Now, unlike ever before, grassroots leaders—people like you and I—have the power to make an impact. Thanks to the internet and the growing popularity of social media, the world is smaller than it’s ever been and some of the procedures we’ve known and trusted no longer apply. People’s attitudes towards leadership are shifting.
Change is coming, but it’s not trickling down from shadowy figures in an ivory tower. It’s coming from the bottom up, from community leaders who recognize they have the power to change the world. Regular people like you and I are becoming ACE leaders—Active, Creative and Engaged. ACE leaders are those who have the vision, energy and skill to build healthy communities. These are the six competencies that a leader today—an ACE leader—needs to demonstrate.
ACE leaders are agents of change. You have a great message, but if nobody hears it, nothing will happen. Finding likeminded people and building relationships is the key to progress.
ACE leaders have a commitment to continuous improvement. Sure, the status quo works, but is there a better way? Is there a way that’s better for the environment and our communities? ACE leaders constantly reevaluate their methods.
ACE leaders apply big picture thinking. Just as every part inside a computer has an important function, so does each member, organization and business within a community. All need to live up to their potential and work collectively to address the broader community.
ACE leaders are catalysts for citizen responsibility. They inspire others to take ownership of their community.
ACE leaders are quality of life advocates. They understand that recreation, parks, sports, arts, culture and heritage are essential elements of a community.
ACE leaders are community development planners. They don’t say all the right words and then wait for others to do the grunt work. ACE leaders take initiative and work with others to proactively apply innovative solutions.
Leadership today is no longer about a title—it’s about the capacity to get things done by engaging others. The days of the individual on the white horse swooping into town to save the day are gone.
Today, it takes someone with the ability to build partnerships and build consensus. It takes someone with the ability to inspire, to move others towards a shared goal. It takes an ACE leader.
Are you an ACE leader? Find out with our Leadership Self-Assessment quiz at http://acecommunities.ca/downloads/.