Effective leaders don’t neglect everyday interactions in building trust for big initiatives

Editor:

In reflecting on various recent Orleans Hub articles coupled with my own growing pains as a person, an Orleans County resident, and an employee within human services, I was hopeful that others might take the time to consider my recent thoughts on leadership.

Generally I believe most people conceptualize leaders as those who hold certain titles, those who may be of a specific socioeconomic status, or those who are elected officials. Leaders, however, can be both formal and informal.

Regardless of what your position within a specific community might be, a person holds tremendous power simply by the way that they present themselves and the values that they hold and stand by.

I think that too often formal leaders may lose sight of the fact that small interactions hold significant weight in others’ trust in them. Everyday interactions cascade into the community’s trust in larger, more weighty decision-making.

These interactions can include, for example: timely responses to communication efforts, consideration for alternative perspectives or circumstances, displays of investment in others’ interests.

I love people. I believe in the power of humans and human connection. I also trust other’s ability to have perception. I think leaders should never doubt the ability for community members to pick up on disingenuity.

Trust in a person starts small and snowballs; this takes consistency and authenticity. I do not by any means believe that faith in leaders means agreement in all decisions made.

However, I do believe that regardless of decisions, faith in leaders can be maintained if that leader has integrity on issues both large and small and is genuine regardless of setting or circumstance.

Alyssa Thomas

Medina