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."
The 3A's
are a vital tool for anyone involved in
helping to create better
communities and a more vibrant public life.
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
is found in people who hold a deep knowledge
of the community - an
understanding of people, their lives, where
they 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
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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