From Community to Corporate: Applying Leadership Lessons Across Sectors

Leadership, whether in a community or a business setting, involves guiding individuals toward common goals, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that every voice is heard. The leadership structures in both spheres share striking similarities, especially when managing diverse communities. Understanding these parallels can help leaders create inclusive environments where everyone can thrive as our workplaces become more diverse. 

Leadership Roles and Responsibilities 

In both community and business settings, leadership roles are clearly defined to guide the group. Just as a community might have a chairperson or coordinator, businesses have managers or team leaders. These individuals are responsible for steering the group, making strategic decisions, and ensuring everyone is aligned with the organization's goals. 

Leadership in both contexts centers on creating an environment where all members feel empowered and valued. The core values of integrity, empathy, and accountability should be at the heart of both community and business leadership. These values ensure that leaders guide, inspire, and support their teams. As a CEO, I often need to show up as the leader, but there are always opportunities for me to be a facilitator, mobilizer, or even an individual contributor. It's essential that I show up authentically, collaboratively, and with integrity, no matter the role I'm taking on. 

Decision-Making Processes: Inclusive and Participatory 

Communities' decision-making processes often involve consensus-building or voting, ensuring that all members have a say. Similarly, effective business leaders recognize the importance of including diverse perspectives in decision-making. By involving employees from different backgrounds, leaders can make more informed decisions that reflect the needs and desires of the entire workforce. 

In my workplace, I am particularly passionate about supporting our project communities (project teams) and our learning communities. These are spaces where collaboration and ongoing education thrive and where team members' diverse experiences and insights enrich the decision-making process. By fostering these communities, we ensure that everyone contributes and continually learns something new. 

Committees, Working Groups, and Teams 

Communities often form committees or working groups to tackle specific issues, just as businesses create teams to handle projects. These smaller groups allow for specialized focus and expertise, leading to more efficient and effective outcomes. In both contexts, leadership involves empowering these groups and providing them with the necessary resources to succeed. 

Supporting project teams within the workplace is a priority for me because they represent the heart of innovation and progress. These teams often face the challenge of balancing diverse viewpoints while working towards a common goal. We can overcome these challenges and drive meaningful outcomes by ensuring that team members are equipped with the right tools and knowledge. 

Communication Channels: Clear and Open 

Clear communication is the backbone of both community and business leadership. In communities, established communication channels keep everyone informed and engaged. In the workplace, leaders must ensure that communication flows smoothly between management and employees and among team members. Open communication fosters transparency, trust, and a sense of belonging. 

Clear and open communication is crucial for learning communities. It allows for the free exchange of ideas and knowledge, enabling continuous learning and growth. Leaders in these environments must prioritize communication to ensure that all members feel included and valued in the learning process. 

Inclusivity and Representation 

Both community and business leaders must prioritize inclusivity and representation. A diverse leadership structure ensures that all voices are heard and that the community or organization reflects the diversity of its members. In the workplace, this means creating an environment where all employees, regardless of background, feel valued and empowered to contribute. 

Leading diverse communities at work presents its own set of challenges. One challenge I've faced is ensuring that all voices within project teams are heard, especially when team members come from different cultural or professional backgrounds. To address this, I've implemented structured feedback mechanisms and regular check-ins to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas. 

Succession Planning and Leadership Development 

In community leadership, term limits, and succession planning are essential for maintaining a dynamic and evolving leadership structure. Similarly, businesses benefit from preparing future leaders through training and development programs. By investing in leadership development, both communities and businesses can ensure long-term success and sustainability. 

Supporting learning communities is essential in this regard. By providing continuous learning opportunities, we help individuals grow in their current roles and prepare them for future leadership positions. This focus on development ensures that the organization remains innovative and adaptable. 

Conflict Resolution and Feedback Mechanisms 

Conflicts are inevitable in any group, but how they are handled can make a significant difference. Communities often have established conflict resolution mechanisms to address disputes fairly and transparently. In the workplace, leaders must be equipped to mediate conflicts and provide channels for employees to give feedback. Addressing issues promptly and effectively helps maintain harmony and productivity. 

Differing opinions or approaches can cause conflicts in project teams. By establishing clear conflict resolution processes and encouraging open dialogue, I've navigated these challenges and maintained a collaborative team environment. 

Community Engagement and Employee Participation 

Finally, active engagement is crucial in both community and business settings. In a community, leadership is most effective when members are engaged and feel a sense of ownership. Similarly, business leaders should encourage employee participation, fostering a culture of collaboration and shared responsibility. 

Fostering engagement is critical in our learning communities. By encouraging participation and creating a supportive learning environment, we can ensure that everyone is not only gaining knowledge but also contributing to the team's collective growth. 

Overcoming Challenges and Growing as Leaders 

Of course, it's easy to say we need to show up in the communities we're part of, but challenges will always arise. In these challenges—such as cultural differences, resource limitations, or even national recessions—we grow as individuals, leaders, and communities. When the global pandemic hit, I thought I was a really good CEO. The pandemic made me question everything I thought I was skilled in and my ability to lead our organization during a time of unprecedented chaos and change. 

I was scared and questioned whether I was the right leader. However, working through the pandemic with teamwork, creativity, and a focus on serving the organization, I became a much better and more well-rounded leader. The takeaway is simple:

1. Show up.
2. Understand your role in the community you're showing up for.
3. Have fun. 

As I grow as a leader within my company, I am inspired to grow as a leader in my community. Applying what I have learned in one realm is intrinsically utilized in the other. Growing my company alongside my community is critical, and I intend to work on both with my full might.

Conclusion

The parallels between community leadership and business leadership are clear. By embracing the principles of community leadership, businesses can build stronger, more cohesive teams that are better equipped to achieve their goals. 

Ultimately, leadership is about more than just guiding a group—it's about creating a space where everyone can contribute, learn, and grow together. By understanding and applying the principles of community leadership within the workplace and beyond, we can foster a productive and enriching environment for everyone involved.