Earlier this week I was watching The Life Sized City, a documentary highlighting citizen-led urban renewal. My own city of Toronto was the featured location. I was inspired by the story of a group of people who decided the city needed more public seating. They created #sitTO and unfolded simple Ikea chairs and tables around Toronto.
In his book Tribes, Seth Godin explains that a tribe is “a group of people connected to one another, connected to a leader (or leaders), and connected to an idea.” #sitTO created a tribe of people who cared about public seating and its ability to bring people together.
We all belong to tribes. For me those include:
- The Magpie Tribe – David and I met during a 10-month leadership program. We are part of a group of 24 leaders who came together because we believe everyone is a leader. Our tribe gives us many things – support, connection, and a place to experiment and learn. Most importantly we remind each other of the impact that we can and do have on the world.
- The Fundraising Leadership Community – David, Silvia and I created this tribe to bring together non-profit leaders. We created it as a space to focus on self-awareness and growing leadership skills. Our tribe includes non-profit leaders who are willing to grow and evolve and be the leaders our sector needs. It is a space that is safe and yet not comfortable.
- My Nia community – Most weekends I take a dance class. Nia is a mix of dance, martial arts, and yoga. I consider myself part of a tribe under our leader Jenn. She is not only our dance teacher; she is a leader who connects us to an idea of loving and appreciating our bodies.
Tribes need to be led and to have followers.
To be a leader you must have a tribe. Leadership is about creating change you believe in.
Consider these questions:
- What tribes do you belong to?
- Where are you leading?
- Where are you following?
- Do your choices align with the change you want to see in the world?
Janice Cunning is a Leadership Coach who is passionate about partnering with fundraisers to help them create an inspired vision that transforms lives. She is a Certified Relationship Awareness Facilitator who uses SDI to strengthen team dynamics.