How our core values create a stronger coworking community
In celebration of Groundwork’s ten year anniversary, we’ve been looking back on our member spotlights to highlight just want makes this coworking community so awesome. In doing so, I noticed that Groundwork’s core values were at the heart of many of our member’s responses and motivations.
Groundwork’s core values are: Caring, Presence, Curiosity, and Accountability.
In a recent newsletter, Groundwork Founder, Sarah Athanas, offered a review of each value, what they represent, and how we strive to uphold them. In this blog, we will expand on those ideas and explore how our community embodies the values we share both in their work and personal lives. Let’s dive in!
A community that cares
Caring is about treating others with kindness, offering help, making people feel seen, and working to better the lives of others in ways both big and small. The following sentiments from GW member’s Mark, Matt, and Chris demonstrate the caring nature of our community, whether it’s through mentoring, improving society, or seeing the unique qualities that make up every individual.
“Working with others to improve the environment and our society. The world needs more peace, love and understanding.” –Mark Collins
“I do a lot of mentoring and coaching with other businesses in my space and I really enjoy being able to help others. I think there’s a lot of fluff to be found online and every once in a while, someone needs to tell them it’s going to take hard work to find the success they’re after.” – Matt Medeiros
“Everyone experiences their lives differently, and within each person is a truly unique expression of humanity. The felt experience of being alive is something that I think is endlessly inspiring. It only exists in the present moment, and the moment is always becoming the past. We can only describe our experience conceptually, while we feel life unfolding in an intangible but very real way.” – Chris Breen
Curious minds
Our community is full of curious minds eager to learn from each other to gain new skills and experiences. Being curious encourages us to ask questions and dig deeper than first impressions. It’s about being willing to change our minds, and striving to understand the world and each other a little better. Evan, Steve, and Phoebe demonstrate how their curiosity leads to new friendships, deeper connections, and a broader perspective.
“I love being able to cross paths with others when I am between client’s or have some down time. I am a pretty social person and can get burnt out by being alone. There are so many interesting things that people are doing and everyone is pretty friendly and welcoming.” –Evan Colbert
“Groundwork is a hive of makers and doers shaping what’s coming next to New Bedford. I get to listen to and learn from a bunch of smart ambitious folks every day – people I would not have met otherwise.. Plus, it’s “Communications Central” for what’s going on in the city.” –Steve Markowski
“Being in a place with so many different people, ideas and businesses is a gift. It offers visibility into how people are approaching work and life in ways different to my own. Having that broader perspective has been helpful. The physicality of extracting myself from my insular space at home has been a refreshing change too.” – Phoebe Summersquash
Presence matters
Presence means showing up with our full attention in whatever we are doing, whether it’s engaging in conversation or diving into deep work. Being present is all about being intentional with our attention, and this is especially important to the many people at Groundwork who come here for the focused environment as much as for the connections and community. Pam and Paulina both touch on the value of being fully present in their work.
“A coworking space helps me focus better and work harder. If I get distracted and look around the room and see everyone else working, it gets me motivated and back to focusing. It’s also really nice to see different people every time and hear what’s going on in everyone’s life.” –Pam Crombie
“When seeking an environment conducive to concentrated work and personal focus. This setting allows me to escape the distractions of home, providing a dedicated space free from familial interruptions, such as inquiries about daily routines or meal plans.” – Paulina F Guzman
Accountability is key
We can’t change the world, or ourselves, if we aren’t willing to be honest about our strengths and shortcomings. Accountability is about owning up to mistakes, but it’s also about stepping fully into our own empowerment and responsibility. It means playing an active role in creating the world and life we want rather than waiting for others to make those changes for us. Mocha exemplifies this quality in her risky move to a new state, and Samia is the human embodiment of what it means to “be the change”.
“People wonder why I gave up a lot of security in Austin with the life I had there. I loved being there for over 20 years, and then my heart wasn’t happy. I’m taking risks now and following my heart. Believing in myself in ways that, honestly, are surprising even to me.” – Mocha Herrup
“My Community inspires me. I feel so lucky to be in this role, to represent my peers, and to share my knowledge and resources with everyone, without any barriers to access. It takes a village and I carry that sentiment with me.” – Samia Walker
Our values make us stronger
After ten years in business, it’s encouraging to see that Groundwork’s values have remained at the heart of this community. And these comments from our members demonstrate that we don’t just talk about our values—we live them.
Whether it’s offering support to others, staying curious about what’s happening around us, or holding ourselves accountable for our goals, these principles guide everything we do. It’s what makes Groundwork more than just a coworking space; it’s a community of individuals who strive to grow, learn, and contribute to something bigger than themselves.
- How our core values create a stronger coworking community - November 11, 2024
- How to be a good member at a coworking space - September 19, 2024
- Silent Book Club & the value of reading alone, together - April 30, 2024