The Importance of Community

Photo by Windows on Unsplash

I’ve recently been doing some geneological research and have been inspired while tracing back a few of our ancestors. There is something thrilling about that connection to a certain time, a certain place, and a certain community which can’t be overemphasized.

I was able to trace my daughters’ great, great, great, great grandparents back to Kemper, Mississippi in the 1800s. After reading through many historical documents and following in their footsteps, I have become inspired by their bravery, how much they went through, and their place in history and that moment in time.

The whole process underscored for me the importance of community. It’s critical for us as people, employers, leaders, and customers. There’s strength in numbers, and belonging to a community helps us develop our sense of identity. It also boosts our self esteem and makes us feel safer and more secure. When we are part of a community, we become better commmunicators and more successful as a whole. After all, as people, we are meant to be social and to be surrounded by others.

So, what can we do to help develop a strong community?

1. Host get-togethers or events. This applies to both the workplace and your personal community. You can hold a block-party, celebration, dinner party, or luncheon. Whatever you desire, it will serve as an excuse to bring people…