This neighborhood board leader feels overwhelmed by constant complaints from residents about cleanliness, security, and lighting issues. As a new leader, they question whether continuing in the role is worthwhile given feeling worn down. However, they recognize their commitment and that the neighborhood needs open-minded people to participate. To address the situation, the leader plans to identify their strengths and areas for growth, continue educating themselves, think creatively about solutions, and improve time management. They will also work on empathizing with residents and applying strategies to not let negative energy affect their decision-making.

1. The dilemma of the neighborhood board
1. Carefully review the situation that is presented.
2. Develop an action plan to deal with the situation that includes:
o Diagnosis of the situation and the emotions it creates.
o Action plan that helps you make decisions related to this situation.
3. We recommend reviewing the material seen this week.
4. Use the evaluation criteria that are included in the checklist to assess the action plan.
This is your first year as leader of your neighborhood board; lately, you have thought about not
continuing with this job because some of the residents have been calling you constantly to
complain about the cleanliness of the common areas, the lack of security, and the poor lighting in
the neighborhood.
You have been very patient and you are always willing to listen to your community, and as such
you have even received calls at dawn from complaining neighbors. As much as you have tried to
help and pay attention to them in a cordial way, you question whether continuing with this
commitment is worthwhile since you feel worn down.
You have always been aware of the responsibility that comes with living in a community and,
being a new neighborhood, it needs people who want to participate and be open-minded like you.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diagnosis of the situation and the emotions it creates:
Self-doubts are getting in my way as a first-year neighborhood leader. I know that I have some of
the abilities that are needed to be in this position such as the knowledge, empathy, listening and
communication skills, and initiative; however, I feel a lack of confidence and intimidated by my
lack of experience (self-knowledge) and by people’s complaints. I know that this job can put a
lot of pressure on me and that many people will not agree with the actions I decide to take for my
community, and that can be disappointing (emotional-intelligence), thus I need to work on this
aspect and try not to take things so personal. Also, as a leader I am aware of my commitment to
this position and although I feel worn out at times, I am self-aware that I can make a change in
my neighborhood because I can empathize with people (social intelligence).
Action plan that helps you make decision related to this situation

2. First, I need to identify the aspects I am good at and the aspects I can make improvements on.
Once I have identified my strengths, I will continue to educate myself and work to gain more
knowledge and experience. I will do this with a positive attitude and with a clear goal in mind. I
will ask for opinions and think creatively to bring solutions to the table and communicate them
with the community. It is important that in order to not feel worn out, that I work on my time
management skills to allocate the time needed for this job, and the time needed for my personal
life.
Another action plan that goes in hand with the previous one is that I empathize as much as
possible with people to understand them as much as possible. Sometimes this can be difficult
because others will want to transmit their negative energy, but a good way to not let this affect
me will be by applying the 5 recommendations by David Pollay: letting people’s negative pass
by; avoid ruminating; avoid taking revenge or letting our negative emotions affect others; help
people and value their virtues; and be grateful. Once I have practice or even dominated this, my
job as a leader will be easier and I will be ready to make better decisions.