Michael Ardelean’s Post

Anyone who has run a community or even brings together small gathering of friends knows the power of gently setting expectations, norms and traditions. The most life-changing communities and friend circles I’ve been a part of always have a high % of reciprocity, proactiveness and social density (where most people know each other). This is what creates the high context, high trust environments where we can realize deep connection. And be sustainable and regenerative for the people who gather us. If you have a friend who gathers you and others, take a moment to thank them. It often requires constant patience, generosity and the doing of many small tasks! https://lnkd.in/gfv-p_v6

There's a unique magic in surpassing our own expectations, isn't there? It's like unveiling the unfathomable depth of our potential, one achievement at a time. Our life stories are adorned with these moments, a testament to what we're truly capable of when we dare to push beyond the familiar limits. I am reaching out to each of you to share these personal victories. Your experiences are not just your triumphs; they are a source of motivation, a spark that could ignite the aspirations of others. Collectively, we can foster a community where encouragement fuels our ambition, urging us to aim ever higher. Has there ever been a moment for you, where what seemed like a distant dream became your reality? Perhaps it was akin to not just reaching for the stars but actually holding one in your grasp. I encourage you to share these milestones. Your journey has the profound ability to empower others to embark on their own paths of greatness. Let's celebrate these achievements together and continue to support one another in pushing the envelope of our capabilities. Your story counts; let it be the inspiration someone needs today.

In the grand theatre of professional life, setbacks are not merely setbacks, they're set-ups for remarkable comebacks. 🎭 Ever choreographed a stunning turnaround when all odds were stacked against you? Share it here. Your narrative of resilience may very well ignite that spark of determination in a connection who's silently facing their own hurdles. Let's build a community that celebrates strength in adversity and turn our LinkedIn network into a repository of resilience. 💼💡

It's truly remarkable how something as simple as a few words of encouragement can make a profound impact on someone's day, or even their entire outlook on life. In a world that often feels overwhelming, uncertain, and filled with challenges, the power of positive reinforcement cannot be overstated. When someone takes the time to offer words of encouragement, it's like extending a helping hand to lift someone up from the depths of doubt or discouragement. It's a reminder that they are not alone in their struggles, and that there are people who believe in them, even when they may doubt themselves. These words serve as a beacon of hope, lighting the way through dark moments and difficult circumstances. They have the ability to instill confidence, restore motivation, and reignite the spark of determination within someone's heart. Moreover, words of encouragement create a ripple effect that extends far beyond the initial interaction. They inspire kindness, foster connection, and cultivate a sense of community among individuals who may have otherwise felt isolated or alone in their journey. In essence, words of encouragement are like seeds planted in the fertile soil of the human spirit. With nurturing and care, they have the power to grow into mighty trees of resilience, strength, and perseverance. So let us never underestimate the impact of our words, for they have the power to uplift, inspire, and transform lives in ways we may never fully comprehend.

Considering I help build communities for a living, it’s no surprise that at this point interacting with and reading people feels second nature to me. This has often left me wondering: can this be taught? Is it a skill one can pass on? How would I even define it? 🤔 When it comes to forming connections with people and growing truly engaged communities, I can't think of a single skill more worth developing than emotional awareness. THAT is what allows you to see past what’s being presented and plant the seed for true connection. THAT is what will get people to stay with your community and shed layers of defense, pathing the way to sustained connection. Out of the dozens of possible skills related to effective community management, I would forgo 80% in favor of emotional awareness every time.

Stop building communities, start building legions! Three things in our behavior that fire up loyalty and lifetime value: 1. Belonging: We like to belong to like-minded and, in our own opinion, great groups and societies for whatever cause we find relevant. A lot of people with similar behavioral patterns in one place. 2. Participating: We love to be part of something where we can participate. By nature, we are builders and innovators; even on first sight, useless activity later makes sense. This is not equality; this is group self-segregation into leaders, motivators, and followers. 3. Obsession: We are obsessed with the things we can't have. The problem with the gambler is not gambling, but the will to win. This is where people subconsciously build loyalty and attachment to what they "must have" in their heads. If you get this, go build legions.

A few weeks ago, a good friend, Melissa Bloom (author of the The Path to Joy and founder of The Joy School), invited me to a reflection and intention setting session for 2024. I loved the idea of doing it together -- a way to build in an accountability partner and to have a feeling of community. Here are the questions I used to guide me: 💪 What do I want to accomplish 🤗 How do I want to feel ✨ What am I extraordinary at and brings me energy ⏳ What do I want to make time for What questions do you use to guide your reflection or intention setting?

🌟 The Power of Serving Others: 🌟 In a world where we can be anything, let's choose to be the ones who serve. 🤝 Why Serving Others Matters: 🤝 🌼 Empathy: It allows us to connect on a deeper level, understanding the joys and struggles of those we serve. 🌱 Growth: Through service, we discover our own potential and the incredible capacity we have to make a positive impact. 🌎 Community: Serving others strengthens the bonds that connect us, creating a network of support and kindness. 🌞 Joy: The act of giving brings unparalleled happiness and fulfillment, not only to those we serve but also to ourselves.

Supporting each other is a fundamental aspect of healthy relationships and community. It promotes empathy, cooperation, and unity among individuals. When people selflessly support one another, they are able to build stronger connections and foster a sense of belonging. Actions speak louder than words when it comes to support. By extending a helping hand, providing emotional assistance, or offering encouragement, we show that we genuinely care about the well-being of others. These acts of support can involve small gestures or grand gestures, depending on the situation. Supporting each other also means celebrating each other's successes and giving credit where it is due. Recognizing and acknowledging the accomplishments of others demonstrates humility and encourages a positive and uplifting environment. This kind of support fosters motivation and growth, as individuals feel valued and empowered. In times of difficulty or crisis, support becomes even more crucial. It can provide comfort, reassurance, and the strength to endure challenging situations. By lending a listening ear or offering practical help, we can help ease the difficulties.

Understanding your community persona is a ongoing journey. 👥 I recently worked with a client and we decided that it’s time to change the approach towards the community persona. In the last couple of months the membership was struggling, the numbers weren’t looking good and after some conversations, it was clear that the initial community persona wasn’t the one who she was actually serving… And this was such good reminder for me how trapped we can become in our own idea of the people for whom we build communities. Yes, we want to help. Yes, we want to do this and that. But sometimes, it’s time to step back and look at the situation from a wider perspective. And have faith in making a change. Being a good community leader is for me greatly related to the quality of adaptability. And this means exactly to adapt to our members, and understand in greater depth who they are and what they need. And accept that sometimes, we made a mistake, and it's time to move on... So, ask yourself today the following question: 💚 Is our community persona actually the one we are serving? Or is there somebody else? 💚 It’s not cheating. It’s growing.