Every community needs strong, thoughtful, and dedicated leaders. If you’ve ever considered running for office, you might be asking yourself, Am I the right person? Can I actually do this? The truth is, most great leaders start with these exact same questions. But leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about stepping up, listening, and taking action to make an impact.
If you’re on the fence, here are five powerful questions to help you decide whether it’s time to throw your hat in the ring. Using the assessment questions, add up your points at the end to see if you’re ready to take the leap!
1. What change do I want to see in my community?
The best leaders run because they care deeply about their communities. What issues keep you up at night? What policies or problems do you wish someone would address? If you find yourself saying, Someone needs to fix this, maybe that someone is you. Every meaningful change starts with someone willing to take action and create impact.
Assessment Question: How passionate are you about making a difference in your community?
A) Very passionate—I think about it often and have clear ideas. (5 points)
B) Somewhat passionate—I care but haven’t taken much action yet. (3 points)
C) I care, but I don’t know where to start. (2 points)
D) I don’t think I’m the right person to make a difference. (0 points)
2. Am I willing to listen and learn?
You don’t have to be an expert to run for office—but you do have to be willing to listen. Great leaders surround themselves with smart people, ask good questions, and make informed decisions. Are you open to learning from others, including those who may disagree with you?
Assessment Question: How comfortable are you with listening to different viewpoints?
A) Very comfortable—I seek out and respect diverse perspectives. (5 points)
B) Somewhat comfortable—I listen but sometimes struggle to understand opposing views. (3 points)
C) I prefer to stick to what I believe and avoid disagreements. (1 point)
D) I find it difficult to hear or respect differing opinions. (0 points)
3. Can I commit the time and energy?
Campaigns require effort, and serving in office takes dedication. That doesn’t mean you need to drop everything, but it does mean carving out time to connect with voters, build a team, and serve effectively once elected. Does your schedule allow you to take this on, and if not, can you make it work?
Assessment Question: Can you commit the time and energy required for a campaign?
A) Yes, I’m ready to prioritize it and adjust my schedule. (5 points)
B) I think so, but I need to figure out how to balance everything. (3 points)
C) I’m not sure if I have the time, but I’d like to try. (2 points)
D) I don’t think I can make the time commitment. (0 points)
4. Do I have a strong support system?
Running for office isn’t something you do alone. Do you have family, friends, or community members who believe in you? A strong support network—whether personal or professional—can make all the difference in keeping you motivated and grounded.
Assessment Question: Do you have a strong support system?
A) Yes, I have people who will support me emotionally, financially, and logistically. (5 points)
B) I have some support, but I’ll need to build a stronger network. (3 points)
C) I don’t know who would support me, but I’m willing to find out. (2 points)
D) I feel like I’d be doing this completely alone. (0 points)
5. What’s holding me back?
Fear? Doubt? Impostor syndrome? Every candidate faces moments of uncertainty. But remember, no one starts off as a perfect leader. The most important step is the first one—deciding to run. What’s stopping you? And what would happen if you pushed past it?
Assessment Question: How do you handle challenges and setbacks?
A) I see them as opportunities to learn and grow. (5 points)
B) I try to stay positive, but setbacks can be frustrating. (3 points)
C) I struggle with obstacles but try to push through. (2 points)
D) I don’t handle challenges well and prefer to avoid them. (0 points)
Your Score:
20-25 points: You’re ready! Your passion, mindset, and resources put you in a strong position to run for office.
10-19 points: You have the potential! Consider strengthening your support system or refining your goals before taking the leap.
0-9 points: Running for office may not be the right step for you right now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make an impact in other ways.
What Comes Next?
If this assessment helped you see your potential as a leader, don’t ignore that feeling. Running for office isn’t about being perfect—it’s about stepping up and being willing to serve. Your community needs leaders who are ready to listen, learn, and take action.
At Proximity, we have the tools and resources to help you every step of the way—from launching your campaign to making an impact once you’re in office. If you’re ready to make an impact, we’re here to help.
