Leadership Myths
Every individual of a rural town has the power to make positive change. It may not be easy to visualise or measure, but it is important to recognise that the positive attitudes and actions of many different individuals, no matter how small, can collectively make a big difference.
#1 Leadership
Some people think that they need a designated ‘leader’ or an expert ‘guru’ to come into their rural town and make positive change. The reality is that the people who live in, know, and love their community are the ones that have the motivation and, therefore the power, to make positive change. Yes, facilitation and support help to bring a fresh independent perspective and speed up the process if you are lucky enough to have it. As part of the Operation Next Gen philosophy we always encourage new conversations with new people in new places to stimulate and share ideas, but remember, nothing happens without local people being prepared to take action.
#2 Impact
We talk a lot about collaboration but often overlook the value of collective impact. Yes, it is great to find big projects to collaborate on but don’t underestimate the collective value of lots of individual actions. When we talk about the small business sector being the backbone of Australia’s economy, it is not because all small businesses are collaborating, it is because they collectively account for 35% of Australia’s gross domestic profit and employ 44% of Australia’s workforce. Likewise, the small actions of individuals can make a collective impact on their rural town in many different ways whether it be starting a successful business or a community initiative. We don’t need to be working together, or even in agreement, to make a positive difference.
#3 Culture
Sometimes we get caught up on how big or costly something is. In a rural town just one new resident, one more customer, and one more volunteer or member, has a valuable multiplier effect right throughout the community. Likewise, history demonstrates that just a simple kind word or positive gesture at a crucial time has an incredible influence on whether someone decides to stay, return, or start a business. Yes, the little things do matter and help build a positive culture.
KERRY ANDERSON: Founder of the Operation Next Gen program and author of ‘Entrepreneurship: It’s Everybody’s Business,’ Kerry works with small businesses and rural communities to help them embrace new opportunities. In 2018 she was named as one of Australia’s Top 50 Regional Agents of Change. READ MORE