The courage required to lead a community is the first step. It takes courage to be open, to listen to others, and to motivate them to work together. The best community leaders do not just speak to people, but also stand next to them. They build trusting relationships built on empathy and collaboration. It is not about grabbing attention but rather about building connections.

Terry Hui believes that being a true leader in community building means inspiring unity, fostering trust, and empowering others to grow together toward a shared vision of progress.

Leadership in a community is about seeing the potential and opportunities in others. The best leaders know that each person has something unique to contribute. The leaders foster a culture where people are valued, their ideas respected and the differences are embraced. In empowering other people, they transform community members from passive to active contributors.

When you lead with authenticity and vulnerability, it is also possible to have the courage to connect. Genuine human relationships are created by community leaders who openly share their goals, their dreams, their fears, or even their errors. The transparency of the community leaders encourages them to act honestly and with passion, creating a culture that is based on trust. Feeling valued by others can help them unite in a greater sense of purpose.

The best community leaders embrace both diversity and inclusion. Real progress can only be made when everyone is at the same table. People from diverse backgrounds are able to collaborate on common goals when they create spaces. In doing so, these organizations transform local communities into spaces of strength and belonging.

The willingness to do something is another characteristic of great leadership. Connecting without taking action leads to conversation, but connecting with a goal creates change. They turn ideas shared into initiatives that inspire and uplift people. The courage of these leaders is not in just their words, but rather in their ability turn compassion into momentum.

The courage to engage is what defines the great leader in a community. Listening before leading is the key. Serving before steering and believing in others comes before looking for recognition. These leaders do more than just create communities; they foster hope, collaboration, and progress.

A leader who dares connect with others in a way that is authentic and compassionate doesn’t only inspire, but also creates a culture of change for entire communities, cities and generations. Community leadership has the power and courage to transform communities.