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It’s as true for the Avengers as for the rest of us: you gotta have friends to change the world. Social leadership is not a solo endeavor. You need a squad to help you in the good times and support you in the bad times. Here are some tips on how to build your own social leadership squad.

What is a Social Leadership Squad?

If you are anything like me, you probably have school chums, close work colleagues, and personal friends. But, do you have your social leadership squad? This squad is a group of friends who share your values and have a similar community-driven mission. It is an informal team with whom to collaborate, brainstorm, discuss or take action.

Why Have a Social Leadership Squad?

Your Personal Advisory Board

Your squad can serve as your very own advisory board to help you guide your change-making efforts. This concept, introduced by author Jan Torrisi-Mokwa, is becoming increasingly popular among leaders from all walks of life.

Perspective

Social change is complex. Friends in your squad can provide you with a broader perspective and understanding.

Resource Sharing

Changing the world takes a lot of resources in terms of connections, knowledge, and access. Pool resources with your squad. Chances are, someone in the group either knows the answer or knows someone who does.

Friends with whom to Laugh or Cry

I cannot tell you how many times I turn to my social leadership squad to celebrate when something has gone my way or to commiserate when something has gone awry in one of my projects. These friends know how bumpy a ride changing the world can be!

Support

Feeling supported and connected is essential. Knowing there are people who have your back makes you happier, healthier, and more resilient.

The Pandemic Changed the Game

Before 2020, many people took their social leadership squad for granted. Maybe you had like-minded friends at your workplace or at school and you would chat over coffee. Or, you would meet up with people at events or rallies. Relationships and collaborations within your community may have felt pretty natural.

The pandemic shut down this organic teaming. All of a sudden we had to be intentional about which relationships to virtually pursue. Gaps and opportunities became apparent. We could see the ability to build a stronger and wider network of friends and allies who share our purpose. But how?

How can you Build your own Social Leadership Squad?

Clearly State your Values and Mission

A shared purpose and values bring a squad together. Attract your potential squad members by making clear your own social change values and dreams.

Find One Friend in your Immediate Circle

Find a close friend who shares your passion and vision for social change and share this squad idea with them. If they are interested…congrats! You have the beginning of your squad.

Create a Virtual Bonding Activity

Host a virtual event centered on your social change mission to get to know other like-minded individuals. This may be an informal cafe-style gathering or a more structured conversation or book club. These types of activities could be a great way to make friends and find potential squad members.

Invite Friends to Invite Friends

Leverage your network to find squad members. Encourage your first potential squad members to invite friends to your virtual events.

Brainstorm Together and Create Small Joint Actions

Once you have your social leadership squad, brainstorm together to define your shared purpose. Create small actions to do as a collective to grow trust and gauge styles or ongoing interest.

Case Study: Listening in the Friction

Listening in the Friction is my own social leadership squad. My former coaching teacher, Deanna Stull, brought a group of us together after George Floyd’s murder in 2020. Through our conversations, we created a shared purpose that speaks to our common social change mission. We meet bi-weekly to chat and brainstorm joint actions. Listening in the Friction is now an expanding squad – hosting book clubs, Clubhouse conversations, and monthly gatherings called “Virtual Fika”. We support each other’s endeavors and are developing a joint project called “Friction Lab”. I did not know these women before 2020 nor have I ever met them in person. Yet, they are some of my most trusted advisors. They have made me braver.

That is the power of the social leadership squad.

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