I sometimes attend public meetings in my city for different reasons. I am currently supporting my neighbors around the corner from me in trying to improve their community and quality of life. The issue is a parking and access one and the solution is right there for all. The problem? Politics and bureaucracy!
MORE OF THE SAME?
What happens to some people when they get a little bit of power is an interesting phenomenon. Almost always they don't know how to wield it and they over-react when on the learning curve. The result is they create new problems and then resort to more rigidity and control...That's the wrong direction to take.
WE THE PEOPLE...remember?
Whatever happened to connection? Exploring the issues. Questions and answers and most importantly treating others the way one would want to be treated? The being human and winning over someone with respect and courtesy has been set aside. In its place is misguided authority and power
WHO IS IN CHARGE HERE?
I have seen the other side of it too. A weak leader invites more chaos and confusion as everyone sees that they can do and say whatever they want and no one will stop them. Weakness invites a lack of discipline to come forth out of everyone. People see it as their chance for opportunity and they seize it!
CHAIRPERSON
People respect law and order if it is respectable. I always listen when someone is making their points. If they become redundant, a kind word like...you made that point or you already said that will suffice. The chairman of the meeting has to "chair" or what is the point of having someone in charge?
TIME CONSTRAINTS
I appreciate, and I am aware of opposing viewpoints. Passion for ones position on a issue is expected and some people when asked to speak in public tend to become emotional and often under or over react. With most public meetings, time constraints are imposed. It ups the pressure and makes a stress
OFTEN...ONE OUTCOME
There will always be a winner and a loser when it comes to opposing points of view. Rare is the compromise because some of the issues argued are black and white ones. However, if everyone feels they were heard, then at least they have some comfort in that. Everyone wants their day and moment
GAME SHOW DYNAMICS?
By the time someone comes to the comfort level of speaking, their time is up. It sounds and acts more like a game show than a meeting to seek-out closure and solutions that go with it. When someone who is in charge...takes charge, then the rest of the audience comes to attention. I have seen it over and over
THE HEART OF THE MATTER
Power and authority is nothing without respect, charity, patience and compassion to make it mean something. Today, what we need most are people who care, who have no hidden agendas and who want to do the work that they have been elected to do or volunteered in...with all their hearts
GET IN...OR...GET OUT
It is not I who demands good leadership.... but all your fellow man. If one is not up to the job, then pull over and let another take the place of order. Lead, follow or get out of the way is no myth! It is a standard to obey and most importantly...live by!
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