The 3A's
are a vital tool for anyone involved
in helping to create better
communities and a more vibrant public
life.
When it comes to our politics and
public
life, people are in
retreat because our leaders -
both national and now, even local - are
failing to reflect the reality of our
lives in their words and actions. Make no
mistake: reversing this retreat is a daunting
challenge, but it can be done.
It begins by all of us paying
careful
attention to a set of critical
touchstones we call "The 3A's of Public
Life: Authority, Accountability, and
Authenticity." These words, unfortunately,
have been distorted over the years,
but we think it is critical to
reclaim them for what they really mean
and pay mind to them as we go
about the important business of
creating change.
Authority
Authority is found in people who
hold a deep knowledge of the community - an
understanding of people, their lives,
wherethey live, their
aspirations, and their concerns. They
use this knowledge to inform
their decisions and act as part of the
community, as opposed to apart
from it. This kind of genuine
authority is far different the kind that
comes simply from statute or title.
Authenticity is
found in people who are able to
reflect the reality of other's lives in
their words and actions. Authentic
people listen to the community in an
ongoing way. And, even though people
may not always agree with your
decisions, if you're an authentic
leader, members of the community
generally believe you have their best
interests at heart.
Accountability
Accountability is measured by
much more than annual reports, report cards,
and
surveys. It is slowly built over time
by people who are willing to set
realistic expectations for change and
then make progress. People who
exercise accountability pursue actions
rooted in purpose and meaning
for others in the community. They
personally account for what they are
learning and avoid "window dressing"
or merely undertaking actions that
sound appealing.
Post this article in your office or
on a bulletin board at work.
Send
this pageto your colleagues or friends. Ask them
to watch the 3A's of Public Life
videos, posted below.
Read
Rich Harwood's articles about the 3A's,
written for Philanthropy
News Digest and discuss with your
colleagues what you can do on a
daily basis to exercise genuine
authority, accountability, and
authenticity.
Have a candid
discussion with your colleagues and
others in your
community about your organization. Is
it a truly catalytic
organization - one the
kind that achieves its mission, and builds
community at the same time? If not, what
can you do to change?
Click hereto view a list of
questions to
consider.
Watch
videos of
Rich addressing the 3A's, then talk
about them with with your
colleagues.
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