We can practice humane leadership – even in environments as intense as a state legislature. Sharing this story from my colleague Tristan Toleno who worked in the VT State Legislature for over 9 years, including serving as Assistant Majority Leader in a role of "The Whip." (Tristan and I used to co-teach a class on Applied Systems Leadership for Complex Problem-Solving in an MBA Program at Marlboro College.)
This article has the fuller story, featuring the Shared Leadership framework from Global Round Table Leadership -
https://lnkd.in/eYswhhDm
Tristan remembers one colleague who felt particularly isolated because of her steadfast commitment to opposition to the bill as the right position for her community. She knew that the majority of her caucus would vote in support and she felt targeted for her opposition by advocates within the caucus.
Though they disagreed, Tristan prioritized taking time to listen and to hear her concerns. Soon after the final vote, she tracked him down to affirm his work to make space for her voice and everyone’s contribution mattered to her. Tristan recalls:
"She appreciated that I didn't belittle her when she didn't give in to the majority pressure and that I allowed her to be seen and felt as fully human before her legislator role."
Eight weeks later, the bill passed. No major language had changed. Tristan's commitment to relating first as humans before role, status, or expertise improved trust and led to a strong legislative approach to this issue.
“The classic understanding of the role of the Whip is that it is part of a status and power-based system to get people to do what leadership wants. Instead, I decided to practice one of the core PIllars of Inclusion of The Shared Leadership Framework™️-- leading first with our humanity, what exists at the core of us -- before relating through roles, status, and expertise.
I honored the anxiety, the worries, the frustrations, that legislators were holding during a really tough vote,” explains Tristan. “Even though I didn't get her vote, I never made her feel diminished because I wasn't using my power over her to try to make her feel small or make her do what I wanted.”
Congrats Tristan on your new role as President of GRTL! #sharedleadership #tristantoleno #grtl
With great joy and deep respect, we announce the promotion of Tristan Toleno to President!
After 12 years of loving service in the Vermont State Legislature, Tristan now joins us full-time to support our vision, partnerships, and continued evolution.
We are grateful for his commitment to our ensemble and invite you to learn more about his journey with us here: https://lnkd.in/d3R_kb3
#congrats #proud #appreciation #commitment #promotion #happy #joy #joyful #celebrate #celebration #employee #evolution #mission
👏 thank you to our nation's lineworkers.