Sweet Home Chicago...

Did you know that Chicago has more architecture styles, and more bridges over rivers than any other city in America?

The bridges thing is fairly self evident.  What isn't as evident is the architecture styles.

If you ever get the chance, take the architecture tour.  It is amazing that the city has been so supportive of different architectural styles, especially with so many cities trying to "maintain character" and disallowing anything original because it doesn't fit with the buildings around it.

Yes, you preserve a look, but what you end up with is homogenous and vanilla.

Many groups do the same thing with their political efforts.  "This is how we do things."

That's really great and all, but you are missing an opportunity.  Because politics isn't a one-size-fits-all proposition.  You need diversity in your approach, in your efforts, and in your execution.

Otherwise you end up with homogenous and vanilla.

Know why that's a danger?  Your opposition knows EXACTLY what you are going to do.  Which means they know your playbook and can manipulate it to their advantage.

Sometimes you have to switch things up.  Do something people are familiar with, and change it to be your own.

Maybe that's why some of the Chicago institutions -

• Giordano's
• Gino's East
• Lou Malnati's

switch up the order of ingredients on their pizza...