Good
leaders are the key to community organizing. They do not tell other
people what to do, but help others to take charge. They do not grab
the limelight, but nudge others into the limelight. They are not interested
in being The Leader, but are interested in creating more leaders. They
recognize that only by creating more leaders can an organizing effort
expand.
Model
the effective leader:
Set
realistic expectations
Nothing buoys a group more than tangible success. The smart leader will
steer the group toward things it can easily accomplish.
Divide-up
& delegate work
Divide-up tasks into bite-sized chunks, then discuss who will do each
chunk. Make sure everyone has the ability to carry out their task, then
let them carry it out in their own way. Have someone check on progress.
People do not feel good about doing a job, if nobody cares whether it
gets done.
Show
appreciation for work well done
Recognize people's efforts in conversations, at meetings, in newsletters.
Give thank you notes and other tokens of appreciation. Give certificates
and awards for special efforts. Respect all contributions no matter
how small.
Welcome
criticism
Accepting criticism may be difficult for some leaders, but members need
to feel they can be critical without being attacked.
Help
people to believe in themselves
A leader builds people's confidence that they can accomplish what they
have never accomplished before. The unflagging optimism of a good leader
energizes everyone.
Inspire
trust
People will not follow those they do not trust. Always maintain the
highest standards of honesty. Good leaders air doubts about their own
potential conflicts of interest, and about their own personal limitations.
Herald
a higher purpose
People often volunteer to serve some higher purpose. A leader should
be able to articulate this purpose, to hold it up as a glowing beacon
whenever the occasion demands. A good leader will celebrate every grassroots
victory as an example of what can happen when people work together for
a common good.
Convince
others they can lead
Make the practice of leading transparent. Invite others to lead. Don't
try to run the whole show, or do most of the work. Others will become
less involved. And you will burn out.
Meet
and decide! ->
Community
Organizing
The
Citizen's Handbook:
A Guide to Building Community in Vancouver
© Charles Dobson / Vancouver Citizen's Committee
