Thai Son Nguyen has spent the last 18 years building a world-class digital transformation and eCommerce service provider through SmartOSC.
What do you think is the secret behind a business’s success? Many entrepreneurs highlight “community” as a potent asset for navigating uncertainties in business. As the world continues to grow more connected and complex, collective collaboration will take leaders further and reshape the business world together.
The Community Superpower
In history, successful leaders like “Moses, Aaron and Miriam in the story of Exodus, or Jesus and his twelve disciples in the New Testament” have harnessed the concept of community to build teams and collaborate effectively.
However, my own recognition of the profound significance of community did not dawn on me until my company confronted its first setback—a staggering loss of our most substantial, bedrock deal. At that time, securing an alternative client within a mere 12 months became the sole lifeline for me and our 300-person workforce. As I engaged in various events to connect with clients, I found myself immersed in an environment where visionary leaders converged, sharing their insights and exchanging knowledge to overcome challenges.
In a community, miraculous wisdom thrives. Large or small, communities like these unlock strengths and potential opportunities, empowering leaders to address both internal and external obstacles. The wisdom of community can provide leaders with better insights, greater ideas and stronger motivation. Having all these in hand, leaders can provide clarity on the company’s strategic orientation, build high-trust relationships with each other, and show their commitment to the bright future even through adversity.
Unilever Foods Asia (UFA) is one of the companies that has successfully embraced this concept, fostering connections among leaders across levels to build a sustainable, profitable business in Asia. Thus, regardless of your mission (for me, it was to survive the loss of the only customer at that time), embracing community is crucial for leaders.
And building a community is akin to building oneself up as a leader.
How Leaders Build A Community
The first step begins with nurturing personal growth and values. Individuals who are aware of their inner strengths could make a conscious choice to lead others, creating a strong foundation for their business. “Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes,” famous psychiatrist Carl Jung once said.
Self-awareness is essential since I find that only those who can look within can truly look outward, make better decisions, connect with others and positively impact people around them.
Taking a step back and tuning into your inner voice creates space for self-discovery. Mei Lee, who has spent over 20 years working with world-renowned brands such as Disney, Dyson and Adidas, shares her perspective on self-reflection: “I’ve been on a journey of self-awareness, reflecting on feedback and experiences. The goal is to become a better version of myself and make a positive impact on those around me.”
Another key aspect of community-building is creating spaces for open communication and collective dialogue. As psychologist and author Rollo May once said, “Communication leads to community, that is, to understanding, intimacy, and mutual valuing.” To foster a sense of community, leaders must be open to sharing their stories and experiences, even though cultivating an atmosphere of openness and trust may take time.
It’s also critical to emphasize the importance of candor in dialogues as the bedrock for a strong community. This practice was helpful for Tex Gunning, CEO of UFA, when gathering hundreds of leaders to foster their community’s development. Leaders who initiate thought-provoking and ongoing conversations can create a healthy, enduring community.
The concept of community emerges as the cornerstone of business resilience. A robust, interconnected community not only serves as a support system during crises but also fuels innovation, collaboration and trust, all pivotal for long-term success. Leaders who prioritize community engagement can be better equipped to steer their businesses toward resilience and prosperity in a bustling world.
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