A Change in Leadership Style Last Night?

We all would like to think that we are a part of something larger than just ourselves—that we are part of a community and that we matter.

Hopefully this community gives you a sense of identify; a sense of belonging. The feeling of belonging, of pride and being a part of something is important when trying to solve the problems of modern communities. The next step is to develop a shared sense of identify and commitment. 

Collaboration or Polarization? The “us versus them” zero sum game as opposed to a way of thinking and acting that is characterized by openness to opposing ideas. Collaboration has the potential to make things better and enhance our sense of responsibility to each other. 

Those of us in local government are responsible for playing a role in facilitating community building through collaboration. Collaboration is the “right” thing to do because it promotes democracy and community building.  

So – this is what collaboration is not…… Each side fills the chambers with their supporters and tries to force their position on the others. No one is listening to the “other” side. You usually have already picked a “side” and will attempt to make the other side look wrong. Collaboration almost never happens at these types of public meetings.

This is collaboration; providing time and space to allow fellow council members to come together to define problems, overcome division, be a part of the solution and help make decisions for the whole community.

Collaboration does not occur in a zero-risk environment. Learning from mistakes is a key element in the collaboration process. Council members must be encouraged to experiment, test ideas and fix problems and mistakes along the way. Courage has always been a key attribute for leaders. Given the hard choices facing elected officials, courage will become a hallmark of effective governance. Collaboration starts with courageous conversations and engaging all council members in difficult decisions. 

Collaboration requires civility. “Civility is claiming and caring for one's identity, needs and beliefs without degrading someone else's in the process.”[1] Civility requires respect. Respect means following the American principle of avoiding violating an individual’s fundamental rights. Personal attacks of other council members should not occur when being civil.

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[1] Dahnke, Cassandra and Tomas Spath, Reclaiming Civility in the Public Square: 10 Rules That Work