DORAL 2020
We are entering another year, another election year, an important one, since we will be electing from the President of the United States, to County Mayor, to school board members, and city council amongst many other important positions and issues.
It is the time to remember that we are the people responsible for our present and our future. We are also accountable for our past.
It is also time to remember that our community needs our active participation throughout the weeks, months and years. One event every four years is not enough. We should be continuously involved in the decision-making process of our cities, schools, and county.
In a world dominated by social media, where we are going so fast with change, it is imperative that we remain active and alert, otherwise we will be subject to matters that can affect us and impact in our lives without being aware.
There are many citizens that work in Advisory Boards, PTAs, and Community Organizations that represent the true leadership of a community.
They are the future generations of leadership that we have to nurture and support.
Since we devote a good part of our finances to support governance in all forms, from our Associations to the Country, we have to be sure that those budgets, substantial ones, are managed thoroughly by people with impeccable backgrounds and proven records. We have to do our homework prior to any election, and we should look at those who have actively participated in the community and have knowledge and experience on the subject matters.
Participating in politics is a hard-won right in this country.
Building a relationship with the political process as early as possible is key to making your voice be heard in the process. You have to create the habit of participating in public life. Early involvement in community activities is key to driving policy and electing leaders who represent the needs of voters of all ages, needs, and backgrounds.
We should also look at leadership. What is leadership?
There are many books, articles, and essays defining leadership, but what are the qualities we expect from those we are going to be electing to represent us. Here are some:
1. Honesty and Integrity
Dwight Eisenhower said, “The supreme quality of leadership is unquestionably integrity. Leaders succeed when they stick to their values and core beliefs and without ethics, this will not be possible.”
2. Confidence
A leader should reflect a degree of confidence that ensures that the people who follow you trust you as a leader
3. Commitment and Passion
Nothing can be achieved in life, without commitment and passion. Success is not a part time job. A leader should show passion and commitment is everything they do, no matter how big or small that task is.
4. Decision making capabilities
At the end of the day, a leader has to be able to make a decision. With confidence and commitment, you have to make the decisions that you believe are the best to the community.
5. Resilience
A leader is the one that when difficulties arise, looks for the solution. When people are busy discussing the problems, a good leader is working to resolve them.
6. Humility
Good leaders work on problem solving, on improving performance rather than self-promotion.
7. Transparency
A leader earns the trust of the followers by being transparent. Openly share your thoughts, the issues, and proposed solutions. Never hide from reality and face the tough decision openly even those who are not in your own best interest but in the best interest of the community.
8. Vision and Purpose
Jack Welsh said: “Good business leaders create a vision, articulate the vision, passionately own the vision, and relentlessly drive it to completion.”
9. Accountability
A good leader is one who takes more than his/her share of the blame and less of his/her share of the credit. A leader creates a sense of accountability among the people and those who work around him/her.
Many of us who come from Foreign Countries with disastrous governance know how critical is to have the proper leadership conducting public business.
Doral, in particular, has become the jewel of South Florida. Numerous accolades, an incredible geographic position, the continuous business growth, first-class development, brand new and state of the art health care, best schools in the county, have made Doral a target for young generations who are looking at the bright future that this country offers.
Selecting the right leaders is our responsibility.
Article paid for and approved by Doral Community Coalition