“I’m going to change the world in a BIG way. It will be the BIGGER than anything anyone has ever done before. The BIGGEST. Everyone will agree….”
The thought of changing the world, or wishing that we lived in a slightly different world, seems to be on everyone’s mind at the moment. Whether it is a business man trying to change politics or politicians trying to change industry, change has never happened without the support of a group of united people. It’s a sentiment I heard Sinek speak about recently, and it struck a chord with me. Especially in light of everything that has happened over the last few days.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has”. Margaret Mead
Small groups are often called communities and communities are wonderful things. They are groups of people united by a common set of values and beliefs. A company should be exactly that, a group of people united around a common set of values and beliefs. A country? A group of people united around a common set of values or beliefs.
Running a company? Running a country? Similar things….?
Of course not, but to compare the two would be missing a very important point.
To get anything done, and it is clear that the world is obsessed at the moment with a self-professed “doer” who says he will get things done, you have to win the hearts and minds of people. You do that by building a community.
“Engaging with your fans and building a community are two totally different things”. Mitch Joel
So what is a community? Really?
If you look at the official definition on Wikipedia (as outlined by Scott M. Peck in his brilliant book “A Different Drum”, the real characteristics of a community are as follows:
Scott Peck ~ A Different Drum
Whether you are building a brand, growing a company or trying to change the world, in the end not much will happen unless you can learn to be respectful, fight gracefully and have an inclusive place where everyone feels welcome and listened to.
So whatever happens over the next four years, in our countries or in our companies, if we just remember these things, and keep reminding our leaders of them, then we probably won’t go far wrong.
“The difference between an audience and a community is which way the chairs are facing”. Chris Brogan