The Importance of Community

Written By Allison Pollard

Photo by Brent Disney

I spent the last few days in Las Vegas for a corporate retreat, and I find myself both tired and inspired as a result of the trip.  I am the first to admit that the trip was not a perfect experience for me, and part of me wishes I could have found a way to be more socially excellent (and in a way that suited me).  But I feel like I started asking myself some interesting questions that I am continuing to explore, and I better understand the dynamics of community.  We all need to feel like we belong somewhere, to have peers who challenge us and support us when we are lost, and to feel recognized and appreciated.  We need a community where we can be ourselves and be our best selves.

Allison Pollard

Allison Pollard is a coach, consultant, and trainer who brings the power of relationship systems intelligence to go beyond tasks, roles, and frameworks to create energy for change. She engages with people and teams in a down-to-earth way to build trust and listen for signals to help them learn more and improve. Allison focuses on creating alignment and connection for people to solve business problems together. Her experience includes working with teams and leaders in energy, retail, financial, real estate, and transportation industries to help improve their project/product delivery and culture. Allison currently volunteers as program director for Women in Agile’s mentorship program. Her agile community focus is championing new voices and amplifying women as mentors and sponsors for the next generation of leaders. Allison earned her bachelor’s degrees in computer science, mathematics, and English from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. She is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC), a foodie, and proud glasses wearer. Allison is a prolific speaker at professional groups and international conferences, including Scrum Gatherings and the Agile Alliance Agile20xx conferences. Allison is co-owner of Helping Improve LLC.

http://www.allisonpollard.com
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