Integral Leadership Coach | Realize your full potential through self-awareness, clarity and intentionality
If you see something, say something. I’d like to share a message about how being an active citizen is a form of community leadership and essential to a well functioning government. An example - I was at a rest area at the Golden Gate Bridge recently visiting with family. Inside, there was litter on the floor, graffiti on the walls and no place to dry our hands. I wondered to myself, can’t the management (Caltrans) keep these facilities maintained? What kind of impression are we giving the thousands of people that visit this place every year? So roughly two weeks ago, I submitted a maintenance request to caltrans. Today, I got a response that the request has been prioritized and all concerns will be addressed by the end of the month! I cannot tell you the # of times I’ve submitted a request for roads, parks etc to see them be fully addressed and fixed within a short period. Now I wish Caltrans had a more proactive way of monitoring such conditions and addressing them proactively. However, over the years what I have often found is that governments need to hear from its citizens aka ‘customers’ to prioritize their time and effort. i.e. The squeaky wheel gets the grease. Many years ago, I complained about the street conditions in front of our house and it was repaired within months. I was surprised but thought maybe it was a coincidence. Then it happened a second, fourth and fifth time with different public facilities & roads! Since then I’ve made it a priority that when something doesn’t feel right in the community, I make it known. Most people look the other way and then complain why the government doesn’t take care of things. They forget that the government is an extension of its citizens. Being an active citizen is a key part of keeping the ecosystem functioning. I.e. If you see something, say something. Don’t assume it will be taken care of magically. Government works when the citizens are involved. Choose what you care about and be a community leader in your own unique way. Godspeed! #Community #Leadership #ActiveCitizen #Caltrans #GoldenGateBridge
