You know what a community leader looks like. You may not be able to tell at first, but you’re able to think of a few names that come to mind. They’re usually involved in a multitude of events throughout the city, dipping their toes into all matters of improving the wellbeing of the community. They can see into the future, able to think of projects and ideas that they know will benefit the city and leave a lasting impact. When people talk about them, it’s usually with bright eyes and endless lines of praise, recalling every achievement and funny encounter they’ve had with them within the last decade. In short, they are the spirit of their community personified.
If last week’s Cultural Awards taught us anything, it’s that effective and selfless leadership is vital to bringing the community together. Whether it’s organizing events or just being there when people need you the most, community leaders are the key to helping the community thrive. So, what do you need to do in order to become a successful community leader?
- Get to Know Your Community
You can’t lead your community without first getting to know more about it. What do you know about the city’s history and culture, and how closely do they intertwine with the community? What are some common interests, values, and backgrounds, and how can you develop causes that align with them? Having a better understanding of what makes your community tick will help you make decisions that benefit the vast majority of people.
- Communicate Effectively
Being a leader isn’t just a one-and-done deal. Effective community leaders need to stay engaged with their community and keep a finger on the pulse of all goings-on. Find points of contact that will help you stay updated and communicate frequently. Additionally, figure out what methods of communication your community prefers, and use that to improve your communication strategy. Do people prefer to be emailed about events, or do they prefer meeting face-to-face? Consistent and effective communication leads to consistent and effective community engagement and outreach.
- Get Involved Outside Your Niche
Community leaders tend to not work within a box; they like to get involved in as many events as they can, learning about the ins and outs of each industry, background, and social scene in order to understand their community better. If you want to help make a difference in your city, don’t limit yourself to just one niche. Getting involved outside of your comfort zone helps you learn more about different causes, and can open you up to more community engagement opportunities.
- Listen and Educate Yourself
Great community leaders are selfless and empathetic, taking the time to get to know their fellow community members more and learning about their different backgrounds and perspectives. Building these relationships shows you care about the public’s opinion, and you want to make sure their voices are heard. By listening to and learning from others’ points of view, you gain a better understanding of what issues each person finds important, and can use that to determine which causes will help benefit the community most.
- Reflect and Accept Criticism
Nobody is perfect, and if you want to be a public figure, you need to be open to feedback from the public. Feedback can help you figure out which issues you should focus more on, methods of communication that would work best, or ways you can get more involved in your community. Above all, don’t take any criticism personally; instead, think of it as a suggestion for how you can better help the community in the future.
Every community needs someone who keeps everyone’s best interests in mind and will do anything they can to make sure those interests are fulfilled. No matter what your background, everybody has the potential to become an effective community leader. What matters is that you care about the people around you, and that you’re willing to put in the work to help make a long-lasting difference in your community.