The Power of Community | Howard Partridge | TEDxTAMU

Summary

The speaker addresses the increasing disconnection in our digital age, where people crave belonging but feel more isolated than ever. He highlights the dangers of being addicted to technology, both in personal and professional life, leading to disengagement. The solution lies in building real, face-to-face communities through support, encouragement, and accountability. True community fosters belonging, personal growth, and stronger relationships. Using real-life examples, the speaker emphasizes that success and happiness come from helping others achieve their goals, overcoming fear, and forming meaningful connections.

Takeaways

• 💡 Every human being has a deep longing for belonging, to feel loved, valued, and accepted.
• 📱 We are more digitally connected than ever, yet we feel more isolated and disengaged in personal and professional lives.
• 📉 Gallup reports that 70% of American workers are disengaged, with 18% actively working against their companies' success.
• 🌍 True community is essential for well-being, involving shared vision, values, and a sense of belonging with others.
• 💪 Support, encouragement, and accountability are the three keys to building strong communities.
• 🚀 Helping others reach their goals and dreams builds stronger connections and a positive community.
• 👏 Encouragement inspires people to overcome their fears and pursue meaningful aspirations.
• 🔍 Accountability in relationships, built on support and encouragement, helps people become who they want to be.
• 🎯 Technology can be helpful, but true human connection and community require face-to-face interaction.
• 🤝 Communities built on support, like the Amish response to tragedy, exemplify the power of true community in difficult times.

Q & A

What is the main message of the speaker's presentation?

The main message is about the importance of building true communities, both in personal and professional settings, to address issues of digital addiction, disengagement, and the longing for belonging that all human beings experience.

How does the speaker describe the relationship between digital connectivity and human isolation?

The speaker highlights that although we are more connected digitally than ever before, many people feel more alone and isolated because technology distracts us from meaningful, in-person interactions.

What personal example does the speaker provide to illustrate digital addiction?

The speaker shares a personal story of being distracted by his phone while watching TV, which led his wife to give him a book titled 'How to Break Up with Your Phone.' This made him realize his addiction to his phone.

What alarming statistics does the speaker mention regarding employee engagement?

The speaker cites a Gallup poll, which reveals that 70% of American workers are disengaged and 18% are actively disengaged, meaning they are working against the success of their companies.

How does the speaker define 'community' in the context of this presentation?

Community is defined as a group of people who feel they belong together, share the same values, vision, and mission, and support each other in personal and professional growth.

What example does the speaker use to emphasize the power of in-person community?

The speaker shares an example of people flying from various places to support someone giving a TEDx talk in person, even though they could have watched the livestream for free.

What are the three keys to building a community according to the speaker?

The three keys to building a community are support (helping others reach their goals), encouragement (helping others overcome fears), and accountability (helping people become the best version of themselves).

How does the speaker explain the concept of accountability in building community?

Accountability is described as helping people become the person they want to be, rather than simply making sure they do their job. It involves fostering relationships and supporting personal growth.

What impact does encouragement have in the workplace, according to the speaker?

Encouragement gives people the courage to pursue things they might be afraid to do, leading to greater engagement, personal fulfillment, and success in both professional and personal goals.

How does the speaker connect the idea of community to the Amish response to tragedy?

The speaker references the Amish community's act of surrounding the widow of a schoolhouse shooter at her husband's funeral to protect her from the media, despite their own loss, as a powerful example of true community support and forgiveness.