A Legacy That Matters
SGR’s 10 in 10 Note – Jan. 3, 2024
At SGR, we have a tradition of sending “A Legacy That Matters ” in the first issue of the?10 in 10?each year.
It was written for elected officials. We share it in recognition of them—the ones who choose to step into the fray, who choose to serve when others do not, and who put their time, efforts, and talents to work for the greater good of the constituents and communities they serve.
Being an elected official is hard and it’s not getting any easier. As citizens, we hope they know how much we need them to be the leaders they know themselves to be. We need them to do this despite all the noise, shouting, and conflict that could tempt them to abandon their values and forget why they choose to serve. We need them to choose the noble path of working with others to get the important things done and serve?the greater good and who, in so doing, help to show the rest of us the way.?
This is for them.
A Legacy That Matters
In electing me to office, my fellow citizens have entrusted me with the sacred duty of shaping the future of our community. Because I am committed to creating a future that is brighter, healthier, and more beneficial to all citizens than when I was called to lead,?I will:
I will base my decisions on the next generation more than the next election, committed to the ideal that my loyalty must be to the entire community (both now and in the future) and not merely to those who got me elected.?
I will focus on mission, vision and values as the benchmark for my decisions and recognize that my responsibility is the pursuit of the greatest good for the entire community and not the satisfaction of any particular group’s agenda.
I will make decisions based on fact-based evidence and not allow myself to be manipulated into bad decisions for the future based on the decibel level of critics.
I will recognize that “it takes a smart leader to know where they are stupid” and have the wisdom to be smart. Accordingly, I will value those who have the courage to tell me what they really think and will listen sincerely to those who disagree with me to truly understand their perspective, recognizing that understanding other perspectives makes me a better leader.
I will embrace my responsibility to govern rather than to manage; recognizing that if I am doing staff’s job, I am not doing my job, while also understanding and embracing the appropriately exercised governance role of holding staff accountable.
I will place a greater emphasis on solutions than on problems; while refusing to offer solutions before I understand the problem.
I will understand that mutual trust is the foundation for everything and that if I refuse to trust others they will be unable to trust me.
I will protect the integrity of the process more than the rightness of my position; I will fight hard for my issue but then unify behind the governing body when the decision is made because the decision was made with integrity of process, even if I disagree with the outcome.
I will understand that my deeply held beliefs, values and positions will be strengthened, not compromised by courteous, respectful and civil discourse.? I will not treat someone as the enemy just because we disagree.
I will treat everyone with dignity and respect because of who I am as a leader… not because of how they treat me or what I think about them.
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I will be a role model for civility.? I will not treat my colleagues or staff in any way that I would be embarrassed if my five year old child treated someone the same way.
I will never forget – it is not about me, and it is not about now.?
May you have the courage to walk the talk of an authentic servant leader, and in so doing leave a legacy that matters.
Featured Open Recruitments This Week
?Check out all of SGR’s?Executive Recruitments ?and share them with anyone in your network who might be looking for their next opportunity. ?
Servant Leadership Conference 2024
Heroic Legacies: Unveiling Untold Stories of Servant Leadership in World War II
Explore the triumphs and heartbreaks of World War II heroes like Matthew Caldwell (M.C.), a Navy veteran who witnessed history and committed to equality. Then hear a recorded interview with Colonel James Harvey, one of the few surviving Tuskegee Airman, offering rare insights into the challenges faced by Black servicemen.
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TLG 2024: Early Bird Registration is Open
Take advantage of early registration for AFI’s annual Transforming Local Government (TLG) Conference . This highly anticipated conference, scheduled for April 8-11 in Tampa, Florida, offers a unique opportunity for attendees to connect, share knowledge, and explore innovative solutions for creating more efficient, effective, and sustainable communities. #TLG2024
Read the entire 10 in 10 online .