What does it mean to be an engaged citizen?

The Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce exists to elevate and advocate for the needs of residents and small business owners in Platte and Clay County MO. They execute this work through local, regional and nation advocacy efforts, leadership development opportunities, small business resources and steering committees. One of their signature programs is Leadership Northland, a nine month development opportunity for community leaders and advocates. This program exposes participants to a variety of local and state issues and includes a trip to Jefferson City to engage with representatives on issues that impact the lives of Northlanders. Professionals in this program gain access to vital partnerships for their small business, a network of advocates for their work, and a front row seat to change in their communities. We can’t advocate for Leadership Northland and the work of other chambers of commerce more. So where does Better Humans come in? Great question! Every life changing opportunity begins with ‘step one’ which is to walk in the door and see what happens. However the idea of ‘networking’ can cause many of us anxiety. Some experience so much anxiety that it prevents us from walking through the door in the first place. For those brave individuals that do, the lingering questions of ‘what is next’, or ‘how do I fit in’, or ‘should I even be here’ can weigh so heavily that it makes it hard to genuinely engage with the content or the people. Wouldn’t it be nice to skip all that?

From Have Your Ever…

Have you ever…gotten to a networking event and left after 5 minutes?
Have you ever…left a program after multiple months and still not known everyone’s name?
Have you ever…wondered how your skills add value to a new group of people?
Have you ever… struggled to make friends as an adult?

Us too. That is what drives our passion for the work we do at Better Humans.

For the Northland Chamber, we crafted a program that was one part connection to others and one part connection self. We began the day with activities that inspired connection including introducing themselves and their work to partners and answering a variety of intentional get to know you questions.

• Where did you grow up and what does that place mean to you?
• Who inspires you?
• What is a skill you are hoping to gain?

While the questions are simple, they allow participants to form genuine connections with a small number of people. It is amazing what the action of giving people something to talk about does. It takes off the external pressure of thinking of something to talk about and instead allows them to just be together, getting to know each other.

Next, we played a game to learn the names of their peers in the room. Adding a little pressure to know each other can jump start participants’ abilities to actually remember, even those of us that are terrible at learning names.

“I’ve never learned names so quickly in my life or had so much fun doing it” -participant quote

Finally, we provided challenges to help them learn how this particular group of people was going to want to solve problems together throughout the program. It is one thing for a person to say, ‘I like to think things through so I need you to give me time when we work together’ and it is another to actually be in the moment and practice patience while the individual is percolating. On the surface, it looked like the group was moving balls around or throwing objects across the room. However, when you heard participants laughing with previous strangers over lunch, you realize that the magic had happened and connections were forming.

We wrapped up the program utilizing the Clifton Strengths assessment, a tool to help participants name, claim and aim their strengths for future results. Experiences with the activities allowed participants to share their results to a chorus of ‘oh I saw that earlier when you…’ and ‘thank goodness you can do that because no one else in the room can’. Strengths celebrates the unique wiring of our brains and the resulting behaviors of these dispositions. Additionally, the assessment and activities assisted participants in articulating how they lead so that they can intentionally grow their leadership skill sets during the program. You can see part of their team profile here!

To Best Class Ever

Let’s be real, every class will tell me that they, obviously, are the best class ever. The thing is, they are all right. Many of us aren’t lucky enough to experience new connections with other adults. The power of our work is in our ability to bring together people who have never met before and jump start their genuine connection with new people. That feeling is ‘the best’ and it can only be achieved with ‘the best’.

Being new is awkward. We help people lean into the awkward just enough to break through and clearly see themselves and their peers in brand new lights. As this cohort approaches the end of their Leadership Northland experience, we just want to say congratulations again to the newest ‘best class ever’. Good luck changing the world.

And reader, how can we better prepare your new group for their awesome experience with you?