Leadership Development Key for Rural Areas
Posted on | April 7, 2010 | 1 Comment
In rural and rurban communities today, leadership must be at the forefront of effective programs and services to address important social, economic and other key issues.
As the nature of ‘what is rural?’ is changing, the concept of rural leadership must also change. Not only is rural leadership increasingly complex and varied, it also requires the use of new skills such as responding – as well as directing – and an understanding of impacts on other organizations, not just one’s own. And for organizations who remain rigid and unable to play well in the sandbox with others, tensions will undoubtedly arise.
Today’s rural leaders must work with other communities, work in partnerships, and manage programs and services that support cultural change and community betterment. They need to stay informed of trends, issues and news. They need to be connected – online and offline. And they need to be comfortable discussing an issue critically and making a decision.
When I look around at the leadership of many smaller communities and organizations in my area, I’m struck how these folks are generally good-hearted, hands-on, salt-of-the-earth people who genuinely want to make their communities a better place to be. On the flip side, however, there often exists ‘old-school’ thinking and ways of doing things, a lack of general understanding of today’s Web 2.0 connectedness and culture, or a fear of change which many feel will lead to more work.
Change is inevitable. And despite the millions of dollars invested in leadership development programs across North America, an increasing shortage of knowledgeable and interested individuals faces rural communities across the continent.
Rural leaders, then, must be identified and developed from within.
How? By supporting youth development programs such as 4-H, Junior Achievement, or Girl Guides/Boy Scouts. By making informal decision-making opportunities available. By demonstrating that decisions = action. And by actively seeking to include those aged 25-35 in key areas … as these are the individuals who are more likely to put down roots, raise a family, and stay in your community.
The health and future of your community depends on it.
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Community development, growth and communication in the rural-urban fringe landscape.
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July 21st, 2011 @ 9:16 am
[...] Developed by the Centre for Innovative and Entrepreneurial Leadership (CIEL), the BVI engages key stakeholders in identifying new business and economic opportunities and encourages communities to act. It’s been supported by our provincial government – through Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development – and truly addresses introspection, ideas and growth from within. [...]