The Power of Community & Connection
Lately I’ve been attending a lot of conferences and networking groups and the thing that has stood out above all else is community is everything. I was on a panel about leadership in community last week, at the This Is It Live event, I couldn’t help but reflect on how essential it is to surround ourselves with people who share our goals, who inspire us, and who we can trust for honest feedback.
Being a leader—whether it’s within a team, a family, or a group with shared goals—comes with its own set of challenges. And if you’re a business owner or the only leader in your company, the weight of those challenges can feel even heavier. Leadership can be lonely, and while you're there for others, who’s there for you? That’s where community comes in.
A supportive community is a circle of giving and growth, where each person uplifts one another by sharing knowledge, offering guidance, and lending a hand when needed. It’s about building connections that allow us to learn, refer, and rely on each other, creating a space where everyone has something to contribute and something to gain. Being part of a community means actively helping others while also having the support and resources to expand together.
Why Community is Essential
No one succeeds alone. We all need people to lean on, ask questions, and turn to when times get tough. Community provides that support system. In a professional context, having a group of like-minded individuals you can trust gives you the opportunity to discuss ideas, gain insights, and even vent frustrations. As leaders, it’s crucial to have others to lean on, especially when you’re navigating difficult decisions or tackling unfamiliar issues.
A group of people with shared values or goals can act as your “brain trust”—a group you go to for opinions, perspective, and advice. They become your sounding board and help prevent you from feeling like you're handling everything in isolation. You get the chance to hear others’ experiences, celebrate wins together, and learn from their mistakes without having to go through them yourself.
Translating Community into the Workplace
In the workplace, building a community-focused environment fosters engagement, collaboration, and trust. Even if you don’t have a full leadership team, there are ways to find that sense of camaraderie and support:
Leadership in Groups: When leaders come together for things like training sessions, workshops, or networking events, they often find that they share common struggles. Hearing each other’s questions and challenges can be validating and reassuring. It’s a powerful reminder that you’re not the only one facing these issues.
Seeking Out Peer Groups: If you’re a solopreneur or a small business owner, finding your community outside of your company is invaluable. Networking groups, online forums, or even mastermind groups can be your resource for advice, support, and accountability. When I was an HR team of one at a tech start up, I was in a vacuum. I reached out to other HR pro’s who were solo at their company, and formed a community to share templates, and do gut checks. I couldn’t have succeeded without them!
Embracing Vulnerability: Many leaders avoid sharing their challenges because they fear it may make them look weak or unprepared. But opening up to others—whether it’s through a formal community or an informal network—can actually make you a stronger leader. Vulnerability fosters connection, and sharing struggles is often the quickest way to find people who understand exactly what you're going through.
Overcoming the Fear of Reaching Out
Recently, I had a call with someone I connected with on LinkedIn. She admitted that it felt strange to message a stranger and ask for a chat, and that this was her first time doing it. I was happy to encourage her because reaching out like this is second nature to me by now, but I understand that it can feel intimidating at first.
Making that initial connection can feel awkward, but it’s often the start of something valuable. I've met so many incredible people just by being open to those initial connections. You never know who will become part of your trusted circle, but you have to take that first step.
Lessons from My Own Journey
When I worked in corporate HR, I felt more isolated than ever, even though I was constantly surrounded by people. Everyone came to me with their problems, but I couldn’t truly connect with them because I was expected to maintain a certain level of authority and impartiality. I didn’t want to show favoritism, so I kept my distance—and it was lonely.
Now, as a business owner, I have built a community that feels like the biggest, most supportive team I’ve ever had, even though I’m technically a “solopreneur.” By surrounding myself with people who bring diverse skill sets, inspire me, and offer amazing advice, I’ve created my own version of a team and it’s made a huge impact not only on my business, but on my mental health.
You’re Not Alone!
If you’re feeling the weight of being the only leader in your business, know this: you’re not alone. The feeling of isolation can be heavy, but there are people out there who understand what you’re going through and are ready to support you. Community is a powerful thing, and when you embrace it, you’ll find that you have more allies, supporters, and mentors than you ever realized.
So, reach out. Send that message. Join that group. Attend that conference. Because, in the end, the journey is so much better when you have people to share it with.
