Power of Community
It’s no secret that loneliness is on the rise. In fact, just last year the U.S. Surgeon General published a report naming it an epidemic with health consequences ranging from anxiety and depression to a greater risk of cardiovascular disease and dementia. When viewed from an organizational perspective, colleagues feeling a lack of social connection can also impact collaboration, engagement, and resilience in the face of challenges.
Last month I attended a retreat hosted by the Opportunity Collaboration, an international community connected through shared values in addressing issues of poverty and injustice worldwide. This experience reaffirmed for me the powerful impact community can have in our lives – both personally and professionally – in fueling our dreams and reaching our goals.
As we enter the holiday season, take a moment to consider where you find community and when you might extend and foster community with those in your workplace and industry. You might be surprised by how those additional connections can change your life and others.
Building a healthy community for your team begins with finding and nourishing your own. While the cliche may be “It’s lonely at the top”, I’ve counseled a number of my C-suite clients that it doesn’t have to be if we can consider there are different kinds of community.
Connect within your industry
One simple way to build your community is to reach out to other leaders within your industry. Professional organizations and LinkedIn are a start, but building relationships with similar leaders at other organizations takes time. Invest in creating those connections.
Step out of the comfort zone
Learning a new skill or sharing a new experience with others can be a profound way to strengthen connections and create a sense of belonging. Follow your curiosity or reignite that long-lost hobby and build a network with like-minded individuals.
Join a leadership circle
If connecting to a community for professional development is a priority, consider joining a leadership circle. This can be a great way to connect with individuals who share a similar level of experience and can be a source of mutual support in building leadership skills and navigating challenges.
Having a healthy sense of community at work encourages colleagues to share ideas, lean on each other during tough times, and innovate together. Here are some ways you can help build greater community in your workplace:
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Provide a shared purpose
When people feel part of something bigger than themselves, they’re likely to feel a greater sense of belonging. This sense of engagement becomes a key driver in achieving challenging goals that require coordinated effort, commitment, and resilience. Help your team articulate their shared sense of purpose – the “why” that inspires them.
Create the space
Isolation can be a significant barrier to engagement. In a hybrid work environment, leaders need to think more intentionally in how to create moments of connection and shared experiences for colleagues. Consistency is key, so make the most of in-person opportunities to deepen ties while leveraging the ever-improving technical tools to encourage collaboration and the flow of information online. How you engage with your community is essential – if you’re not fully present, your community will notice.
Build trust
Trust is the foundation of any healthy community. Encourage an open-door policy for both in-person and remote workers and promote transparent communication that helps everyone feel valued. Regular check-ins, team-based problem-solving sessions, and cross-departmental collaboration can help create connections that can withstand disagreements and conflicts.
Community can take many different forms…including in the temporary gathering of a shared love of music. Enjoy this Ode to Joy:
Have 30 minutes? Listen to leadership expert and author Simon Sinek interview Ted Talk speaker Luma Mefla on rebuilding community:
I'm Tatyana Sanikovich, a certified coach, former HR Director, facilitator, and catalyst on a mission to help individuals and organizations thrive and discover joy in their journeys. I specialize in providing 1:1 coaching, HR Advisory services, bespoke workshops, team facilitation, and speaking engagements tailored to your unique needs. Together, we'll craft a compelling story of transformation and unlock your true potential for success and fulfillment.