There are few things as awe-inspiring as stepping into the state capitol on your first day as a newly elected legislator, but the learning curve is steep. Many new legislators enter feeling motivated and capable, only to quickly become lost in the complex atmosphere. You likely already have transferable skills, honed through years of other jobs and life experiences, and all it takes to discover them is to get started.

The House chamber in my state is one of the largest in the country, aside from the US Congress. Any member who wishes to speak on the House floor must walk to the well at the front of the chamber and address hundreds of colleagues. Many new legislators find that a daunting prospect. I had wondered and worried about how my background in teaching and music performance would be relevant to my legislative career. It turns out I was very comfortable speaking to large audiences and quickly became someone my colleagues in committee and caucus would call upon to speak to the entire chamber on their behalf.

Keep an open mind about how you can be an asset, but be aware of common pitfalls and how to address them.

1. Trying to know it all.

It is impossible to master every issue. Instead, focus on a few priority areas to build expertise. When I entered my first term, I expected to work on a long list of specific issues, but based on my committee assignments, I found myself knee-deep in many others. I had to adjust my expectations and focus on a limited range of issues to be responsible and keep up. Find colleagues, lobbyists, and staff who can help you maintain top-line information and understand the flood of legislation coming across the floor.

2. Neglecting constituent relationships.

When the campaign ends, it is easy to focus solely on what’s happening inside the Capitol and lose sight of the community. Communication with voters and community engagement must be constant priorities. Maintain consistent outreach from the beginning to build trust. Social media, events, op-eds, and local TV are excellent tools. Attend ceremonies, parades, and charity drives. Host educational sessions on advocacy – how to testify at a hearing, how to use the legislature’s digital platforms (to submit comments on legislation, etc.). Become a familiar presence throughout the district.

I did not particularly enjoy walking in parades in the heat of summer or on cold mornings in the fall, and I did not love the idea of being the victim of a dunk tank at community fairs. However, every opportunity I took left me with new friends, strengthened relationships, and a better understanding of my neighbors.

3. Underestimating the workload.

Expect to be busier than you imagined. The days of hearings, meetings, and legislative drafting can be all-consuming, while the pace of communication obligations, constituent concerns, and events can be overwhelming. Develop time-management skills and ask seasoned colleagues for tips on prioritizing effectively.

4. Ignoring staff capacity.

Different legislatures have varying staff capacities. New members should make the most of the personal and shared staff available to them. The strength and smarts of staff can make or break a legislator. Learn to delegate effectively by identifying staff capabilities and avoiding micromanaging. During contentious hearings in the Finance Committee on expanded gaming, I needed a series of state revenue projection scenarios specific to my district in short order. Fortunately, I had a good relationship with legislative services and committee staff, and they quickly prioritized my needs and provided the information.

5. Overpromising.

The temptation to make promises to please everyone is strong, but it is impossible to guarantee a political outcome. Instead, guarantee that you will work hard and do your very best on behalf of constituent interests. You will find that your voters respect your honesty. I remember an event at a VFW after which a senior citizen veteran approached me with a hefty stack of legal code. He was in genuine distress about a regulatory issue that had been plaguing him. I could not make heads or tails of the issue at that moment and doubted I would have the capacity to get involved, so I told him just that. It hurt me to be unable to help him, but he told me he appreciated my candor.

6. Not cultivating a learning mindset.

Procedural rules determine what gets heard, amended, or passed. Paying close attention to the chamber’s floor rules and customs can help you be effective in moving legislation and becoming a leader. Once, during floor speeches on a hot-button issue for which each side had speakers lined up, the Speaker of the House ruled my colleagues out of order one after another for speaking in a tone that “presumed a motive” about their detractors. When it was my turn, I was about to be gaveled out as well, but I improvised and switched to a past modal tense to evade the grammatical rule the Speaker was enforcing. After that experience, I paid even closer attention to arcane House rules.

7. Burning bridges.

Despite political hostility and sound bites in the media, building friendly relationships with colleagues across the political spectrum is important. Being excessively confrontational and upsetting with leadership can quickly lead to a new legislator’s isolation. You can show your principles and leadership potential by sharing your views confidently but respectfully. Avoid being obnoxious.

8. Avoiding caucus collaboration and bipartisanship.

Finding connection points and shared concerns isn’t as difficult as it appears. Engaging in different caucuses and being willing to converse with all your colleagues can help you build relationships and make it easier to secure cosponsors, even in unexpected places.

9. Wasting time.

Respect your colleagues’ time by speaking concisely into the microphone. Avoid introducing numerous bills that you won’t be able to shepherd through the legislative process. Use hearing questions to gain insight and highlight your concerns, rather than just to participate. Aim to be a legislator whom colleagues listen to, rather than dismiss with eye rolls.

10. Not balancing short-term and long-term strategy.

I realized there was a monopolistic Certificate of Need (CON) board hindering the growth of the healthcare system across the state, but previous efforts to dismantle it had failed. A strong motive for renewed reform emerged, and with my colleagues’ support, we introduced legislation and amendments to change the CON board’s composition and phase it out. Our efforts paid off, and over several terms, the board was essentially rendered powerless. Some years after I left office, a bill to eliminate the CON board was easily passed.

New legislators often feel pressured to demonstrate success through quick, large-impact wins that are unlikely to succeed. However, real policy change typically requires years of persistence. Supporting gradual improvements can set the stage for broader reforms in the future.

Ultimately, the experience of a first-term legislator isn’t about avoiding all mistakes, but about embracing growth, forging genuine relationships, and staying true to your purpose. Being mindful of these principles can help you find your footing, avoid unnecessary errors, and become more effective.