Authentic community is the beautiful efficiency of many small and large parts working efficiently and authentically together to produce remarkable results. For instance, a plane is comprised of many intricate parts, large and small, to make the gravity defying feat of flying at high speeds with precision and performance.
In authentic community, the individual matters. Every person is fulfilled, passionate and necessary as each is functioning according to how they are designed to operate. Something extraordinary beyond the one is manifested from the work of many as each individual operates passionately and purposefully in their personal strengths and abilities. Rather than doing the work defined by the community or their gender, the individual defines their work according to their passions and abilities as it fits in with the vision of the whole. The success and productivity of the whole is exclusively dependent on each individual yet never defined by the one.
Every person belongs and is intricately needed to produce excellent results. Each one like a metal tooth on intricate gears, working succinctly with one another to create a positive energy so attractive others are inspired to participate. Inspiration draws more participants to reach the organizational goals as each operates in their personal strengths. Each is focused on staying in their personal greatness as aligned to the mission at large and in collaboration with others. Comparison and competition are absent as each relish in their personal contribution to developing the end result.
The process becomes the ultimate magical effect only authentic community can produce.
Creativity seeps out of the minds and hearts of each member as it attaches to the vision of something greater than themself yet wholly dependent on the individual. Joy comes in the process of operating in congruence with who one is with what one does, and peace prevails with the profound experience of insightful collaboration. The final result of purposeful, authentic community is experienced with awe and delight. Each observes the ultimate creation and rejoices in their personal contribution and in that of others.
So the process is as important, if not more than the end result. The individual is not compromised for the end result but rather intricately developed and nurtured so as to achieve often a better result than was initially envisioned. Developing authentic community where each enjoys their personal contribution, collaboration with team members, and pursuit of something bigger than themself is pure contentment. Passion, purpose, and personal insight infused with humility and self-love is the fuel of the individual.
Seeking the truth of who one is for the greater benefit of the whole is the focus point for all members when conflict and confusion spins the community. Leaders are responsible to clearly define the mission and accurately know the individual so as to develop authentic community with great results. It is the individual’s job to know thyself and speak their truth to the leaders as to what motivates and de-motivates them. It is their personal responsibility to remain motivated, collaborative, and passionate about their work as aligned to the mission. It is the leader's responsibility to remove barriers and empower the individual to be successful for the benefit of the whole.
When we can integrate the value of the individual with the value of the organization, we can coalesce into one fantastic body. It is then we can achieve greatness, take flight and soar to new heights beyond our wildest imagination. Authentic community is epic. If done well, not only will we fly, but the question passing through all our hearts and minds will be, "What can we create next…together?" The human connection and collaboration often becomes more fulfilling than the end result. For this is a core longing of human hearts - to matter as you truly are, belong to something bigger than yourself, and together create earth-defying results.
Although machines can complement communities, humans and machines lack the ability to create authentic community together. It is the human-to-human connection to think, reason, feel, and depend on other imperfect, intelligent beings that creates the magic. To laugh, comfort, cry, and create, as you collaborate. To fail and find resiliency, to fear loss and recover something greater, to create and design in sync to another living being is a wonder we were made for. Whether in a marriage of two or an organization of thousands, authentic community is the cry of our hearts. We were born for this.
Written by Dr. Jennifer Dean-Hill, DMin, MSW, LICSW
jenniferdeanhill.com
