Lobbying

Ray Dalio  “Truth – or, more precisely, an accurate understanding of reality – is the essential foundation for any good outcome. Most people fight seeing what’s true when it’s not what they want it to be” (Principles, p.135). One of the greatest risks in lobbying is you are going to fool yourself or have a … Read more

I’ve been working as a lobbyist for more than 20 years in Brussels. I’ve represented most interests in town,  from NGOs, trade associations, foundations and multi-nationals.  The cores of good lobbying don’t change on who you are representing. It does not matter if you are working on detailed policy, emotional,  or technical issues. The rules … Read more

If you are serious about influencing public policy decisions, you need to plant some acorns. You’ll copy the forester. You’ll plant a few ideas, or as we will call them, acorns, that can be harvested at the right time to influence decisions in the right direction. If you plant an idea, the seed needs to … Read more

Negotiating a piece of EU legislation is not like haggling in a Turkish bazaar.  If that’s your tactic your chance of getting what you want are off to a bad start. Too many think that works in getting a road project with a local mayor who is their second cousin will work when dealing with … Read more