For the past week, I along with 100 other culturally diverse students, participated in a Global Leadership Experience put on by Common Purpose. It was the first time this experience had ever been brought to Canada and it was graciously hosted by Concordia University in Montreal.
I have to say that initially, I wasn’t sure what this experience was truly about.
I knew it was going to be the coming together of “future leaders” from Universities across Montreal but the challenge we would be discussing was yet unknown.
I knew that it would be a great networking opportunity and a chance to potentially discuss relevant issues with our “current leaders” but on whose platform and for what purpose?
I also had an agenda. I came to the experience with my own “M-O” but left with something completely different.
Our challenge for the week was to answer the following question: What makes a city smart?
Truthfully, I thought the question, at first, was too vague, too broad and essentially meaningless without proper context.
But I realized that, that was the point.
The question was positioned without limits. There was no specific “interest” or “agenda”. We were free to come up with any response we deemed appropriate.
Here are 3 “S.M.A.R.T” things our current leaders can learn from our coming together.
Smart Idea #1: There Is A Lot Of Untapped Talent & Resources In Montreal, Use It!
My first visit reconfirmed that part of being a smart city is taking care of your citizens & making socially conscious business initiatives accessible to all. Collectively we realized that Montreal has a wealth of resources and initiatives that untapped talent, especially people in marginalized communities could benefit from. Often times, lack of resources and access to “connectors” for these resources can result in citizens feeling helpless & somewhat powerless.
I learnt that some of the best entrepreneurs live in the most socially impoverished neighborhoods and have no idea that they too have access to great programs and initiatives that are happening in incubator spaces across the downtown core.
Smart Idea #2: Put The Interest Of The People Before Your Own
When mapping out the power structure in our city, it was evident that there are special interest groups and social classes that were part of the “haves” and organizations and communities that were part of the “have nots”. These special interest groups influenced the policies, programs and even the businesses that thrived while the communities & organizations who would also benefit from a small piece of the pie were left to fight for what’s left, some giving up in the process.
A diverse city such as Montreal has many stakeholders, often looking out for the best interest of select groups whether on the basis of language, class or social positioning.
We must not forget about those who have the smallest voice.
Those who may not have the means but who are equally as important & equally as beneficial to the improvement of our city.
They too are part of what will make Montreal smarter.
Smart Idea #3: A Leader Is Only As Great As Its Succession
In speaking with directors and leaders in organizations focused on innovation, I realized that not enough space is given to the leaders of tomorrow. There is a hoarding of power by those currently leading Montreal & not enough emphasis is on preparing the next generation.
Leaders are making decisions based on the “I know best” practice and are not focused enough on getting to the truth of what is really happening to those affected most by the change or decision. There is a “leading from the top” mentality. Instead of looking down, we should be focused on looking beside. Working together, collaboratively to find the “innovative solutions” to city problems.
Though I know none of the ideas I mentioned here are new, they are important to reiterate. Montreal has been making strides in the direction of a smarter city, however more is needed.
This experience was not about finding the solutions to some of the world’s global problems in a week. It was not about finding that BIG idea or making that HUGE impact. This experience, for me, was about looking at the local picture & seeing where I fit in on the spectrum. It was about looking at ways that I can make a small impact towards creating a city I believe in.
This experience was about Engaging each other in a dialogue, Inspiring each other to act in some small way (or big way if you have the capacity) & Driving each other to connect, collaborate & grow. It was about empowering the future leaders to take action wherever they were, with whatever they had and in whatever way they could.
How will this experience change our city? Only time will tell. But what I do know is that for me it will happen one small act at a time.
How are you making a difference in your city? What small act can you do today that will have a big impact?
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