The importance of community and collaboration

A look at utilising networking for career development.

Being a part of a community is of great importance to many people. Surrounding yourself with a group of individuals that share ideologies or interests can allow for a great deal of self-development, and the growth of the community itself. Feeling supported and understood within a network can allow you to collaborate, advance skills and ideas, and revel in individual and collective successes.

Humans have an inherent need for community. This is why, generally speaking, it is useful for society to encourage intentional community settings, similar to the conditions in which we evolved. A network where individuals are able to form personal connections and develop intellectual relationships are a fantastic model incorporating attributes resembling the tribal way of living. Professional networks and intellectual communities often feature characteristics such as collective decision making, and shared work, which allows the whole group to benefit – fulfilling the fundamental need for community.