Where there is a group of people, there is leadership. Always. The corporate CEO, the mission-driven NGO leader, and the sports captain are recognized leadership types responsible for achieving a specific goal. We are used to judging these leaders for succeeding at the stated organizational purpose without much consideration of the culture and strength of the underlying organization. That is changing. Like looking at a double or triple bottom-line, we should be looking at how leaders foster community and belongingness in the organization as well as achieving the primary purpose.

The structure of the entity and individual leadership style both effect the spirit of community. Where there is a formal structure, roles and responsibilities are well-defined. Influencers, organizers, and leaders take on responsibility for maintaining, growing, or redirecting the culture of community. In an informal organization, leaders emerge even if there are no titles or specific responsibilities.

Whether it is your workplace, your hobby, or your cause, feeling a sense of belonging and having a sustainable community should be part of your expectations. So, how do you know if an entity is leading to community in addition to its primary purpose? Here the foundational elements that are necessary:

• Organization has a defined structure that suits its purpose whether corporate, cause-based, social, etc such as a captain for a sports team and an organizer for a hobby or a conductor and organizer for a music group.
  
  
• Well-stated policy to cultivate community as well as address the primary purpose
  a. Corporate management team helps cultivate workplace community.
  b. NGO leadership focuses on the internal team culture as well as the mission.
  c. There is institutional support For an alumni affinity group. There is a sustainable leadership structure: a. Well-defined leadership roles. b. Pipeline and process for new leadership.
  c. Agreed upon criteria for the leader(s.) Structure encourages individuals to make the community stronger.
  
  
• Community members are comfortable with an open exchange of ideas (sometimes on a confidential basis.)
  
  

Based on these fundamental structures, do your organizations help to foster community? If they have these five elements, leadership has built a strong foundation. If something is missing, think about what it would take to make your co-workers – or teammates or partners or volunteers – a community. Then you can lead to community.
To learn more about growing or starting a community, contact Impactrics at info@impactrics.com.