No matter what, keep trying

Too often we believe we have all the answers and fail to spend the time to better understand the words of those who may appear to have needs, but actually are looking for relationships and potential new opportunities to think differently about what they encounter and live on a daily basis. Too often we want to cut to the bottom line in the most expeditious manner rather than spending time getting to know potential partners. Investing in long term and trusting relationships is a true art form and the only way to create new and sustainable models where we actually build new models together.

Sometimes we think we are being inclusive and yet, once we open up to a different way of thinking about access to social and economic equity, we allow ourselves to experience so much and so differently. We tend to assume so much about so many, especially those who come from neighborhoods that appear to lack the resources that many have. We often fail to examine what are the resources that every community brings into a conversation or relationship.

Those who are habitual learners are often considered "distruptors" of systems that appear to be working. Often their language as to those they serve differ from traditional ideas around clients and benefactors. They question the systems that keep people from becoming generationally dependent or "clients" of the traditional systems.

Leaders that learn are asking a few basic questions: if these systems had been working all of these years, why are there not far more business owners or financially stable neighborhoods in our communities? Why do we still depend on a donor or Federal programs that have not elevated the income or educational status of our neighborhoods? Why do we have to rely on Corporations who move in, and just as quickly move away, once again leaving economic instability in areas that used to be rich with natural resources and are now environmentally challenged?

Leaders that return home tend to see and build new ways to support friends, neighbors and family and not just collect data and support clients in a way the systems deem necessary and appropriate. They understand the power of small and mid size business development and neighborhood engagement. These are the leaders that are worthy of investing unrestricted funds for pilot projects, incubators to create new business owners and so many other interesting ideas that everyone might learn with and from.

When you meet leaders that question traditional systems, consider it a wonderful opportunity to create idea labs, multi-generational learning teams, utilizing neighbors as opportunity creators and feel inspired each and every time you are a part of their energy. The beauty of such leaders is they welcome anyone into their opportunity based creation and are not afraid to speak the truth on behalf of and with their neighbors, families and friends. Here's to the leaders that love to learn and create with others and that are not afraid to fail fast and learn faster.

Making time to form the right relationships may seem slow as to progress, but with time, we do come back to the virtues of patience and trust. Make relationship building a habit, especially if you are motivated by real change. Find those that love a good #learningjourney.