Sounds counterintuitive, right? In reality, powerful individualism is often what leads to strong communities. Many of the most successful communities are created when people are empowered to take ownership and have a voice.
As we strive to move away from cookie-cutter sameness, individuals’ opinions, points of view, or unique thoughts can spark connection. We see it across all types of communities, whether grassroots or corporate-sponsored, virtual or rooted in physical space. The more eclectic and interesting, the more it thrives. Funny how an emphasis on “I” leads to a more coherent sense of we.
Every two months, devoted blood donor, Jon gathers up eight of his coworkers for an afternoon of giving. First they fuel up at his favorite pizza place before heading to the blood bank where they race each other to see who will be first to fill up their bags. The group participates religiously every 56 days (the legal minimum time between donations), with people even going out of their way to stay on schedule by making up missed sessions on their own. As important as this ritual has become, everyone in the group freely admits they would have never donate without Jon.
Is sponsorship community? When athletes feel valued, it is. That’s why TYR allows swimmers to advertise personal swim clubs right along with its own company’s logo. TYR understands that the more athletes are allowed to express their individuality, the more connected they feel to the sponsorship. And it’s working. James, a professional swimmer, admits he was drawn to TYR over other sponsors because they respected and even encouraged his club affiliation.
When BRIDGE Housing found that the common areas built in their affordable housing complexes had turned into anonymous, unused spaces, they knew they had to come up with a plan. Fortunately, the socially minded developers caught wind of a few bright spots of activity: afterschool programs hanging artwork in public spaces, common areas turned into children’s play spaces, and residents decorating their front porches in ways that entertained others passing by. Following these leads BRIDGE now seeks to extend a sense of ownership to the residents. BRIDGE wants to invite residents to use the public space for personal activities. They hope to turn formerly lifeless urban gardens into thriving shared environments. They’ve seen that giving a little permission for personal expression creates a lot of community pride.
This homegrown club, whose motto is “Any Girl, Any Scooter,” was founded on the belief that women have their own place in riding culture that’s very different from the traditional biker scene. The SF Scooter Girls website features photos of each member showing off her highly personalized ride. Disco bikes. Flower-covered bikes. There’s even one member whose skull-covered 1980 Vespa 100 is nicknamed “The Tick.” And although these women can choose to ride any manufacturer’s scooter, their passion for Vespa, even though they have no affiliation with the company, creates a strong brand statement on its own.
Avoiding the “every man for himself” sensibility of Hollywood, Pixar has turned movie-making on its ear. Part of their secret to success is allowing individual expression to fuel their tight-knit culture. The most visible example of this is empowering every staff member to design their own workspace. The results—far from your typical cubicle farm—are one of the most inspiring and interesting places to work. Walking down the halls, you see everything from piñatas to jungle themes to a neighborhood of cottages. All very different, yet all very Pixar.
Image credit: Kat Chanover
A true Yelper Yelps often and well. In return, they become members of the Yelp elite. Status is based on the number, quality, relevance and quirkiness of reviews posted and final selection is made by the “National Elite Committee.” Elite status translates into exclusive invitations and incentives to keep Yelping. As a spokesperson for the site says, “We are looking for Yelpers that have personality. Yelp’s not just a city guide, it’s a community. The more people can relate to you, the more your reviews and opinions start to matter.”
Dave Johanson
November 23, 2011
I agree. An empowered individual is very very powerful. (S)he could be your biggest proponent within your community. It’s great to see companies like TYR “complete the circle” by creating and encouraging connections from their clients.
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January 2, 2012
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Daniel Brendon
April 12, 2012
Really very touching information enabling the individual enables the community. Really I’m so surprised to know the sounds counter intuitive. felix investments Keep it up though!
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Shelly Saxton
April 19, 2012
Obviously sounds counterintuitive! I appreciate this topic bcoz I trust that “Enabling the individual enables the community”. In my opinion I totally support your thoughts for the most successful communities are created by individuals. nottingham blog
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Andrew Jasper
April 29, 2012
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Moses Ting
September 2, 2009
An empowered individual is very very powerful. (S)he could be your biggest proponent within your community. It’s great to see companies like TYR “complete the circle” by creating and encouraging connections from their clients.
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tee
November 16, 2009
its not a new concept…UBUNTU ‘I am because we are’. It works both ways…‘we are because I am’
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