None of us is as smart as all of us. • Ken Blanchard Last week’s election reinforced for me something I’ve been thinking about for some time. In their campaigns, President-elect Barack Obama and Mayor-elect Bernard Carvalho emphasized the need
None of us is as smart as all of us. • Ken Blanchard
Last week’s election reinforced for me something I’ve been thinking about for some time. In their campaigns, President-elect Barack Obama and Mayor-elect Bernard Carvalho emphasized the need to work together. Both had formed great teams to help secure their election and both pledged that with teamwork, they would work hard on our behalf. The election provided clear evidence of what can be accomplished through collaborative effort.
In my position with Kaua‘i Planning & Action Alliance, I have been fortunate to be part of some amazing teams. Currently I am working with six people — Imai Aiu, Pat Griffin, Neil Clendennin, Palmer Hafdahl, Karen Ono and Shawn Shimabukuro — and our honorary co-chairs Mayor Kaipo Asing and Councilmember JoAnn Yukimura on the planning of the visit by the American Institute of Architect’s Sustainable Design Assessment Team Nov. 12-14 at the Veteran’s Center.
This group is divers representing Grove Farm, Kaua‘i Board of Realtors, Lihu‘e Business Association, Kaua‘i’s branch of the American Institute of Architects, county of Kaua‘i and KPAA. The diversity enriches our discussion and efforts.
One of our commonalities is that we care passionately about Kaua‘i and in particular, about Lihu‘e. All of us believe that collectively we can get even better at community planning and that, in order to do so, great ideas from many people are needed. Our passion brought us together 15 months ago when we began this planning, and has kept us together, meeting regularly, to ensure the events next week are successful. We hope many others with the same passion for the future will join us and the AIA team next week.
There have been many other teams I have been proud to be part of in recent years. Among the issues we have tackled together are the drug problem on the island, how to increase student achievement through classroom volunteerism, improvements for our parks, and ensuring that our tourism planning accommodates the needs of our communities.
The wonderful thing is that all over the island people are coming together to share ideas and dreams so they can find agreement and work together toward common goals.
There is so much power in a team — more can be achieved, the opportunities for success are greatly increased and the relationships that are built are long-lasting.
Effective teams create a climate of trust and shared goals. They recognize their interdependence, knowing that each brings unique talents and traits to the group. They support each other and recognize contributions. They take time to have some fun and celebrate success. The best teams don’t lose sight of why they are doing what they do and what they want to achieve.
So if you haven’t been part of a team lately, think of what you are passionate about that will benefit others and find some friends, neighbors and colleagues who share that passion. You’ll have a great time and our community will benefit.
And join us Nov. 12 and Nov. 14 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Veteran’s Center to share your ideas for Lihu‘e’s future. For more information about the events, go to the KPAA Web site www.kauainetwork.org
