Edition 24: The Art of Community Building: Connection & Clarity with Rob Noble, Founder, Group Of Humans

Something profound happens when you stop thinking like an employer and start thinking like a community builder. Traditional business relationships create hierarchies - community creates connections.

When I founded Group Of Humans, I wasn't looking to build another agency. I wanted to create a space where exceptional talent could come together, create value, and truly own their impact.

When 85% of HUMANS community speak, as they did in our recent annual survey, they don't speak as employees. They speak as peers, as experts, as fellow travelers on a journey to transform how meaningful work gets done. Their voices reveal something powerful about the future of work: authentic communities outperform traditional organizations every time.

Our model is deliberately different. HUMANS choose to be here. They're selected for their expertise, yes, but also for their belief in collective impact. They're not paid by GOH - they're paid directly by clients for the value they create. This isn't just a structural choice - it's a fundamental shift in how we think about professional relationships.

Our Community in Numbers

• 72 HUMANS participated in our annual survey
• 85% engagement rate

This high participation itself tells a story - when you build true community, people invest in its future.

Beyond Digital vs Physical

In an age of digital-first everything, our HUMANS highlight something interesting: meaningful connections form in many ways. While sophisticated collaboration tools enable our daily work, organic moments of connection - whether digital or physical - create lasting bonds.

"Every project feels like earning a Masters! The group is so rich with knowledge, getting the opportunity to have that shared as much as possible is what I love." - HUMAN Survey Response, Nov 2024

The key isn't about where these connections happen, but how they develop naturally:

• Skill-sharing sessions that turn peers into collaborators
• Cross-discipline discussions that spark innovation
• Organic gatherings that strengthen existing relationships

Connection Without Compromise

The data is clear: communities thrive when they enable authentic connection in all its forms. Our most engaged HUMANS are those who find their own rhythm of interaction, whether digital, physical, or both.

"That we continue to thrive, evolve, and grow without losing the beautiful feeling of community that we have when we come together." - HUMAN Survey Response, Nov 2024

What makes connections work:

• Authenticity over obligation
• Quality over quantity
• Purpose over presence
• Relationships over requirements

The Marketplace Reality

In challenging economic times, successful marketplaces demand precision. But precision doesn't mean rigidity. Our business development framework defines clear paths to value while preserving the flexibility that makes our community unique:

The Power of Clear Roles

The Opener-Closer Dynamic

• Openers: Relationship builders who spot opportunity
• Closers: Deal crafters who create value
• Supported by Alchemists (data-driven insights) and Storytellers (compelling narratives)

This isn't about boxing people in - it's about empowering each HUMAN to contribute where they naturally excel.

Initiative Focus & Impact

Our HUMANS have identified clear priorities where we can create meaningful impact, driven not by market trends but by genuine passion for transformation:

1. Health & Wellbeing

Our Healthspan initiative demonstrates the power of our community model. HUMANS can create value in multiple ways - by forming proposition tribes, delivering expertise, and opening doors to transformative client relationships. This isn't just about day rates - it's about HUMANS truly owning and driving change.

Value Creation Paths:

• Shape: Create and lead proposition tribes
• Connect: Leverage networks for meaningful introductions
• Participate: Deliver exceptional client value

2. Environmental Impact

Responding to the highest community interest, our environmental initiatives focus on sustainable futures and local actions with global impact. See how we helped ENGIE transform their approach to sustainability. Look out for our new Environment proposition launching in Q2 2025.

3. Education Innovation

Reimagining learning for tomorrow's challenges while taking action today. Learn how we supported XQ in revolutionizing high school education.

"GOH is unique amongst these types of organisations.... there is a genuine feeling of belonging and loyalty.... and a desire to make it succeed." - HUMAN Survey Response, Nov 2024

Visit our Initiatives page to learn more about how we're driving transformation across these sectors, or explore our groundbreaking Healthspan program launching in full this coming year.

Looking Forward: 2025 Priorities

Our community has shaped a clear path forward:

1. Strengthen Local Connections
2. Enhance Value Creation
3. Support Growth

"A balance of HUMANS supporting each other in conversation and knowledge development, coupled with a steady flow of the kinds of world-class work opportunities that only this group can bring to each other." - HUMAN Survey Response, Nov 2024

As we move into 2025, I'm more convinced than ever that the future of work isn't about employers and employees - it's about communities of exceptional talent coming together to create extraordinary impact. Thank you to every HUMAN who contributes to making this vision reality.

Rob Noble is the founder of Group Of Humans, a distributed community transforming how creative work gets done.