The Community Lens: UNIQUE Leaders Lead with Connection and Collective Power

Over the past few months, we’ve explored what it means to be a UNIQUE Leader — someone who leads with authenticity, purpose, and courage to create lasting impact.

In Part 1 – The Bold Lens, we looked at how true leadership begins with courage: the willingness to be seen, take risks, and lead with authenticity even when the path is uncertain.

In Part 2 – The Legacy Lens, we explored how leaders create influence that lasts — not through titles or achievements, but through the everyday actions that shape others and leave a ripple of impact long after we’ve moved on.

Now, in Part 3 – The Community Lens, we turn to the heart of leadership: connection.

The Power of Connection

If there’s one thing I’ve learned about leadership, it’s that we are never meant to do it alone.

Leadership can look solitary from the outside — the one making decisions, taking the lead, or standing on the stage. But true leadership doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens in connection.

This week I watched my team at Surveyors Australia come together during an incredibly busy time, to carry out the mission of our Association including some fabulous promotion at MelbourneBuild.  We split the task list - divide and conquer!  And it wasn't without some challenges, but there was such power in connection despite the four of us being in four different states!

A UNIQUE Leader understands that real power doesn’t come from authority — it comes from community. It’s the collective energy, creativity, and courage that emerge when people feel seen, valued, and inspired to contribute.

The Strength of “We”

Connection transforms a group of individuals into a movement. It’s what turns vision into momentum and ideas into impact.

I've watched the Surveying profession transform over the last eight years and seen them truly create momentum that sees the profession valued.  Sure, we've still got a way to go, but I see such strength when we gather together.

We're in the middle of our Awards season and seeing the profession cheer one another on.  Despite the weekday competition there is real camaraderie and genuine joy when a person, project or company has been recognised.

When we lead from a place of collective power, we create spaces where others feel safe to speak up, stretch, and shine. A UNIQUE Leader knows that leadership isn’t about being the hero of the story — it’s about writing a story where everyone plays a vital role.

They listen more than they speak.

They celebrate others’ wins.

They know that when one person rises, it creates space for others to rise too.

Building Communities that Last

As leaders, we each have the opportunity to build communities that reflect the values we hold dear — respect, trust, support, boldness, courage, and freedom.

That might mean mentoring a young professional, creating opportunities for collaboration, or simply taking time to connect with someone who needs encouragement. Small, consistent actions like these ripple outward — strengthening the culture and confidence of those around us.

Tonight I head to our Queensland EISSI Awards celebration and I know it will be another fabulous evening watching a strong community come together.

I have the privilege of working alongside this amazing community. But I wonder:

• What community are you involved in?
  
• How are you helping build momentum?
• Are you finding you are strengthened with a collaborative approach?

The legacy of a UNIQUE Leader isn’t just in what they achieve — it’s in the communities they strengthen along the way.

Closing Reflection

At the Unique Leaders Network, we believe leadership isn’t a solo act — it’s a shared journey. When we lead with connection and collective power, we build movements that last and empower others to do the same.

So pause for a moment and ask yourself:

Who are you leading with right now?

Because connection doesn’t just multiply impact, it magnifies purpose.

If you’d like to explore this idea further, I recommend The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker — a powerful reminder of how intentional connection can transform not just meetings, but movements.