations. If not, please contact us at elections@soch-inc.com.

As we reflect over the last few weeks and our encounters with election officials across the country, I am struck by one of my favorite quotes from motivational author and speaker, James Clear:

“We do not rise to the level of our goals but we fall to the level of our systems.” -James Clear, author of Atomic Habits.

I love hearing the wisdom of those who have experienced life and come away with deep reflection. However, imagine if I relied solely on these quotes and life experiences to provide me with the entirety of my understanding about the world?

I’m reminded of how baby birds wait to be fed by their parents. Never having left the nest, they‘re only able to digest what is brought to them. These baby birds will eventually have to leave the nest and provide for themselves. Even nature reveals, we’re only able to grow to the extent we interact with our environment.

A similar scenario plays out in our work and social environments,l if we only surround ourselves with people who are similar to us. Our choice of who enters our social media feeds acts like an echo chamber, causing our own opinions, ideas and methods to be reflected back to us. The baby birds will never grow to their full size within the nest. Similarly it’s hard for us to grow in an environment where we aren’t getting new information or ideas.

Let’s be open to learning from others and to considering the experience of other election officials and those who work within the space. By embracing a collaborative approach, we allow ourselves to take in more than just pre-digested knowledge and open the door to powerful growth through learning different viewpoints, approaches and pain points.

I’ve been amazed at how much I’ve learned by adopting this approach. I believe you will be too.