Time Commitment
Perhaps foremost among challenges that emerging sage leaders have in their civic involvements is their full-time careers. Time away from the office is difficult to find and often to commit to. They say it is hard to prioritize time because everything is so important:
Because we have so many civically-engaged individuals with real passionate connections to our organization, it is a real challenge to get them to commit the kind of time that is necessary to implement change while keeping good relationships with all of the parties who are involved.
Confronting the Obstacles: Becoming Team Leaders
Several emerging sage leaders talk about the contribution they make in helping members of their organization to come together around a shared vision—and hold it while dealing with minutia. They also observe how important it is to recognize and support the multiple leadership roles played by those who can articulate the vision, and those who know how to build the infrastructure and action steps needed to implement it. These thoughtful emerging sages understand they are effective in communicating organizational vision, and that they must work closely with leaders who are strong in other areas. In short, emerging sages acknowledge they can’t do everything themselves and shouldn’t even try. So, the need to delegate and trust the skills and commitment of other people in the organization is seen as critical.
A growing appreciation for teamwork is pervasive among the emerging sage leaders. In many ways, this shift from an individualistic to a collaborative perspective is a common theme not only in Twin Towns but also within corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations throughout the United States. The emerging sages know that they have to exemplify the fundamental values of their organizations by “walking their talk.” And when they model behaviors for which their organization stands, they are able to build greater credibility for it in the community.
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