Leadership is more than popularity

In local politics, the word leadership is often used frequently but not always thoughtfully. Too often, an individual's popularity in the community – organizing events, volunteering for community cleanup or contributing financially to community causes – is interpreted as proof of leadership. Community service is valuable and should always be encouraged. Our cities thrive because people step forward to help. But popularity alone should not be confused with leadership. Leadership requires a deeper set of qualities that are developed over time through experience, discipline and accountability. True leadership is about the ability to influence people with or without formal authority. It is about developing and communicating a clear vision for the future and inspiring others to work together to achieve that vision. Leadership requires emotional intelligence – the ability to listen carefully, understand different perspectives, build trust and bring people together around shared goals. Great leaders also train themselves to approach issues thoughtfully and objectively. They learn to separate problems from personalities and focus on solutions rather than blame. They develop the ability to see patterns and risks others might overlook and recognize opportunities that can strengthen the community. Equally important, effective leaders create an environment where people feel welcomed and respected. Leadership is not about elevating one group over another, it is about fostering inclusivity where everyone feels heard and valued. This requires active listening, openness to diverse viewpoints and a genuine belief that every individual brings insight and value to the conversation. Strong leadership also requires humility. Leaders must be willing to accept responsibility for their decisions and actions. When mistakes occur – and they inevitably do – true leaders acknowledge them, learn from them and move forward with integrity. Unfortunately, this kind of accountability is not something we see often enough in public life today. Leaders must also be willing to receive constructive feedback. Criticism, when offered in good faith, strengthens decision-making and improves outcomes. Listening to feedback with respect and reflection is a sign of maturity and confidence in leadership. Another important distinction is preparation. Leadership in public office requires knowledge, skills and experience. It involves understanding how institutions function, how policies are developed, how budgets are managed and how different stakeholders must work together to solve complex problems. Without that preparation, leadership can easily be confused with visibility or popularity. Real leadership develops over time. It grows through years of learning, serving, building relationships and taking responsibility for outcomes. It is strengthened through challenges, setbacks and the determination to keep moving forward. My own leadership journey has been shaped by more than three decades of experience across the private sector, public service and community organizations. As a manager at California's State Department, I lead a team of more than 80 engineers and technology professionals responsible for critical infrastructure supporting the state's critical infrastructure. Our work helps deliver water and power that millions of Californians rely on every day. Leadership in that environment requires thoughtful decision-making, accountability, collaboration and the ability to guide teams through complex challenges. Outside my professional role, I have had the privilege of serving on city and county boards, mentoring entrepreneurs through SCORE and working with community organizations across the Sacramento region. These experiences have deepened my appreciation for the importance of civic engagement, collaboration and responsible governance. Volunteering and community involvement are vital – they are often where the first sparks of leadership appear. But effective public leadership requires more than goodwill. It requires vision, preparation, emotional intelligence, accountability and the ability to bring people together to solve problems that matter to everyone. Popularity may open doors. But leadership is what moves a community forward. As residents think about the future of our city and the choices ahead, it is worth reflecting on what leadership truly means – and why it matters. Jag Nagendra, PMP, DTM, is running for Folsom City Council District 3.