One approach that I've found invaluable is taking the time to get to know them and understanding their motivations and concerns. By actively listening, One can gain insights into the community leader's stances on various issues. When we understand their motivations, it often allows us to identify common themes or goals, creating a foundation for collaboration. Additionally, it's crucial to create a psychologically safe space (with ground rules) where all voices are heard and respected. This environment encourages open dialogue and ensures that everyone feels valued. More often than not, effective communication reveals that community leaders have more in common than they initially thought, paving the way for more unified efforts.

Struggling with leadership challenges? I’ve faced my share of these situations, and what’s always worked for me is focusing on open communication and trust. I make it a point to listen to everyone, respect their views, and ensure we’re all aligned on the bigger picture. It’s never about winning an argument, but about building a path forward together. For me, leadership means bringing people together, finding solutions, and moving ahead as a united team.

A Win-win approach is a good way out to overcome competitive situation and better collaboration. As such, knowing the perspective of each other is a good starting point for better and effective collaboration.

One strategy I use to strengthen relationships and address power struggles is to identify and publicly acknowledge specific contributions by others in the community, especially those who seem to be engaged in power struggles. It helps me and others understand the priorities and the value each individual/group brings to the shared cause. It helps build bridges among people with different approaches as well as those who are frustrated or verbally aggressive.

I’ve found it helpful to build relationships with genuine “community leaders” who are passionate about serving. Once I identify these individuals, I focus on enhancing our collaboration. Authentic leaders are typically open-minded, collaborative, practice servant leadership, and interested in moving forward. In contrast, those fixated on power often prioritize control over service. Facilitating tough conversations for the community’s benefit often means inviting everyone to reconnect with their original desire to serve.

Navigating collaboration with other leaders is /must be a mutual approach proactively, by identifying shared values, through open communication, respect, unbiased, teamwork, shared responsibilities and common goals, in order to achieve a successful collaborations.

Like many of the answers here - it’s less about sharing and more about listening where the viewpoints aren’t aligned. Maybe there is underlining issues, maybe there is a barrier in communication or maybe there is something deeper happening. Listening and then coming up with a strategic plan together is usually the approach I’ve taken. Most folks want their point to be heard and validated - together we can decide which is the best approach to take.

Community Leaders are among key stakeholders in every developmental project, for this, open communications, sharing relevant informations, listening their stories and experience through community engagement sessions can foster accomodations and acceptance.