Leaders in government and industry can take a lesson about communication and collaboration from the example of an Indian tribal leader. Conflicts can be turned around by listening, openly communicating and active collaboration.
A Conflict Of Interests!
Near my home in the wine country of Northern California there has been a long battle between an Indian tribe that wanted to put in a casino on their land and the neighbors who enjoy one of the most scenic and wealthy vineyard and winery regions in the world. The tribe's former leader was a rather combative and secretive. The local government, environmental groups and wine industry associations duked it out for a decade reports the Press Democrat in Santa Rosa, California.
When the casino parking structure suddenly went up, as if over night, the tribal leader finally admitted to an irate neighborhood association that they had been "less than truthful". Not a good way to establish good relationships! Back and forth it went over zoning, land use, access, fire and police protection, liquor permits and more.
A Breakthrough
Then something different happened. A new tribal leader was elected. He was a former heavy equipment operator. He set about on a purposeful, and targeted effort to personally visit every opponent to the casino project, to listen to and understand their objections, to offer collaborative solutions. He had an uphill battle since his predecessor had created so much ill will. He persisted. He was open, honest and transparent where his predecessor had not been. Today I read where the casino has been given permits to expand their operations in exchange for additional revenue and other concessions to the county. What a turn around!
Whether or not you are in favor of casinos, this story has lessons for all leaders. Three that I can think of off the top of my head are:
What lessons can you take from this story? I am sure there are many more. Please comment below and give us your "take-aways". There is a lot to learn from everyday life and the daily newspapers about excellent management and leadership. Look for part two of this story in a future article.
A Conflict Of Interests!
Near my home in the wine country of Northern California there has been a long battle between an Indian tribe that wanted to put in a casino on their land and the neighbors who enjoy one of the most scenic and wealthy vineyard and winery regions in the world. The tribe's former leader was a rather combative and secretive. The local government, environmental groups and wine industry associations duked it out for a decade reports the Press Democrat in Santa Rosa, California.
When the casino parking structure suddenly went up, as if over night, the tribal leader finally admitted to an irate neighborhood association that they had been "less than truthful". Not a good way to establish good relationships! Back and forth it went over zoning, land use, access, fire and police protection, liquor permits and more.
A Breakthrough
Then something different happened. A new tribal leader was elected. He was a former heavy equipment operator. He set about on a purposeful, and targeted effort to personally visit every opponent to the casino project, to listen to and understand their objections, to offer collaborative solutions. He had an uphill battle since his predecessor had created so much ill will. He persisted. He was open, honest and transparent where his predecessor had not been. Today I read where the casino has been given permits to expand their operations in exchange for additional revenue and other concessions to the county. What a turn around!
Whether or not you are in favor of casinos, this story has lessons for all leaders. Three that I can think of off the top of my head are:
- Opinion and lack of cooperation can be turned around through open, honest communication and genuine collaboration.
- Leaders set the tone for all organizations and along with boards of directors lead in ways that are ethical and honest or...not. .
- Leaders need not have an MA in business from Harvard. This heavy equipment operator has earned the public praise of many government leaders, environmental groups and wine associations.
What lessons can you take from this story? I am sure there are many more. Please comment below and give us your "take-aways". There is a lot to learn from everyday life and the daily newspapers about excellent management and leadership. Look for part two of this story in a future article.
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