Create Dream Communities
Watch teenagers for a while and you’ll see they never seem to tire of “hanging out.” They’re continually interested in belonging, bonding, just being together. They cluster in groups simply- because.
While working out this morning I was thinking, “They’re going to have a tough wake up call when they have to work like us grownups…. They’ll need to quit being with people they like…. doing things they enjoy… being part of the gang!”
“Stinks to be them!”
OR DOES IT? COULD IT BE THERE’S ACTUALLY SOMETHING REALLY GOOD IN THIS “ME AND MY COMMUNITY” MENTALITY?
When I study some of the most successful dream turned world-changing companies and movements - from Microsoft to Starbucks, to Facebook, to Willow Creek Community Church, I encounter a bunch of people who liked hanging out together… who valued community and wanted to belong to something they could believe in. “We just liked being together said Bill Hybels… and it didn’t matter what we built, as long as we did it together!” Mark Zuckerberg employed people who didn’t care what they were paid… as long as they were able to be part of something worthwhile.
According to Dr. Tim Elmore , (who coined the term Generaion iY ) these folks ”want to belong before they believe.” Their basis for making decisions is “more relational than logical.” They ask, “Who else is part of this?” They want “an experience before an explanation.” They “want a cause before they want a course.” In other words, the generation who will shape our next phase want “dream communities” not just places to work. They want companies with a cause to form a community around.”
Hmmm… So does the potential exist to enlist the younger generations in intentionally creating dream communities galvanized by visions that go beyond any one person and and create “we did this together community?” Might this “do something together” mindset become an opportunity to turn multiple dreams into reality?
What do you think? Are you interested in being part of that? Are you interested in helping to create or shape such dream communities?
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That is one of the unexpected benefits of blogging for me–getting a community of fellow writers, such as yourself as others, who spark me. This is a definite plus.
Its awesome Mike. Always love the encouragement of it! Does’t get old.
Jeff – This a a most insightful piece. It reminds me of what is going on in “DirectionNow”