• Editor’s note: This is the eighth in a series of columns discussing leadership on Kaua‘i — a place where leaders discuss the qualities and expectations of leadership specific to the Garden Island. I have sat through hundreds of hours
• Editor’s note: This is the eighth in a series of columns discussing leadership on Kaua‘i — a place where leaders discuss the qualities and expectations of leadership specific to the Garden Island.
I have sat through hundreds of hours of business workshops and seminars, read through thousands of pages of business publications, and personally met with many successful people throughout this country. There was always a common theme throughout these experiences. It was this: Management does things right, while Leadership does the right thing.
This is a powerful and impacting statement. As a business owner since 1996, I have learned that it is imperative to do things right. The success of the business depends on it. But, do we do the right things?
Leadership can mean many things. In Hawai‘i, and especially on Kaua‘i, it has its own definition. We are all part of a very special host culture, one that cannot be found anywhere else. Some will say that it is tough to do business here, and they are right. It is very tough to do business here. But it is a choice to do business here.
There has to be a balance between the bottom line and the host culture. Businesses cannot succeed at the expense of this wonderful culture. We must remember this. It is not difficult to create wealth while destroying our natural resources and host culture. We often forget that the very reason we chose to do business here was because of the cultural environment that exists. As times get tough, we tend to forget about those very reasons.
Cultural leadership is doing the right thing. This was perfectly displayed a few weeks ago when the Koke‘e State Park Advisory Council recommended that the qualities of Koke‘e State Park be preserved, and that the State should maintain the integrity of this precious gem. The Council, under the leadership of Chair Canen Hookano, had to deal with the political pressure by State officials who felt that the expansion and commercialization of Koke‘e was “right.” The Koke‘e State Park Advisory Council “did the right thing” and displayed cultural leadership.
As our natural resources diminish, it is critical that we all practice cultural leadership. We must always strive to do the right thing. We owe it to our hosts, past and present. Anyone can be a manager, but it takes a special person to be a leader. Kaua‘i is a special place. Cultural leadership will keep Kaua‘i special.
As Cesar Chavez once said, “Preservation of one’s own culture does not require contempt or disrespect for other cultures.”
• Mel Rapozo is a 2005 Leadership Kauai graduate and a former Kaua‘i County Councilman.
