Simple words from a simple woman . . . A view on Leadership.
It was within minutes of the release of the previous It’s Pop! Amsterdam Edition that I received my very first ‘fan mail’. –Perhaps it was not fan mail, but it was still the first time I’ve received readership comments!– It was not on any of my other usual pieces of work, but on my concerns for the current political status of Amsterdam and the well being of her people.
Of course, after a response to said fan, I am now breaking my rule for a second time. Politics –impossible to ignore and even worse to comment on. It only figures that this will be my only article for this week.
Most cities are currently going through Mayor Elections and a great many different platforms have been hand delivered to the masses of citizens in hopes of election. Platforms and promises are great, but in the end after all else is said and done will these promises make them a good leader?
I highly doubt it. Promises by Politicians are as hollow as my recently pumped stomach!
A prime example would be Claus Wolf; the former Mayor of Tallinn. For the entirety of his run as Mayor, his laws were well respected and the city flourished under his firm hand and positive views. When the time came for a change, instead of handing off a well-oiled city on to the next Mayor Wolf turned and ‘with one step (6 actually) [he] stepped into the world [he had] always worked against.’ For all the respect that he gained, a voice could be heard [Monka --Tallinn Edition] in It’s Pop! above others; praying for retribution for his crimes and justice to be met.
The chaos that had already ensued by the opening and impressive exodus of Amsterdam to Seattle had only been the cake to the large layer of icing on top of it. In Jimmy Sugden’s piece ‘Founding Fathers’, he addresses a few issues in connection to the running Mayors of Seattle –both former competitors in the Amsterdam Elections. From city lock downs, B&E codes of conduct to communicative credibility, one has to wonder as to exactly how these people ended up in positions of authority. Furthermore, question why anyone would give them the keys to the City after said facts were put on the public table. As Jim would say it, “Maybe, but the proverbial grain of salt seems to be the wise man’s way for now when it comes to these potential founding fathers.”
These are impressively sour –off key– notes that are now singing its way through many cities as most Mayor Elections are only starting their second week. It isn’t to say there there aren’t citizens that are calling out for more than just a name to put on the office door. As the beautifully eloquent Beth Christou stated in the Seattle Edition, “We want a mayor that is here for us. For our rights and for what is best for us.”
These words ring true for every city. We want to be taken care of, and –for all intent and purpose– be a slave to us to make our lives in our city better. There is a great deal of ‘I want’ and ‘I Promise’ in every Mayor campaign, but in the end those promises are followed through that will always count more than any amount of money spent on sparkling banners.
The question is How.
A little bit of a loaded question, isn’t it? Unfortunately one can not be too sure when the one running for office is not in office to prove their credibility. This is the biggest leap of faith the voters take. So this, in turn, is for those that will be achieving office or have already been given a special name plate of Mayorship.
Not being too particularly politically-minded –although my skills say otherwise!– my strongest suggestion for any leader is communication, communication and last but not least, Communication. As a concerned citizen I feel that it would be in the best interest of the city to give head way on projects, allow time for response, take responsibility and follow through on every promise –even if time makes everyone wait a little while. This is by far the best way to build credibility. When all is at the end of its run keep holding the torch and have something worth the pride of your city to pass on to the next generation.
‘With great power comes great responsibility.’
How true that is, it can almost be painful. Yet it all boils down to a simple fact. When you place yourself in the eyes of the public and start making promises to care for them, you are asking for them to trust you with the responsibility of their well-being. If you can not handle this simple fact, then perhaps becoming a ‘Mayor’ isn’t for you. If so, Good Luck!
General rule of thumb : ‘If you take care of yours, they will take care of you’.
