My community philosophy: Principles for creating strong connections

Are you leading a community? Or maybe you’re thinking about starting one? If so, have you really thought about what’s driving it, the values it stands on?

Building a community is more than just setting up a strategy, creating content, organizing activities, or managing day-to-day operations. It starts with understanding what community means to you and why you’re creating one in the first place.

Here’s what community means to me, my view on the role of community leaders, and how I bring this approach to my consulting work and the communities I help build.

Have you thought about the values that drive your community? | Photo: Werner Richards

Community leaders, not managers.

Leading a community is about more than just managing logistics or overseeing activities. It’s about building a relationship with its members and partners — a shared journey that needs a strong vision and a structure that supports it. A true community leader listens to the community, notices its needs, and makes adjustments that reflect its members’ evolving interests and goals.

The community leader is responsible for setting a clear direction, designing a strong strategy, motivating members, and fostering connections that help the community grow. They are there to encourage, support, and inspire — not just manage.

Building a community means creating it together | Photo: Thirdman

Community building is collaborative.

The core of every community lies with its members; without them, there is no community. Building a community means creating it together, and it starts with understanding who your members are and what they need. Community mapping — whether through member interviews, surveys, or focus groups — helps you get to know your community from the start. But this process of understanding and engaging never stops; it’s ongoing, just like the community itself.

As a community leader, you’re here to keep the conversation going. Encourage members to share their experiences, insights, and challenges. Support a culture of collaboration, where members can build on each other’s ideas and create something together. This shared ownership is what fuels a thriving community, and it’s why you should empower members to take on active roles — leading programs, organizing events, or joining the core team.

We’re in the 21st century, so it’s time to leave behind rigid hierarchies and embrace collaboration. Today, there are countless tools available to make this happen. Use polling features on your platform, organize in-person roundtable discussions, or find other ways to hear directly from members and make them partners in the process.

Here’s an example: In the Ecosystem Burners community, where I’m a co-leader, we invite members not only to speak or lead workshops but also to organize and run the events themselves. My co-leader and I handle the logistics (yes, the boring stuff), like finding a location and coordinating technical details, but the members take the lead. This approach empowers members to be active contributors, and it works like magic!

Looking to ignite participation among your members?

Here are 7 powerful events’ methods for engaging your community

Community can be both welcoming and a safe space.

How do you create a community that’s both safe and welcoming? It might sound like a contradiction, but the balance is at the heart of effective community leadership.

A welcoming environment comes from clear rules, shared values, and a culture that supports them. Start by communicating the community guidelines clearly from the moment someone joins, and remind existing members regularly what the community is about and how they can engage. Also, be clear about how rules will be enforced, and be sure to follow through.
For instance, are you allowing self-marketing in your community only in a dedicated thread on a specific day? Make sure members know when and where to find the thread and that you won’t approve any related posts outside of it.

Leading a community sometimes means making hard decisions that not everyone will like. But remember, it’s for the well-being of the whole community. Creating a space that feels welcoming and inclusive often means standing by the values that the community was built on, even when it’s challenging.

When members see authentic community leaders, they feel more connected | Photo: Mike González

Transparency is a trust builder.

Transparency is one of the strongest foundations you can set for any community, and it works in both directions: from community leaders to members, and vice versa.

This means communicating upcoming changes, clearly explaining decisions, and sharing progress updates on initiatives. When members understand why certain decisions are made, they’re more likely to feel part of the journey, rather than just passengers along for the ride. For example, if your organization’s stakeholders decide to close a community program, inform your members in advance that they will no longer be able to participate, and suggest alternatives. If you’re going through a busy period and are unable to respond to your members, let them know that you’ll get back to them once you have the time. When members see authenticity from their leaders, they feel more connected and valued. Transparency builds trust, which is crucial in any interpersonal interaction, especially within a community where people share insights, ask questions, and offer feedback.

Transparency also applies to the way members communicate with each other. Encourage them to share openly about their projects or goals, and foster a culture where constructive feedback is welcome. When everyone feels informed and included, they’re more invested in the community’s success. The result is a sense of ownership, where members feel respected, valued, and truly part of something meaningful.

Diverse voices and perspectives create a powerful space.

A vibrant community thrives on diversity — of thoughts, experiences, and backgrounds. Embracing different perspectives doesn’t just enrich the community; it also helps solve problems more creatively and fosters innovation.

Imagine an employee resource group (ERG) transforming workplace culture by creating cross-functional connections. A women in tech group partners with a neurodiversity network and a veterans association to develop a mentorship program that matches experienced professionals across different backgrounds. A mid-career veteran transitioning to tech finds guidance from a senior neurodivergent product manager, while a young woman engineer gains insights from a veteran entrepreneur. This community-driven initiative not only supports individual career growth but also breaks down departmental silos, creating unexpected collaborations and fostering a more inclusive workplace environment.

Encourage open discussions, invite varied viewpoints, and highlight members’ unique contributions. When members see that all voices are valued, they’re more likely to engage fully, bringing their whole selves and talents to the table. Diversity, when supported with inclusion, turns a community into a powerful space for development, learning and collaboration.

How can tiny improvements in the community create a greater impact?

Learn from this Olympic coach

Consistency builds credibility.

Consistency in communication, values, and actions strengthens the community’s foundation. Members look to their leaders for reliable guidance, and when your actions align with your words, it builds credibility and loyalty. Practically speaking, it’s about “walking the talk.” This means setting a predictable cadence for community updates, staying consistent in enforcing community guidelines, and being transparent in both successes and challenges. Consistency shows members that they can rely on you, creating a stable environment where they feel safe to engage and contribute.

Transforming philosophy into reality

Building a strong community is an ongoing journey that requires dedication, openness, and a commitment to fostering relationships. Each element we discussed — leadership, collaboration, safety, transparency, diversity, and consistency — plays a crucial role in shaping a thriving community.

If you’re ready to develop your community philosophy and turn it into practical steps, let’s talk! Together, we can create a roadmap that transforms your vision into a meaningful reality where everyone feels valued and engaged.

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