The proof is in the pudding - 4/25/24
Kendon Jung, M.Ed.
Fulbright Fellow | Enterprise Design, Sustainability and Resilience
Almost 9 years ago, we started out with a vision for Tempe. A vision were every Tempean could thrive in the desert. We had dreams as vast as the Grand Canyon. But change is hard. While there was some small wins, it felt like everything was an uphill battle. We pour a lot of blood, sweat and tears into our work, advocating tirelessly to take even one small step forward. Stricken with climate anxiety, I was frustrated with our pace and defeatism began to take up residence where my dreams previously lived.
What do you do? Why try? At this rate, we would be cooked off the planet before we knew it. I asked my professional and personal networks, how do they keep pushing day in and day out. What I heard back was not what I expected.
Trust. Move at the speed of trust.
I was so focused on the destination that I failed to see what we were actually doing. We were building trust. Change isn't a switch you can just turn on or off. Change is a process stewarded by collective learning. Now, looking back on our journey, I no longer see roadblocks and setbacks. I see path scattered with golden little moments of trust, glowing in anticipation.
On April 25, 2024, the City of Tempe took next step on our journey towards that sustainable future. Receiving the LEED Gold for Cities Certification demonstrates Tempe's continued commitment to sustainability and innovation, highlighting key areas like #Resilience planning, #transportation performance, and #GHG #trend improvements. This certification builds on the passage of the Climate Action Plan, adopting the IgCC, securing new funding for sustainability projects, and a department reorg for operational expediency. But what you don't "see" is all of the hard work and trust building under the surface that made this milestone possible.
"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."
Trust building is invisible. It can not be touched, smelled, tasted, or heard. Trust involves another person. And #teamwork makes the dream work. It takes time. But what has surprised me the most, is the exponential rate of change that is possible when your foundation is built on trust.
And so I close with this. Look for, sew, and nurture the moments where you can build trust. You will be amazed at what you can accomplish together. To the City Council members, commissions, staff, an community members (past, present and future) who chose trust on this journey, you are seen and appreciated. I can't wait to celebrate with you over a delicious cup of chocolate pudding. :)
领英推荐
Watch remarks from Mayor Corey Woods at Thursday's Council meeting:
P.S.
Special shout out to Barbie Burke . "Barbie, your efforts have truly make a difference, turing ambitious plans into tangible results." - Shawn Swisher, AIA, LEED AP We owe this achievement to you.
Kendon Jung, Vice Chair
Sustainability and Resilience Commission
Energy Management Specialist @ City of Scottsdale | C.E.M., FMP, LEED Green Associate
10 个月Congratulations on your accomplishment and commitment to battling climate change. We could all learn from the teamwork and leadership at the City of Tempe!
Thanks for your support!
Optimizing logistics and transportation with a passion for excellence | Building Ecosystem for Logistics Industry | Analytics-driven Logistics
11 个月What strategies did you implement to build trust and teamwork within your team to achieve LEED Gold for Cities?
Improvement Guru. I help organizations become better & make the world better. Lifelong Learner. Always learning about my expertise, my community, my professional partners, & our world. Let’s make our world better.
11 个月Eating.
GREEN Realtor specializing in Sustainable & Energy Efficient Homes & the AZ Desert Lifestyle- Tempe,Mesa,Chandler,Gilbert,Queen Creek,AJ,Gold Canyon,Scottsdale
11 个月Thanks Kendon to you too for your leadership and hard work (tons of hours for sure)! You are an inspiration for all of us!