The Rise of New Leadership | Re-cap

Former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin offered words of advice about leadership to members and guests at the Atlanta Urban League Young Professionals’ personal and professional development meeting on Feb. 7, 2011.

Franklin told the large crowd of young professionals that gathered at the Melia Hotel on West Peachtree Street in Atlanta that their generation has a critical role to play in shaping public policy, which has too long hampered full participation by members of their community.

“You cannot sweep that under the rug. If you do, you are not leaders,” she said.

“I think you should pick those things you care most about, become expert, demonstrate your expertise, and then be somewhat diplomatic…and say just enough to keep the conversation going so that you are not the last generation that is providing a platform for the next generation, who will do better, better and better.”

Franklin served as mayor from 2002 to 2010, and was Atlanta’s first female mayor and the first black woman to serve as mayor of a major southern city.

Surrounded by a magnificent night view from the hotel’s 25th floor, of the city’s skyline that she helped transform during her two terms, Franklin said she was proud of doing the work that needed to be done, even if it wasn’t always glamorous, such as replacing the city’s outdated sewer system that violated federal law and racked up costly fines.

“Leadership means that you sometimes choose something that is not popular and put yourself on the line because that investment is going to pay dividends, even though it is not popular at the time that you choose it,” said Franklin.
There is a different role to be played by each style of leadership, which includes “thought” leaders - those who think of ideas - and leaders who are implementers, Franklin said.

Before answering questions, she told the audience that she personally believes in putting everything on the table when you are convinced that you have a good idea, citing her first election as an inexperienced candidate as an example.

“That’s my style of leadership,” she said. “When you put it all on the table you are completely exposed. I think the wins are sweeter, but you know that you’ve done everything that you needed to do. But everyone has to find their center in terms of leadership.”

AULYP members are admitted free with paid membership to monthly meetings. There is a $10 cover charge for non-AULYP members.

Below are links to articles about the Shirley Franklin meeting with talking points:
http://www.examiner.com/socialite-in-atlanta/former-mayor-shirley-franklin-on-the-rise-of-new-leadership
http://networkedblogs.com/e1hjb

- Marcus E. Howard