Leadership in Different Groups

I spent Thanksgiving in Los Angeles with my aunt and uncle as my family and I have done for all my life except for a year or two. It's an extremely welcoming home that feels calm and tranquil, even when serving 31 people Thanksgiving dinner. Even after my parents separation and my brother's marriage this remains a tradition. My parents alternate years as does my brother and his family, but I generally always go. While I remain my parents child from a generational sense, I would not say that within the family it's regression, as there is a tremendous respect for the childrens' interests and intellect at all ages. I felt growing up, and still now feel love, appreciation and respect by my nuclear and extended family. Rather than regression I feel buoyed and lifted up after spending time with them.

It's fun to see generations of the family grow and change and have their own families. My aunt and uncle are so welcoming that families related through marriage, are welcome and come. One of my cousins was just married and she and her parents and siblings came along with her in laws and husband's siblings. I love this tradition, and the warmth of the home, but I'm slightly off the topic of Leadership.

Within the family I don't have (or really seek) much of leadership position. I think I'm a good contributor within the family.

In the Property Management trade association that I am the local Chapter President this year I think I have a shared leadership style that has been generally very effective. For most significant decisions I ask for the opinions of the Board of Directors, both at our meetings and via email if an urgent issue exists between meetings. I have been fortunate that this volunteer group is very engaged in making this group and our industry better, so many ideas are debated and the good ones executed. With only one exception I only have to ask Board Members once to do something and it gets done. I wish my own office was that efficient!

I manage my own office with an inclusive, but more decisive form of leadership. It is more direct, and yet more informal than my Association Presidency, in that my office is small with only 3 other people in it, so they see my frustration with issues, and get to hear me occasionally vent about people, problems or people creating problems. With the Association, I have a more distant relationship, and I believe that distance likely creates a false positive impression of my leadership.

I believe next year's President will be an excellent leader, based on my conversations with him and my interactions with him on the Board this year. (I must admit to a Hope-Bias in that I was the one who suggested him as the next Chapter President). He is thorough, inclusive and thoughtful. He thinks about all aspects of a decision and considers the many stakeholders it will influence, both currently and in the future. He is good at designing and clearly articulating a vision for the future, as well as taking positive steps to improve our chapter and the organization.