When Richmond’s newly elected leadership—City Council, the Mayor, Danny TK Avula, and City Administration—gathered for a full-day strategy retreat, I had the privilege of serving as the facilitator, along with John W. Martin, Southeastern Institute of Research (S.I.R). This was not just another policy discussion. It marked the beginning of a new chapter in Richmond’s leadership—one centered on establishing greater trust, transparency, and teamwork to better serve the city’s residents.
The Growing Pains of Leadership and Learning Together
Let’s be honest—building trust is not easy. Governing is complex, and with new leadership comes a learning curve. The retreat wasn’t about pretending everything is perfect; it was about acknowledging where trust needs to be rebuilt, where transparency can improve, and how leaders can work together despite differences.
This gathering created a space where leaders engaged in real conversations about their shared mission. Yes, there was scrutiny. But leadership isn’t about avoiding criticism; it’s about responding with action, growth, and commitment. That’s a part of the process.
Three Leadership Lessons from the Retreat
The discussions, activities, and interactive sessions were designed to build alignment and create a stronger foundation for Richmond’s leadership. Here are three takeaways every leader—inside or outside government—can reflect on:
1. Trust is Built Through Consistency, Not Speeches
One of the most powerful moments of the retreat was when participants reflected on how trust is earned and lost. Trust isn’t a single event or a one-time promise; it is built through a commitment to competence, care, character and small, consistent actions over time. Richmond Leaders are committed to:
Setting clearer expectations in their roles
Following through on commitments
Acknowledging when mistakes happen and working to correct them
2. Transparency is a Tool for Strength, Not a Weakness
The group examined what transparency actually means—not just a buzzword, but a tool to create stronger accountability and better governance. Leaders discussed lessons from Richmond’s recent water crisis and how communication breakdowns can erode public trust. Moving forward, commitments included:
Proactive communication between City Council and the Mayor’s Office
Regular check-ins and clarity on decisions
A shared commitment to a communication agreement that sets clear expectations
3. Leadership is a Team Sport—Collaboration Matters
Governance isn’t about winning or losing political points; it’s about serving people. The retreat highlighted that when trust erodes, so does the ability to get things done. Leaders worked through a Shared Priorities & Strategic Action Planning exercise to align on key focus areas:
Affordable housing and economic development
Budgetary responsibility and funding priorities
Legislative initiatives that require strategy, communication and unity between Mayor and City Council
Three Questions for Leaders to Reflect On
No matter your leadership role, these questions can help gauge where trust, transparency, and teamwork stand in your organization:
Are we making decisions in a way that builds trust over time?
Are we communicating in a way that is clear, honest, and timely?
Are we prioritizing relationships and partnerships over politics?
Three Exercises to Strengthen Leadership & Collaboration
If you lead a team—whether in government, business, or community work—here are three exercises from the retreat that you can try:
The Trust Ladder – Identify three actions that build trust and one thing that breaks trust in a professional setting. Work with your team to co-create a Trust Code of Conduct.
Strategic Priority Mapping – Work with your leadership team to define your four most important shared priorities. Categorize them into immediate, short-term, and long-term actions.
Communication Commitment – Draft a communication agreement that ensures transparency, clarity, and accountability among team members.
The Road Ahead: Accountability, Action & Growth
The retreat wasn’t about checking a box—it was about starting a process. The real test will be what happens next—how these commitments translate into action, accountability, and results for the people of Richmond.
Trust is not a soft skill. It is a leadership competency. Transparency is not about public relations. It is a governance responsibility.
As Richmond’s leaders move forward, teamwork is not optional. It is essential to future success because leadership is not just about what is discussed in a retreat—it’s about what is done in trust, transparency, and teamwork after the retreat ends.
