Build Bridges Not Fences

Build Bridges Not Fences: Had a conversation with a VIP today (Very Interesting Person). Thirty-two years old. Grew up in the hills. Builds fences for a living. A philosopher at heart. Told me how everyone is into building fences these days. To block out their neighbours. To insulate themselves. To maintain privacy. And to foster separateness. “I grew up in Mashobra,” he shared. “In our little village, we were like one big family. It really took a village to raise each child. Everyone talked to each other. People cared about one another. We were part of each other’s lives—a real community.”  Community. Beautiful word. Every single one of us has a deep psychological need for it. We all crave to belong. To know we are part of a larger whole. It gives us a sense of security. Safety. And happiness. The best organizations foster community and build workplaces where people feel safe to be themselves again. The best families do the same thing—honoring each other and creating rich shared moments. So maybe we should stop worrying too much about building fences. And start creating true security—by building bridges.