ken_gitahi
Content Creator and Ghostwriter.
Modern leaders and material on leadership says that the days of leaders just directing are long gone. Instead, today's leadership is about connecting and helping others build strong connections. These days, according to experts, the true measure of a community leader is their ability to foster a thriving, engaged community.
A crucial element of doing this is being able to transform followers into a loyal, interactive family and shifting engagement styles from monologue to dialogue. Creating a vibrant ecosystem of ideas and support relies on how well leaders can encourage conversations among your audience, not just with them. Master this, and you will be on your way to becoming a leader who can create thriving, engaging communities.
The best leaders are also able to cultivate a shared identity. The best examples of this are "Swifties" or "Beliebers". If you know about these groups, you know the type of community they belong to. A shared identity punctuated by a collective name makes people feel they belong and leads to unity within a community, which, in turn, makes community members feel part of something bigger than themselves.
The world is full of distractions, and leaders who are in tune with what is happening understand this. Add a group of followers or a community, and the leader's attention becomes invaluable. Good leaders know how to give their attention generously, and also understand that doing so is one of the best ways of making members of their community feel seen and valued.
The best leaders also invite input constantly. Ask questions, seek opinions. Doing both is a great way of validating your members' voices and expertise, making them feel integral to the community's growth. Once you master this, you can take it further by co-creating with your tribe. When doing this, involve them in crucial endeavours like product development and in crucial discussions. Remember, the point is not what you're selling, but rather what you're building together. Once you master the second, the first will come naturally.
Crucially, remember that true leadership in the digital era isn't about amassing followers. Rather, it's about nurturing a community where everyone feels they belong and contribute. By implementing the strategies and ideas discussed above, you're not just leading – you're cultivating a thriving ecosystem of engaged, loyal supporters.
So, onto you now. What aspect of community building resonates most with your leadership style?
A crucial element of doing this is being able to transform followers into a loyal, interactive family and shifting engagement styles from monologue to dialogue. Creating a vibrant ecosystem of ideas and support relies on how well leaders can encourage conversations among your audience, not just with them. Master this, and you will be on your way to becoming a leader who can create thriving, engaging communities.
The best leaders are also able to cultivate a shared identity. The best examples of this are "Swifties" or "Beliebers". If you know about these groups, you know the type of community they belong to. A shared identity punctuated by a collective name makes people feel they belong and leads to unity within a community, which, in turn, makes community members feel part of something bigger than themselves.
The world is full of distractions, and leaders who are in tune with what is happening understand this. Add a group of followers or a community, and the leader's attention becomes invaluable. Good leaders know how to give their attention generously, and also understand that doing so is one of the best ways of making members of their community feel seen and valued.
The best leaders also invite input constantly. Ask questions, seek opinions. Doing both is a great way of validating your members' voices and expertise, making them feel integral to the community's growth. Once you master this, you can take it further by co-creating with your tribe. When doing this, involve them in crucial endeavours like product development and in crucial discussions. Remember, the point is not what you're selling, but rather what you're building together. Once you master the second, the first will come naturally.
Crucially, remember that true leadership in the digital era isn't about amassing followers. Rather, it's about nurturing a community where everyone feels they belong and contribute. By implementing the strategies and ideas discussed above, you're not just leading – you're cultivating a thriving ecosystem of engaged, loyal supporters.
So, onto you now. What aspect of community building resonates most with your leadership style?
