“Nothing lasts 20 years anymore.”
These were the words spoken a few weeks ago – with pride – by former Ambassador Geri Joseph, as she helped celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Policy Fellows program at the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs.
Ambassador Joseph had every right to be proud; she co-founded the program with with Vice President Walter Mondale in 1990. As she spoke to a packed house of Policy Fellows alumni, there was a collective sense of appreciation for a program that has earned a reputation as one of the best civic leadership programs in the country.
In an increasingly fast paced world, where bookshelves and websites are overflowing with quick-fix leadership tips, the Fellows program has continued to thrive, connecting nearly 600 Minnesotans in a rich cross-sector network of public affairs leaders. What’s the key here? What has made this program last?
Having worked with the Fellows for three years, I’m willing to venture a guess. It’s the honest, genuine and trusting relationships fostered over two decades that have made this program successful. Relationships between classmates, communities, businesses, nonprofits, and political leaders have taken root in the Fellows program. These types of relationships take time. They cannot be created in any other way, no matter how hard we try to condense the process.
A similar theme emerged in a recent Fellows’ workshop with Bill George. Mr. George suggested that the cause of our culture’s “trust problem” is not that we are living in a short-term world, but that our leaders are practicing short-termism. Meanwhile, our shared challenges are getting more complex with each quick fix we toss their way.
Trust. Integrity. These can only be built over time, with genuine patience and dedication.
An attendee at the Policy Fellows 20th anniversary commented: “learning that someone was a Policy Fellow gives them instant credibility.” The other attendees had a laugh at this, knowing there was quite a bit of truth to it. But where does this credibility come from? Probably not from the individual, if they are a relative stranger. Rather, it stems from 20 years of individual and collective investment in the civic culture of our state through this particular leadership program.
I wonder how many of our leaders are practicing short-termism, bypassing the investment of time and the establishment of trust for more immediate and temporary solutions. Can we address our state’s and nation’s challenges without rich and healthy public relationships? Are we personally devoting time and energy to build these relationships? Are we protecting the venues, the opportunities, and the spaces that allow these relationships to thrive?
~ Kate Cimino is a guest contributor.
As a Policy Fellows alum… I have to say it was an honor to be at the 20th anniversary celebration. It took a lot of vision to launch the program… and the passion of the leaders who dedicate their time to the program has helped it evolve into something very special.
Programs like Policy Fellows and Leadership Twin Cities (another program that has meant a lot to me) are true assets to this community.
Civic minded, thoughtful leadership is a commodity that sometimes seems to be in short supply… we’re lucky to have high quality programs in the state that are helping fill the void.
I think making the time to invest in community relationships is the most beneficial exercise a leader can do. In addition to the Policy Fellows, there is Leadership Twin Cities. (Or Leadership Saint Paul or Shannon Leadership Institute or The Partnership or Torch etc.)
As director of LTC I would add another recommendation. Whatever program you choose – make it a priority. Carve out the time, turn off your phone, rearrange appointments. Too often I see people selected for these programs only to arrive late, leave early and spend every break talking on their phones. Investing in a community program, wil produce long-term and consequently in-depth relationships that will benefit you, your company and your community.
Think of it as a gym. If you buy a membership, but just show up, wander around and look at the equipment and observe fitness classes – your personal gain? Nothing. You have to engage, work at it and then you will see results. Some may even last longer than 20 years…..