Jun 23, 2010 - What I Learned as a ANC Commissioner About Leadership! by: Diane
I was at Whole Foods grocery store today and ran into a former neighbor and community activist who lives in the District of Columbia. He let me know that he and another community activist were talking about me (in a positive way) the previous night. He gave me feedback on my commissionership and told me I was definitely missed as the Advisory Neighborhood Commisioner (ANC) in the community. It was truly nice to hear what he had to say. When he parted, I felt good about my four years as an ANC.
After our 10 min. + conversation, I began to remember what I had done and linked it to my philosphy and practices in leadership. When I was a Commissioner, I had to use every skill and all my knowledge and abilities I had ever learned. There was not a set formula that indicated when to use what skills, etc,. It was more like "I am in conflict" so use the conflict skills. It was more like use everything you know how to do to resolve this issue and keep out of a "drama mode." It was more instinctive.
I did develop some some general thoughts about leadership as a comssioner. This may only apply to being a commsionr or community leader or it could apply to general leadership.
Listen, listen listen
See things from other's perspective
Speperate the people from the problem
Keep people informaed about the issues
Be able to give and receive feedback (even when the feedback received is unwarranted)
Be sincere
Do your homework, keep in the know
Look to the future, plan ahead
Be able to effectively communicate with people from diverse backgrounds. occupations and socio-ecomomic levels
Lead by example (in my case it meant walking around a lot)
Know your limitations and use the skills and knowledge of others
Most of all laugh a lot!!!!
What do you think??
Dianne Floyd Sutton is President of Sutton Enterprises, author, trainer, educator, facilitator, expert witness, coach and actor. She has twenty-five years of combined experience in Human Resource Development (HRD) and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) training. And she has twenty years of business experience as Sutton Enterprises.
