The Power of People: Finding Your Circle of Support
When I had coffee with a recent college graduate, she told me something striking: "I want to work with people who love what they do and don't just talk about doing the work, but they actually get sh*t done." Her words resonated deeply because they highlighted what many of us in changemaking work know—it's the people around us who fuel our ability to create real impact.
Finding Your People at the Edges
My mentor Jan taught me early on that sometimes the most effective change happens when we work at the periphery rather than within rigid systems. This insight has shaped how I think about finding our people - often the strongest supporters aren't in the mainstream of our fields, but at the intersections where innovation and authenticity thrive.
The Power of Quantum Connections
Quantum physics shows us that everything exists in relationship - not as isolated entities but as networks of interaction. You know, I enjoy the work of Carlo Rovelli. And, what we know about relationships and connection at the quantum level mirrors what I've learned about changemaking: our ability to create lasting impact doesn't come from lonely heroic efforts but from the web of relationships we weave at the edges of systems.
Starting with One
You don't need a vast network. Start with one person who gets it - someone who understands your drive to make things different and better. This might be:
A mentor who sees your potential not just to succeed within a system, but to reimagine it
A colleague who shares your commitment to finding creative solutions
Someone in your community who's walking a similar path of change
The key is finding that one or two people who understand that your work isn't just about a job title or role, but about a deeper quest for meaningful change.
Building Your Circle of Support
Then grow your connections into a trusted circle. The strongest circles of support often include people who:
Ground you in your personal quest when systems try to pull you into compliance
Remind you to find joy and pleasure in the work, not just struggle
Challenge your assumptions and help you see new possibilities
Support you in working from the periphery where real change happens
Understand that making a difference and having a fulfilling life aren't mutually exclusive
Finding Your Edge People
I find my edge people by tuning in to the conversations that make me a little crazy or uncomfortable. When I’ve dug into that response, I’ve learned that my reaction is an indicator that I need to allow that person to be a teacher. That we may be passionate about the same thing, but have very different perspectives on how to get there. That energizes me because I want to learn more, try something different, and stretch.
A participant in one of our leadership programs said something about this recently:
"This program made me feel incredibly uncomfortable in the beginning! After the first couple of sessions I knew that unpleasant feeling was a sign that I was ready for learning and growth. I had to take an honest look at myself and allow myself to be vulnerable, which is something that does not come easy for me. The academy has been a safe place to explore myself as a leader and get to know other leaders on a meaningful level."
~~Program Director, Maine 21st CCLC
Consider:
Who energizes you when you talk about your vision for change?
Who helps you see possibilities when systems feel rigid?
Who reminds you that taking care of yourself is part of sustaining your impact?
Who understands that sometimes the most powerful change happens at the margins?
The Power of Intentional Community
This is exactly why we created the Comeback Leadership Series - because we've seen firsthand how transformative it can be when leaders find their circle of support. In our 8-week journey, you'll connect with other leaders who understand the importance of working from the edges, who are committed to creating meaningful change while maintaining their own wellbeing. You'll build relationships that go beyond traditional networking to create a genuine community of support and innovation.
The Invitation
Unlike traditional networking advice that focuses on building extensive professional connections, I invite you to find your edge people - those who understand that change happens at the intersections and margins. These relationships aren't about career advancement; they're about sustaining your energy and clarity as you work toward meaningful change.
Your circle of support might be small, but if it's filled with people who understand your quest and support your journey of making things different, it's exactly what you need.
What resonates with you about finding your circle of support? I'd love to hear your thoughts on how you've found your edge people and how they've supported your changemaking journey. Share your story below or reach out to learn more about joining our community of leaders who are creating change from the edges.
