Dr. Crispin Butteriss, founding director of one of the largest community engagement platforms in the world, defines community engagement as “the process by which community benefit organizations and individuals build ongoing, permanent relationships for the purpose of applying a collective vision for the benefit of a community.”
While that general definition of community engagement doesn’t reflect Boomer Consulting, Inc.’s mission per se, many of the same principles and outcomes apply. In a sense, community engagement has been a guiding force and core value in the services we’ve offered from the beginning. Three areas always stand out when I consider the advantages that being part of a community brings to my life and work.
The power of different perspectives
When you consider joining a community, you should seek out different perspectives. Being exposed to various viewpoints gives you the opportunity to consider new information. Different opinions help you consider your question, issue or project from different directions.
You will get responses that represent the positive and the negative. You will get responses that you never considered. You may even get responses that you don’t want to hear. Ultimately, the mixed bag of information you receive will help you make the best-educated decision for you, personally or professionally.
Your feedback and opinion are important
When we think about community engagement, we often seek feedback or advice from others. But expressing your opinion and providing your feedback is just as important. You don’t always have to be the one asking questions. You can answer questions and provide guidance. Feedback and opinions from all angles are valuable.
Building relationships for the future
Relationships are important! Whether personal or professional, we all need the connections that communities create for us. They propel us to success. With the right people in your community or networking circle, you can create a trustworthy, dynamic group that wants to help one another succeed.
Part of the value we create in our Boomer Circle communities is the ability for our members to connect between meetings, and we offer a platform to facilitate these connections. While some members might only see one another in person twice per year, they have access to their peers year-round, and we love seeing our members ask questions, share their perspectives and continue to build on the relationships that took root during our Circle meetings.
These relationships position our members as catalysts for positive change in a profession that thrives on interconnectedness and collaboration.
As the Member Experience Strategist of Project Management for Boomer Consulting, Inc., Erin plans, organizes, secures and manages resources for the firm’s many service and program areas, including providing assistance and constant communication with clients and sponsors and serving as an even liaison. Her primary duties include overseeing and managing the specifics of all Boomer Consulting, Inc. communities, such as the Boomer Technology Circles, CIO Circle, Managing Partner Circle, Business Transformation Circle and Operations Circle.
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