I wandered into the bar in Midtown Manhattan, looking for a group of people who looked politically engaged. How on earth would I find a meetup group in the middle of a bar during Friday Happy Hour? As I headed to the lower level to find the bathroom (I wanted to touch up my red lipstick to bolster my confidence), I realized I didn’t have to worry about finding them. The back corner, opposite the bar, was sectioned off with a sign and people wearing name-tags. Found them!
Five minutes later, lipsticked excited, and nervous, I walked up to two people closest to the edge and asked if this was the meetup group. Immediately, they said yes and welcomed me, and then pointed me to a small, friendly looking man with the name-tag that said “Perseus.” They told me he was the host and that I should check in with him. I was about to meet an exceptional leader.
Perseus greeted me so warmly that for a second I thought he knew who I was. He jumped to get me a name-tag and help me settle in. Nervously, he broached the subject of politics (that is the point of this meetup group, though more social tonight). He didn’t want me to feel like I had to lean one way or another, nor did he want to assume my political identity. When I told him that I was there not only because I was interested but also because I was doing research on meetup groups, he was happy to help.
Why don’t you grab a drink at the bar (do you drink? only if you drink) and then I can introduce you to some people here. Get settled first!
I happily ordered my rum and coke and got to chatting with various members, particularly the man and the woman who first directed me.
After half an hour of socializing, Perseus asked us all to gather around the tables so he could do a formal introduction of the group. He explained his story and passion for the politics we gathered there to discuss. He then opened up the floor to anyone who wanted to introduce themselves, either as a long-time member or newcomer. When I shared why I was there, I felt the eyes of 20+ friendly faces warmly listening to me.
Before I left that evening, after an hour of deep conversation and laughter, I thanked Perseus profusely for the great group he had built. I told him how interested I was in returning. I exited the bar excited to have found people I had a common interest with, whom I had made great connections with.
So what made Perseus such an exceptional leader? Well, there are a lot of reasons, but let me share three big ones.
1. He is clearly passionate about the ideals of the meetup group
This is a big one. I felt like we were there to do important work because he felt that so strongly, and it showed. Anyone who walked in could tell that this wasn’t a silly project for him. It made me feel important to be in the company of such passion.
2. He went out of his way to make me feel comfortable as a newcomer
Because he is so passionate about his message, he wants to make sure that everyone who joins in feels comfortable and welcomed. No one can be called an exceptional leader if they don’t make each member feel special. He did this in a few ways:
– Making sure I had a name-tag, drink, and place to put my bag while personally greeting me.
– Being aware of the number of new members and making sure they had a chance to introduce themselves.
– Asking long-time members to share what their experience has been.
– Never assuming anyone feels a certain way, and not attempting to censor someone’s ideas.
3. He made the purpose and structure of the group very clear
Our exceptional leader made sure we all re-grouped after socializing so that there was some agenda to the meeting, even though it was in a bar. He told us very clearly why he created this meetup, and explained what a typical meeting was like. By allowing this formality, he gave me a chance to get really invested in the message of the group. I left with a sense of purpose and being armed with information.
I never thought I’d care so much about a meetup group with a political nature. But I am excited to find out what the next meeting is, not as an observer, but as a participant.
