Building Community for Collective Change

I’ve been thinking a lot about leadership and what it means. At the Maryland Student Affairs Conference, our keynote speaker, Rob Davis, said “Leadership isn’t popular.” It challenged the usual narrative, that power lies in leadership and becoming the leader is the goal. Once you get to the top, people begin to second-guess you, and every choice and mistake you make is magnified.

It made me consider a few things: are we too quick to point fingers and tear down leaders we disagree with? And what if, instead, we focused on building something positive – the community around us?

The truth is, blaming rarely leads to solutions. It fuels negativity, saps energy, and ultimately leaves us feeling powerless. But there’s another path, one paved with authenticity, purpose, and collective action.

Imagine this: instead of fixating on what leaders are (or aren’t) doing, we collectively prioritize:

Focusing on what we can control: Each of us has spheres of influence within our communities. Let’s identify areas where we can make a positive difference, regardless of external factors.

Supporting colleagues: When someone is struggling, a helping hand or listening ear can go a long way. Be the colleague you wish you had and foster a culture of mutual support.

Leading by example: Authenticity inspires authenticity. Show up with purpose, care for those around you, and watch the ripple effect of positivity spread.

This shift in focus isn’t about diminishing the importance of leadership. It’s about recognizing that true, sustainable change often emerges from the ground up, driven by the collective power of a supportive and empowered community.

I want to challenge you to do a few things:

Reflect: Within your sphere of influence, what’s one thing you can do differently to enhance your community?

Connect: Reach out to a colleague who might need support. A genuine conversation can make a world of difference.

Be the change: Live out your values, show up authentically, and actively care for those around you.

Remember, we all have the power to contribute to a more positive and impactful future, regardless of the leadership landscape. Let’s build communities where support, empowerment, and collective action pave the way for true progress.