Over the weekend, I participated in the Rockstar Woman Brunch 2020, hosted by Shannon Cohen.
It was an inspiring afternoon spent with hundreds of other leaders sharing personal stories of how a difficult situation in our lives can be turned into a launchpad of new leadership opportunities. The examples were personal, powerful and truly authentic. This event was started last year as a local successful in-person event, and this year, due to Covid-19, morphed into an international successful virtual event. Even in a virtual event format, you could feel and know this community was alive and well, in spite of not being together in person.
This recent experience reminded me of why I first started the SoundLeadership Circle: to give leaders whom I work with a vehicle to share and learn together by interacting with each other on a timely basis.
Leadership is not easy and can feel very isolating and lonely at times. What we all have experienced in 2020 with Covid-19 and the corresponding physical distancing has increased the potential to feel alone. Being part of a community is a great way to support yourself through the pandemic and also to help you thrive in your day-to-day life. Hearing other leaders’ stories, learning from each other and supporting each other is fundamental to our collective wellness. It is a leader’s job to build community for other leaders. It is important to remember to do it for yourself, too.
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If you are feeling isolated, here are a few ideas to consider:
- Reach out to your peers and consider scheduling a regular get-together to share your experiences.
- Establish a similar community for your direct team or encourage them to start one.
- Take advantage of the communities that you are already in and accept the invitation. Participate!
- Find a trusted friend/coach/mentor to confide in. Return the favor.
Being part of a community is a good reminder that we are not alone. By sharing our experiences as leaders, we can continue to grow and serve others.
