By Gary Shapiro | Point of View
For several decades, I served in a leadership capacity for a local symphony. All of the board members shared common interests. Fundamentally, we loved classical music.
In another phase of my community involvement, I served on the board of a local organization that hosted our city’s annual parade and brought the rodeo to Scottsdale.
Again, the members involved shared a love and respect for the mission statement of that organization.
During my 50-plus years of civic engagement, I’ve learned the results we can achieve are far greater when we share common goals, engage in civility, and surround ourselves with people who are on the same page.
French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre eloquently reminds us that only the guy who isn’t rowing has time to rock the boat.
I think about that often.
The people who rock the boat become distractions and disruptors. They suck up the oxygen in the room that could be devoted to something far more special and treasured. It’s called “results.”
If there were fewer disruptions and distractions, our community and all of our organizations and institutions could make an even greater difference in the lives of the people we serve.
Think about it arithmetically. If you spend 20 percent of your time dealing with negative input or putting out unnecessary fires, your hands are tied, and results suffer.
So, it begs a question. Why would someone who hates classical music but loves country western music want to serve on the classical board? Wouldn’t they be better off and get more done if they looked for an organization that specialized in country western music?
Why would anyone want to devote their waking hours in the service of our award-winning public-school system if they hated public schools? If they’re a staunch advocate for private or parochial schools, shouldn’t they go on their boards?
Fundamentally, I think it is critical for people to follow their passions and look for leadership opportunities that are a good match for their talents and interests.
I find it objectionable and unacceptable if someone has a hidden or known agenda or goal to dismantle something that leads them to seek a leadership capacity.
My advice to them is “stay home,” “leave us alone,” “find something else,” and/or “move somewhere else” and let them have you as a thorn in their side.
We are extremely fortunate, as residents of Scottsdale, to stand on the shoulders of some extraordinary community leaders that shaped our city and our public schools.
We are the undisputed “gold standard” and the envy of many other communities and school systems across the country.
In this election cycle, there are candidates who have no interest in rowing. They represent a problem rather than a solution. If they are elected, we’ll suffer. Our children will suffer.
I have great respect for our democracy and our freedoms.
Filmmaker Kevin Costner was recently interview about his political leanings. His response had the wisdom of Solomon.
To paraphrase, he said he shared a love and a respect for democracy and all of the associated freedoms. Fellow countrymen have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our way of life.
He cherishes his right to vote. He thoroughly researches the issues, and the candidates to form a personal decision.
He’s weighed the pros and cons. He’s studied the candidate’s messages, platform, propaganda, information, and disinformation.
When he is alone in the voting booth, he votes his conscience. It’s his privilege and prerogative. No one needs to know how he voted. It’s private and personal.
Here’s my wish. Follow Kevin’s advice.
Hopefully, when you’re alone in the voting booth, you’ll vote your conscience and vote for candidates who will lead us forward by rowing our boat.
Editor’s Note: Gary Shapiro is a Scottsdale resident, Scottsdale Charro and co-founder of Scottsdale Leadership
