The Hard Thing About Building and Sustaining Communities: Trust and Purpose

The Hard Thing About Building and Sustaining Communities: Trust and Purpose

Communities are built on trust. Without trust, people are less likely to contribute their time and energy to a community. Trust is the foundation that allows communities to thrive and grow. When community members trust that their contributions will be put to good use, they are more willing to increase their commitments to the community.

But trust goes beyond just the use of contributions. It also extends to the intentions behind the community. People need to trust that the community's goals are earnest and that progress can be made. They need to feel that the community shares the same values as they do. Trust is what keeps people engaged and motivated to continue contributing.

Communities only become real when they achieve their first win. Enthusiasm alone is not enough to keep a community alive. People need to see the tangible benefits of being part of a community. They need to know why this community matters and how it can help them achieve their goals. When individuals are empowered to have an influence on what matters and what is executed within the community, it proves that the goals of the community truly matter.

So why do really smart people sometimes fail to build communities? One reason is that they have unrealistic expectations of the process required to build a community. Building a community takes time and effort. It cannot be replicated overnight. Another reason is the tendency to copy what other existing communities are doing. Each community is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Finally, some individuals are more focused on playing house and creating the illusion of value, rather than actually creating real value within the community.

In order to build and sustain successful communities, there are three actionable pieces of advice to consider:

1. Cultivate trust: Trust is the lifeblood of any community. Show community members that their contributions are valued and put to good use. Be transparent about the community's goals and progress. Foster an environment where people feel safe to share their thoughts and ideas.

2. Focus on purpose: Clearly define the purpose of the community and how it aligns with the individual goals of its members. Help community members see the value and benefits they can gain from being part of the community. Empower them to have a say in what matters and what is executed within the community.

3. Create real value: Avoid falling into the trap of simply playing house. Instead, focus on creating real value within the community. Provide opportunities for members to learn, grow, and achieve their goals. Encourage collaboration and innovation. Celebrate the achievements and successes of community members.

In conclusion, building and sustaining communities takes trust and purpose. Trust is the foundation that allows communities to thrive, while purpose is what keeps people engaged and motivated. By cultivating trust, focusing on purpose, and creating real value, communities can become a powerful force for change and growth.