February 25, 2025.

Hi Reader!

Creating a space where people can be themselves is, in my opinion, the essence of community building. This applies to teams, companies, clubs, and, of course, families.

When we feel comfortable and safe, we are naturally more at ease, ready to connect, and open to being as authentic as possible. Isn't it easier to share an opinion when you feel safe, respected, and included?

But what happens when we feel the need to validate ourselves? When we try to fit in with the people around us? We start measuring our behavior, adjusting our responses, and even nodding along to show agreement—sometimes without fully meaning it.

Now, think about your favorite coffee house. The waiter greets you by name, you exchange jokes, and you feel at home. That space, that environment, invites you to lower your guard and enjoy the moment.

A community manager—or builder (and no, I’m not talking about social media managers)—is someone who creates this kind of atmosphere. They ensure that people in a space feel safe, comfortable, and valued.

Community management and building can involve tasks like database management, communications, and administrative operations. But at its core, the goal is to cultivate a culture where people feel seen, empowered, and connected.

It's easy to fall into the trap of measuring everything by return on investment, often reducing our efforts to a single metric: money. While there’s nothing wrong with tracking results, we must remember that community building is not a sales or marketing strategy. It may indirectly increase sales or keep customers coming back—just as your favorite coffee house does—but its true value lies in fostering a sense of belonging.

However, creating a safe and comfortable space doesn’t mean unlimited cooperation. Community builders must balance openness with boundaries. If we give too much, hoping that kindness will always be returned, we may unintentionally encourage the wrong behaviors.

Like a good coffee house that welcomes regulars but doesn’t tolerate disruptive customers, communities thrive when fairness—not just generosity—guides interactions.

Recently, I have been learning about game theory, and one strategy that always wins in the long term is called Tit for Tat. This made me wonder: how can we apply that strategy to community building?

As you know, managing a culture of safety and inclusion isn't always a rose garden. There are challenges, conflicts, and moments when people test the boundaries of what is acceptable. So how should we use Tit for Tat to encourage a positive environment?

This strategy shows that cooperation works best when it’s met with cooperation, but taking advantage of others is met with proportionate consequences. When applied to community building, this means fostering an atmosphere where mutual respect is the standard. If people know that fair participation is rewarded, and negative behavior has consequences, the community remains strong, inclusive, and self-sustaining.

💡 Could you see yourself as a Community Builder?

💡 Can you apply this to improve the multiple environments where you interact?

💡 Do you use Game Theory for your work?

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My topics are Life Purpose, Fearlessness, Entrepreneurship and Community Building.

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