There are no Baha'is in the U.S. Congress. The teachings of the Faith are decidedly non-partisan, yet around the world its members vote, organize around issues of principle (like leadership on religious freedom, environmental stewardship and women's rights), and can work for the government, but not as a registered Democrat, Republican, or any other party. Just as members of Congress have spoken out on behalf of Baha'is and others unjustly persecuted in Iran, like Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and Senator Durbin (D-IL), or stood behind legislation on women's rights, many members of Congress have been influenced positively by the involvement of their diverse Baha'i constituency in their hometowns across the country, and the principles of unity and justice that their friends and constituents have stood up for. I'd like to propose that thoughtful members of Congress draw from the teachings of the Baha'i Faith to overcome their impasse.

"The teachings of the Faith are decidedly non-partisan, yet around the world its members vote, organize around issues of principle (like leadership on religious freedom, environmental stewardship and women's rights), and can work for the government, but not as a registered Democrat, Republican, or any other party"When almost a million federal workers need to turn in all computers and cell phones and are threatened by federal law if they do any official business while government shuts down, the impact will be felt by many more Americans: IRS refund checks won't be issued, toxic waste policing and cleanup will be halted, training of police and border patrol agents in Afghanistan, as well as many foreign intelligence operations will stop, mortgages and federal loans coming to a standstill will block positive economic activity, and much more. The Baha'i approach is profoundly spiritual while in harmony with the latest in management research: start with clarifying the overarching vision and purpose; allow, appreciate and truly listen to differences of opinion; and engage in honest discussion and decision-making for the sake of the greater good to move forward in unity. All of this is rooted in the most universal of principles: the Golden Rule. In this case we might say it's "legislate unto others the way you would want legislated unto you." Starting with the vision, Baha'u'llah counseled: "The well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established." Unite around the vision, so that bigger goals -- our peace and security -- can be attained. But it's hard to unite when leaders are outright mean to each other.

A recent Harvard study found that 27% of communication by members of Congress is done by taunting. This approach allows room for disagreement. To reach unity authentically, divergent opinions are voiced, and actually encouraged. The Baha'i Writings counsel: "The shining spark of truth cometh forth only after the clash of differing opinions." Further, once a view is put forth to the group, it's no longer 'owned' by the person who expressed it, but by all involved in the consultation. The element of ego -- as challenging as it seems -- is minimized for the sake of serving the greater good.

"The Baha'i approach is profoundly spiritual while in harmony with the latest in management research: start with clarifying the overarching vision and purpose; allow, appreciate and truly listen to differences of opinion; and engage in honest discussion and decision-making for the sake of the greater good to move forward in unity"These ideas begin to form a cherished process Baha'is call 'consultation,' comprising much more than a civil discussion. Other key elements of Baha'i consultation include: beginning the deliberation with a prayer or silence; gathering information or evidence from diverse sources around an issue so as to be as informed and as just as possible; making a decision unanimously or by majority and even if those consulting disagree with the final decision they stand behind it. If it is the wrong decision carried out in a unified spirit, the error will become apparent and gears can be shifted more nimbly, without egos or sabotage to blame. This commitment to unity ensures that if a decision or a project fails, the problem lies in the idea itself, and not in lack of support from the community or the obstinate actions of opponents. In this era of profound political contention, I humbly submit this approach that's as actionable on the national stage as it is in making decisions at work or at home.

And, like the Golden Rule, it's the Christian, or Muslim, or Jewish, or Buddhist, or Hindu, or Baha'i thing to do