Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
If you have one or two remaining sticking points that really matter to a few individuals (and if per-
sonalities seem to be involved), have them agree to meet separately in a small group to discuss issues
and report back to the group. Perhaps the time together will ease the conflict. This also spares group
members from having to be bystanders to a potential power play. Everyone can comment or vote on the
outcome at the next formal meeting.
Humanity on Parade
Communities are amazing things. Human nature at its best—and sometimes worst—is on display at
group meetings, and people's passions, styles, fears, and dreams can influence, and sometimes direct,
the life of the collective. Each group is different; perhaps every time you meet, a new member or idea
changes the dynamic. Here are some ideas on how to be a good leader or team member, how to keep
perspective, and how to
always
keep the glass half full.
How to be a Good Leader
Yes, you're organizing, but you also may find yourself in a leadership position. The composition of your
group may require both leadership and organizing skills. This is a list of a few things you and others
who are in the forefront of the community can do to be the people everyone wants on their team.
Have an open mind
Leave your ego and preconceptions at home
Acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of the team
Treat all ideas as valuable
Be a good listener
Begin with the end in mind
Make sure everyone leaves the meeting in a better place than when they arrived
As the leader of the group (who has likely already put in a lot of independent work getting the
garden to this point), you may need to temper your personal desires or agenda, but of course, as a
member of the community, your opinions do matter. Just be aware that your views can appear to have
more weight in the group process. It is important to vocalize that you consider yourself a group mem-
ber—subject to, and part of, group decisions, just like everyone else.
API
During a training I participated in once, the group was building the ground rules, or how they would
behave collectively during their time together. At one point, a woman stood up to speak her piece, and
said, “A-P-I.” She let those three letters hang in the silent air for a moment while we all racked our
brains to determine if we knew what the acronym meant.
Finally, she smiled one of the most beautiful smiles I have ever seen and said, “Assume Positive
Intentions.” That moment created a radical shift in how I thought about group interaction. Having come
from the corporate world, which is often leader driven, contentious, and rife with personal agendas—the
what's-in-it-for-me mentality—I immediately liked this generous approach. It has changed my thinking
for the better, about everything.
