"A desk is a dangerous place from which to view the world" – John le Carré
At MVDA, we’ve been exploring what it is to be a social leader. For me, it starts by understanding who it is you are leading.
Those of us working in the local voluntary sector have the privilege to be seen as part of the communities we work to serve. Although this is sometimes a barrier to overcome, people boxing you off as ‘grass-roots’, often hosting your presence at the table as a tick box exercise rather than valued contributor, it is still vital to the success of our mission.
We must be in the community to lead it.
In our social leadership framework we're developing, this starting point is called ‘Situational Beginnings’. To fulfil our mission to see Middlesbrough communities active, strong and engaged, we must have:
- a geographical and cultural knowledge of Middlesbrough
- an understanding of local need
- the ability to recognise existing circles of influence
Or else how do we truly say that our work priorities reflect the community in which we are based?
It is tempting to let those who access are services be our connectors to the world, or strive to understand via statistics from the community intelligence we share. But if we really want to inspire change for Middlesbrough, we need to experience life here for ourselves. We need to walk with and talk to Middlesbrough people. We need to know why local people have the needs they do by hearing their stories first hand.
So take advantage of these months that have the potential to be sunny. Leave your desk and go into the garden...
Hannah Roderick
MVDA
Communications Officer