Weekly column by Council Courier e-newsletter by acting CEO Greg Hoffman, Friday 12 August 2016.
This week as we marvel at the success of our Olympians in Rio, indeed athletes from all countries, let’s spare a thought for what it takes to get there let alone win a medal. All Olympians, not just medalists, are to be applauded along with the myriad of supporters who assist them in making it happen.
You don’t get to succeed on this stage either in individual or team events without another “team” around you. Coaches, team members, family – mums, dads, brothers, sisters; friends, sponsors, fund raisers, local communities, local schools, local clubs have all played a part. Years of hard work and commitment by literally hundreds of “team members” is involved in the stories of each of the athletes.
Think also of the struggles of those competing under the banner of the Refugee Olympic Team and the Paralympians yet to take to the field and the true perspective of what this means becomes obvious.
In no small way a parallel exists with what makes successful communities and successful councils, indeed all organisations. Leaders will only succeed if there is a team with them that shares the vision and agrees the goals. True leaders win respect and support by recognising that they don’t and can’t be expected to know it all and if they are to take others with them on the journey they have to listen, learn and genuinely work with “the team” that will make it happen for them.
Mayors need a team of councillors and in turn they need CEOs and their teams to succeed. Together they need the community to be part of the extended team – obviously, that’s why they are there!!
Sadly, fractures have appeared in the local government team over the past two terms. Communities passed harsh judgment on councils in 2012 and again in 2016 and councils passed harsh judgment on many CEOs last term and some is present again since March. Somewhere along the line we have lost recognition and respect for the mutuality of roles and responsibilities.
Olympic success is not hierarchical - it is achieved through collaboration, hard work, long term relationships and commitment.
Councils and communities should listen to and learn from the stories of our Olympians recognising that at the heart of their success is “the team”.