Characteristic #7 in our series on servant leadership is conceptualization. Webster’s defines conceptualization as a process of forming an idea by mentally combining all of its characteristics or particulars. In association leadership this translates into dreaming, thinking big, being creative and not getting bogged down in the day-to-day operations of the association. As a volunteer leader this is something that must be nurtured and intentionally planned for or else the day-to-day worries of the dog poop, unweeded lot, oversized car and broken gate pickets become all consuming.
In The Dream Manager, Matthew Kelly explores how leaders need to be Dream Managers and building bridges between the now and a better future. Dreams are the bridges that can move your community from just a bunch of homes to a place of being and a place of belonging. If you talk to your owners and know their dreams for their community, then they are likely to respond with passion and energy.