Ironically, a community with Judith Berdy, Margie Smith, Jim Luce and Paul Krikler might be short on leadership. But on Roosevelt Island we are because we’re stretching those we have too thin. We need more community minded people stepping up, making noise.
by David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
Way back when, the early 1990s, I did my first stint on the Residents Association Common Council. David Kraut was president. Inspired by his role in leadership, he arranged an event shining a light on others.
We on the Council brought Roosevelt Islanders together in the Manhattan Park Theatre Club, honoring Ron and Faye Vass for their dynamic leadership.
We were smaller then. There was no Octagon housing, no Southtown. RIRA’s mission rested on being a sturdy counterpoint to RIOC, not an enemy but a voice with impact.
I remember Dentist Larry Itskowich collecting tickets, as our neighbors crowded in with music in the air and dance in our feet. As time passed though after that night ended, we never kept that balance and cohesion. We didn’t welcome the newcomers or evolve them into the dynamic.
As the community grew, RIRA faded fast and fully. It never hit that high mark again and gradually lost its reason for being.
Now, if the community wants its interests respected, that must change. New leaders are needed, and here’s why.
The Role of Leadership
Leadership plays a crucial role in shaping and reaching community goals. Here are some key ways it makes a difference:
Vision and Direction:
- Articulating a shared vision: Effective leaders can paint a compelling picture of what the community could achieve, inspiring and motivating others to get involved.
- Setting clear goals: Breaking down the vision into concrete, achievable goals provides a roadmap for collective action.
- Strategic planning: Leaders develop strategies and tactics to overcome obstacles and navigate challenges while staying on track towards the goals.
Mobilization and Engagement:
- Building trust and relationships: Leaders create an environment of trust and open communication, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
- Empowering and motivating individuals: Leaders recognize and utilize the strengths and talents of community members, encouraging them to participate and contribute.
- Delegating tasks and responsibilities: Effective leaders distribute tasks equitably, ensuring everyone has a role to play and feels valued.
Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Results:
- Decision-making and problem-solving: Leaders guide the community through tough decisions and find solutions to unexpected problems.
- Resource acquisition and management: Leaders secure resources needed to achieve goals and manage them effectively.
- Celebrating successes and learning from failures: Leaders acknowledge achievements, big and small, while also learning from setbacks to improve future efforts.
Different Leadership Styles: The Role of Leadership
It’s important to note that there’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach to leadership. Different styles can be effective depending on the context and needs of the community. Some common styles include:
- Transformational leaders: Inspire and motivate people to go beyond their perceived limitations.
- Transactional leaders: Focus on clear rewards and expectations for performance.
- Servant leaders: Prioritize the needs and well-being of community members.
- Participative leaders: Encourage collaboration and shared decision-making.
Finally…
Ultimately, effective community leadership is about bringing people together, guiding them toward a shared vision, empowering them to achieve their goals. Present, but still in some shadows, we have those leaders.
We need them to step up and electrify neighbors again. Or remain the state’s chattel and live with whatever that brings.
You Can FOIL* It
On April 15, at the Steam Plant Demolition Town Hall, a simple exchange revealed something far more consequential than anything formally presented that evening.
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