Back in the day when I was a rookie journalist, I would be genuinely excited to interview our political leaders (many long-retired now).
Imagine my shock when I discovered that some just wanted to get the photo over and done with; only to hastily depart.
Imagine my shock when the Federal Minister I most admired kept me waiting for an hour and then was dismissive and rude.
Their behaviour on the day – and they may have just been having a bad day – shaped my opinion.
There were those who were incredibly generous – no matter that they really wouldn’t have known who I was (which was a lowly suburban newspaper journalist).
I can recall Barry Jones being extraordinarily patient, Steve Bracks being generous with time, and Jeff Kennett making time for an unscheduled “walk and talk”.
Regardless of what I thought of their politics, I was impressed by their ability to connect with others.
Twenty years plus, I have now attended 100s of press conferences as both a journalist and a PR manager.
And I still watch to see how our leaders and those around them, treat people who, in a sense, don’t matter.
I am always curious about how they treat people who are not political influencers or don’t have positional power and can’t help to stitch up a deal.
While many in politics are much more attuned to the “meet and greet” than when I was a journalist, I remain astounded (and a bit judgmental) of those who don’t make any effort.
Especially people like me, who are part of the process; not elected reps – they are just there to do a job.
I don’t understand why some people just walk in and walk out without any acknowledgement of others.
For me, it’s even more important when you take over a community space for your event.
It doesn’t take that much to make the effort to smile and acknowledge or say hello to people – regardless of who you think they are.
You don’t have to get into a conversation, just treat people decently.
It’s too easy to stare at your phone, and huff around with self-importance because you represent someone who is important. I’ve seen people treated as photo props too many times.
And if you think they don’t notice, you’d be wrong.
People always remember those who are respectful and those who aren’t.