When Choosing Leaders

The political season is bearing down upon us.  Candidates will soon be stomping in your town seeking your vote. But what considerations do you have when choosing your elected officials?
Choosing our elected officials, especially at the local level, is one of our most important acts of civic engagement because it is these electeds who will be voting on legislature that will directly impact our families and our communities.  These are the folks who will be in the closed door rooms when decisions are made affecting us.  We want to have folks in these rooms who will advocate staunchly on our behalf, not capitulate to access, money and prominence.   
In selecting leadership, let's consider the following:

 1. Do they sacrifice consistently of their persons and property (resources), even in the absence of an ‘important’ title?
    •    Sacrifice demonstrates commitment to the movement or organization. You always can tell a person values by where he/she spends time, money and energy. Additionally, if a person waits for a prominent title before committing to the needs of the movement, this isn’t the character fit for leadership.

   2. Do they practice what they preach?

    •    When someone walks their talk, it demonstrates they they believe in and are invested in the principles that they teach others. They are authentic and sincere. A person like this is dependable.
    •    3. Are they dignified and do they respect the dignity of others?
    •    Good leaders comport themselves in a way that exemplifies respect and professionalism. They communicate effectively and in a manner that builds bridges and empowerment within groups. They respect all, regardless of titles or agreement and they are not quick to cut others down, despite the ability to do so.
   4. Are they solution-oriented?

    •    This is an important point. Leaders are effective problem solvers. They identify problems and apply effective solutions. Once a problem is solved, solution oriented leaders seldom waste time re-hashing past problems.

    •    On the other hand, problem oriented people state and re-state problems and often find it difficult to transition to problem solving. They find problems for every solution and distract from the progressive agenda of organizations.
    •    Problem oriented people often become problems within organizations themselves.

    •    5. Are they ‘big meeting members' or consistently active?

    •    Early mornings, late nights and weekends. There is a lot of actual work happening behind the scenes that foster the success of progressive organizations. Good leaders are in the trenches doing the heavy lifting from which many people take leave.

    •    While some members are most active in the presence of lights, cameras, microphones and big names, strong leaders are made behind the scenes doing the grunt work that creates stability and growth. They are no less enthusiastic in the small meetings as the big meetings.

    •    6. Are they qualified?
   •    Candidates should have experience with organizational operations, administrating, project management, leadership, innovation, and should be knowledgeable of current issues challenging the organization.

    •    Qualified leaders are not new to the dance. The work, commitment and training attained in their junior roles has qualified them for more senior roles. 
    •    Those of us imbued with the great task of installing leaders must do so wisely if we are sincere about achieving the results set forth in our guiding principles.