“To go fast, go alone. To go far, go together” – African proverb

Here’s a simple truth = it’s quicker and often easier to do things ourselves.

But maybe that isn’t the point.

When we collaborate and work together, we can do great things!

At our November 2025 Community of Practice, we explored how small groups shape leadership development, deepen relationships, and strengthen our sense of community. 

With the support of our guest facilitators, participants discussed these four topics:

• Balancing Accountability & Servant Leadership
• Generations in the Workplace
• Servant Leadership & AI
• Relevance of “Soft Skills” in Leadership

Small groups do more than just teach leadership, they’re the next step to create caring community!

At Sophia Partners, we’re committed to cultivating these spaces where leaders go farther together.

The Power of Small Groups

With today’s technology, the average training landscape is full of large-scale seminars and virtual webinars. While these formats have their merits, they often lack one crucial component: real, human connection. 

Small groups fill that gap. 

With a small group, you get the personal attention of a one-on-one coaching session plus the diversity of multiple perspectives.

Unlike larger settings where there’s only one speaker, small groups let you engage with peers by asking questions, gathering insights, and deepening learning. 

Author and leadership consultant, Peter Block said:

“Leadership is convening. The small group is the unit of transformation.”

As the world grows more complex, leaders need deeper understanding, stronger relationships, and more collaborative spaces. Small groups cultivate all three of these traits! 

Learn from our small groups in these four topics:

Topic 1: Balancing Accountability & Servant Leadership

Balancing accountability is often at the core of servant leadership. Leaders have the responsibility to care not only for their organizations but also the wellbeing of their people.

It begins with trust.

Defining expectations and regularly scheduling check-ins with your team creates stronger relationships in the workplace.

If an individual gets bogged down or off track, peer or group encouragement can be what they need to get back on track.

When we foster improvement in our teams and trust people to meet expectations and complete tasks, organizations can grow.⁣

Use this helpful 6 Steps to Accountability guide by Justin Mecham to create clarity and deliver results!

Topic 2: Generations in the Workplace

In his book, A New Kind of Diversity, speaker Tim Elmore, discusses how different generations in the workplace bring their own unique perspectives to the table.

(If you’re still looking for a last-minute gift idea, this is a great one!)

Generations working together looks like:

• Powerful collaboration
• Leveraging the strengths of each other
• Appreciating cultural differences
• Leading from experience but willing to learn new things

No matter how young or old you are, it’s important to bring these three attributes to work everyday:

• Mindset: patience
• Skillset: communication
• Heartset: kindness

All generations in the workplace want to feel valued, heard, and respected.

Lending a listening ear and appreciating all generations can help organizations come together as a community.

Topic 3: Servant Leadership & AI

Q: What does it mean to serve others first when technology can automate so much?

A: Serving others first means using technology to elevate people, not replace them.

AI should handle the work that drains humans—data entry, scheduling, repetitive tasks—so leaders and teams can focus on meaningful conversations, relationships, creativity, and problem-solving.

The servant-leader asks: “How can AI remove burdens so people can bring their best selves to work?”

Serving first in the AI era means:

• Reducing administrative friction
• Increasing access to information and support
• Designing technology that makes work easier, not more complicated
• Ensuring no one is left behind in the transition

AI is the tool; people are still the priority.

Topic 4: Relevance of “Soft Skills” in Leadership

We hear all the time about the “soft” and “hard” skills that people need to succeed in the workplace. 

• Soft skills = interpersonal ones, including emotional intelligence, collaboration, and communication. 
• Hard skills = technical skills such as computer programming, financial analysis, and technical literacy.

The terms soft and hard are metaphors—they convey certain implicit beliefs and assumptions (many times related to gender). 

It’s a short mental leap from calling something “soft” to believing it’s weak. When we believe certain skills are called “soft,” we devalue them.

Research has repeatedly shown that empowered teams are more productive and proactive, provide better customer service, and show higher levels of job satisfaction and commitment to their team and organization when their leaders have what are considered “soft skills.”

So let’s debunk this fear of “soft skills” in leadership. To be a servant-leader requires us to be skill-FULL: be vulnerable, show emotional intelligence, empower others, and invest time and energy into being a well-rounded individual.

Moving Forward

“One unique task of leadership is to initiate a future that is distinct from the past. For this to occur, we need to recognize the power of the small group and see that real change is more dependent
on creating strong communities than on providing more clarity and better blueprints concerning that future.”  ~ Peter Block

As we wrap up another year of Community of Practice sessions, we’re reminded of the power of small groups and all the people who make this program possible. 

Thank you to everyone who participated in a Community of Practice in 2025! 

At Sophia Partners, we continue to build these spaces where leaders grow together, support one another, and create the kind of future we’re all proud to step into.

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This blog post wraps up November 2025’s Community of Practice conversation. What have you learned from this blog? Let us know!

Don’t miss your opportunity to join our next conversation! Community of Practice sessions are amazing opportunities for any and all leaders to gather and learn from one another in a supportive, comfortable environment, right from your computer. There is no session in December – stay tuned for what’s in store for 2026!