The importance and value of community came up in two recent Leadership in Practice podcasts with @Kay Keane and @Peter Maynard.
It’s not surprising it came from Practice Managers, they’ve always effortlessly recognised the power and benefit of community.
Local PM groups have always been fabulous things, and now that sense of community is also felt through IGPM and online forums. A collective voice, shared learning and resources, support, reassurance, advice and sometimes even a shoulder to cry on.
GPs and nurses have never seemed to have this to anywhere near the same degree and now, amongst the pressures of workload, it may be something even Practice Managers are struggling to stay connected with.
Yet, it’s when we find things the toughest that we can most benefit from our own community.
👥 When things are no longer working, you can learn from your community and find a better way.
👥 When you’re stuck on a problem, working with your community can help you find a creative solution.
👥 When you’re overwhelmed by work and life your community can be a safe space to share problems and feelings.
👥 When you’re new to a role your community can guide and help you find your feet.
👥 When you need to test and shape early ideas your community can provide new perspectives and a valuable sounding board.
👥 When you need to have a bigger voice around a common cause your community can come together to be heard.
👥 When you lack understanding or information your community can help you with the missing pieces.
👥 When you’re feeling stressed and vulnerable your community will be with you and look out for you.
If you aren’t connected to a community right now then others like you probably aren’t either.
It takes just one person to start a community. Reach out with that coffee invite on the way into work, to share a sandwich or a walk together at lunch time, or a drink at the end of the day. It doesn’t even have to be face-to-face, the great thing about community is you can also be together virtually.
Everyone in primary care needs a community, so make sure you and everyone around you is connected in one.
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