So I've been in Cleveland for the last week. I travel to Cleveland every 3-4 months for a week long residency at Case Western Reserve University's Weatherhead School of Management for my masters degree in Positive Organizational Development and Change. Sure, we look at some of the standard business school stuff like organizational structure and best practices in cross functional processes between departments in an organization, but it is always through the same lens. The human lens. Meaning, you can look at all the flow charts and data you want but if you as a leader leave out the human emotion factor, you do a disservice to those you lead.

We also spend a lot of time learning about Emotional Intelligence as it relates to leadership. Good leaders are decision SHAPERS, not just decision makers. Obviously there is a time and a place for being presented an argument and having the leader be the final decision maker. However, there are only so many hours in the day and many decisions need to be made every day. So empowering those on the "front lines" to make those day to day decisions frees up the leader to focus on their important tasks.

How does this relate to you as a citizen of Camden, Rockport, and Islesboro? One might think in this type scenario that I, Owen Casas, would be the "leader" and the citizens would be the "followers". I don't see it this way. I'm running to be YOUR Representative in Augusta. You have a huge role in shaping the decisions I would make. On November 8th you do have many decisions to make, who your local Representative is, is just one of them. When the final vote is counted and I'm given the honor to represent you in Augusta, you will empower me to make certain day to day decisions on your behalf: where our vote will be on legislation, yea or nay.

Your elected officials work for YOU. You are the boss, you and about 9,000 other citizens in this district, don't ever forget that. You all have the final decision on who will represent you. You also have a role in shaping the decisions I would make on your behalf. Get involved, do the research, and ask the hard questions of those representing you. The world is run by those who show up... so show up.

Paid for and authorized by Owen Casas