Shawn Boone and La’Zendra Bossard collaborate on a leadership class project.

by Charles Martinez

The single most challenging obstacle to the success of leadership efforts has been the lack of a unifying message that addresses the vision of a collaborative process between all segments of our American community.

The challenge today is that each person should carve out his or her individual niche in the road toward unity. The common theme has become, “That sounds good, but what’s in it for me?” Whether discussing athletics, politics, social reform, or community initiatives, the concept of personal reward or benefit has become a standard expectation. 

However, when there is an inherent expectation or a hesitation to act until a “return on investment” is established, the good that could be accomplished becomes diluted and thus weakened. No community, nation, or people can accomplish significant and effective change in the face of competing agendas and a lack of collective focus.

As we build a coalition of leadership and action, we must recognize that inherent conflicts will arise. We must also realize and understand the critical difference between conflict and confrontation. Conflicts will be differences in chosen or preferred processes and policies. Now is not the time to be timid or hesitate to embrace diversity of ideas and the creative conflict that it produces. If personal agendas are genuinely set aside, our vision, focus, and direction will once again become cohesive and collective.

Regardless of which ethnic or cultural community we come from, the goal of inclusive equality should be our message and the culmination of our efforts. This leads to another question of conscience. Within your local community, city, or county, what have you done to build a shared and collaborative leadership change? We cannot forget that as we “build bridges,” we also have the opportunity to become a bridge ourselves.

Don’t wait for a unity bridge to be built. Share your experience, skills, and passion now! “Leader” is not a title: it is an attitude with the courage to act. Mentoring a student, sponsoring a community forum, or creating a collaborative partnership simply requires the courage to begin, which will build a venue to share the message of collaboration — unity and equality.