Have you ever been part of a group, network, team or community that has propelled you to your full potential? Maybe you collectively created and delivered an incredible event or an innovative project? Maybe your unified passion, drive and determination helped you achieve something of greatness? Something that not only served others, but expanded and transformed you as a person.
As the African proverb states, "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want go far, go together."
It has never been more true than where we find ourselves today. Community cohesion and unity is required right now.
Why do we gain so much when we work together? What are the benefits? How can you tap into those benefits today via your own teams, groups, networks and communities?
Here are my top 8 observations:
1. They are our greatest cheerleaders. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and you will rise. Surround yourself with the right people and watch your mission become theirs also. Remember to be their cheerleader in return.
2. They are our support network. When we are facing a challenge, feeling a bit lost and unsure, confused about the next step or when we feel afraid; our support network lifts us and guides us through. I have observed multiple members of my community embrace and support others (even if they have never personally experienced that particular challenge) with empathy and compassion. This trait is a true reflection of the human spirit.
3. They combat any feelings of isolation. Working with others can help alleviate feelings of isolation, boredom and loneliness. Probably the most common feedback I receive when I host group events is that people no longer feel alone. Even if individual challenges seem unique on the outside, underneath we all crave the same things.
4. They nurture our sense of belonging. No matter what our personal and professional circumstance, connecting with others creates social interaction and increases our sense of belonging in our wider community. It is so heart-warming when someone shares something they feel is unique to them (and maybe causes them to feel unhelpful and unwanted shame) only to have to someone raise their hand and say 'me too'.
5. They give us another perspective. When you are absorbed and engulfed in your own life and career it is sometimes difficult to see things from another point of view. Had a tiff with your business partner, colleague or friend? Struggling with a difficult client? Raise it with your support network. Not only will a true cheerleader keep your confidences, they will often have an outsider’s perspective which may expand your mind to an alternative possibility.
6. They teach us life lessons and how to respect differences. Advances in technology allow us to meet on a global scale, opening our worlds to diversity and cultures unlike our own. As someone who spent a decade doing this in person, I personally appreciate I can now experience this by logging onto my laptop. The world is shrinking and this more intimate connection gives us the opportunity to expand our minds to other points of view and learn from others all over the globe, thus bringing us together as one.
7. They inspire us and drive us forward. There is a saying that if you are smartest person in the room, you are in the wrong room - something I personally embrace. When I immerse myself in opportunities with people I find inspiring, but also intimidating (only in my own mind of course), I am never disappointed. Of course I feel uncomfortable (#fraudcomplex) at first. But I also learn a lot about myself, unwrap gifts I didn't even realise I possessed, cultivate my secondary skills and move forward at a much faster rate than I would have flying solo. Thinking you are not ready, doesn't not mean it's true.
8. It's fun! Friendships, laughter, connection, community, joy, expansion, creation, leadership, inspiration and growth.
I have been leading and facilitating groups and teams for many years now, and the magic a group of like-minded individuals create is something to behold, appreciate and admire. To be part of it is humbling. I am excited the doors are now open for the final group coaching program of 2021, The Leadership Lounge.
THE LEADERSHIP LOUNGE is a group coaching program for new, emerging and current leaders who wish to invest in themselves, and their career, over the next six months with me as their coach. Enrolments have already begun, and transformation underway via my brand new online course Lead Yourself - a gift to anyone who joins the Lounge.
From now, until early next year, we will lay a strong foundation that will support you for years to come. How to become a more innovative, courageous, emotional intelligent leader - one who can lead themselves, and others, into the Next Normal.
I am extremely proud of the way I have aligned with my value of lifelong expansion, creation and leadership by spending the beginning of this year immersing myself in research and training around how to lead in a pandemic and post-pandemic world. I have never felt more confident and empowered in this area. I am armed with everything you need to move you and your team forward.
This, combined with everything you bring to the table, is going to make this program one of my best. I feel it in every part of my body.
A group of high performers, authentic conversation, collaboration, growth, expansion and unwavering support? I am so excited!Â
If this calls out to you, I invite you to CLICK HERE to find out more.