The scene resembled a regular after-work networking event with its usual elements: a handshake, a business card exchange and a bee line for the food table. But there was nothing ordinary about the people in the room.
Ninety percent of the people in the room were, according to community leader Hubie Jones (holding microphone, far right), the "new leaders of Boston." These men and women have shown the motivation and desire to participate in leadership training programs to become more effective change agents in their communities and organizations. The remaining ten percent were representatives from the various programs, from UMass Boston Emerging Leaders Program, to The Partnership, to LEAD Boston among others.
Why meet then if training has already happened? Because "we need to hear your voices," said Jones referring to the need to create an accessible environment for the next generation of leaders to reach the sources of power and influence. "I have been doing this for fifty years and I need to bring in others to carry the torch." Jones challenged the group to "have a personal program to get to a different place." In other words, use the tools learned during training to do something sustainable that has impact--big or small--in their immediate environment.
The event brought together Boston professionals from all races, ethnicities, ages and industries. Four panelists addressed the audience: Eduardo Tobón from Sovereign Bank, Candelaria Silva from ACT- Roxbury, Liz Callanan from The Math Works, Inc. and Ron Bell from the Governor's Public Liaison Office.
Collaboration, ongoing learning and support, and community building were topics that dominated the panel discussion and informal conversations throughout the evening. Among this crowd, leadership is a lifestyle that is inclusive, evolutionary and relational.
Questions to ponder:
- What does leadership mean to you?
- Do you see yourself as a leader?
- Do you know what your leadership style is?
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