The Economies of Showing Up
Class 1.3 in How to (Get People to) Show Up
Note: This is the next in our “course” / series on How to (Get People to) Show Up. The introductory post is here. Other posts in this course can be found here.
Lecture
Key Background: It’s the Economy, (But You’re Not) Stupid
Showing up isn't just about physical presence; it's an act of engagement tailored to each situation—be it at grandma's house, a nightclub, or a Monday meeting. The way we show up affects team dynamics, relationships, and ultimately, outcomes. This is not merely social conduct; it's an economy of exchange.
In this “economy of showing up,” we're not always trading money but often value—measured in terms like appreciation or goodwill. Just like in financial terms, this value can appreciate over time or suffer depreciation. If team members don't show up in the “currency” that resonates with others—whether it's effort, enthusiasm, or skills—there's an energy loss, a devaluation. Understanding this can be the difference between collective success and shared struggle.
Showing up is about more than being present; it's about offering value that appreciates over time—much like an investment. However, when we fail to “show up” in a way that aligns with others—be it in energy, skills, or goodwill—we create a deficit or, in some cases, we overspend. This isn't just a social misstep; it's an energy loss, a devaluation of sorts. Because of this mismatch in what we offer and what is received, both sides suffer a loss. So, what we're talking about here is a universal economy of relationships, where gains and losses in energy and goodwill are as real as those in any financial market.
This relational economy costs no money to participate in (or, at least, it doesn’t have to). It is all about us and what we're willing to spend from the inside to make that happen.
All economies are built on shared values -- and those values constantly negotiated. That's what the economy is that we're talking about.
The Economies of Showing Up
In our lives, the “economy of showing up” operates on a currency far more precious than money: emotional and communal investment. This is an economy underpinned by shared values, perpetually in flux, constantly being negotiated among its participants. When you, for instance, take up the mantle of activism, you're not just shouting into the void. You're strategically investing your passion and energy to rally others to your cause. You post, you organize, you gather your tribe—people whose values resonate with yours. Together, you form a collective voice, one that gains interest and power precisely because it represents a communal stake.
But this principle extends far beyond activism or any specific social endeavor. Think of those electric moments at a concert, a play, or even a sports event. There, too, a unique kind of economy is at work, grounded in shared experiences or interests. Maybe it's the collective awe at an encore, the united gasp at a last-second touchdown, or the communal silence during a poignant scene. These are transactions of energy, of feeling, of shared human experience.
And how do we contribute to this economy? We “show up” in every sense of the word—physically, emotionally, even virtually. Whether it's buying a ticket, donning a team jersey, singing along, or sharing a hashtag, each act is a deposit into this economy of shared values and experiences. And it's not a one-way transaction; it never is. As you “show up,” the community you're a part of becomes richer, more meaningful.
From the fandoms of the Kansas City Chiefs and St. Louis Cardinals to the devotees of Shakespearean drama, each community gains its vibrancy, its pulse, its very lifeblood from the individuals who decide to show up and contribute. What's nurtured is not just a crowd, but a community—an ecosystem of belonging that appreciates in value with every single act of showing up.
Here are some examples of how this economy plays out.
Arts Organizations
In an arts collective, every brushstroke or spoken word counts. Artists show up not just with their skills but also with their vulnerabilities and visions. When a director shows up fully prepared and energized, it encourages the cast and crew to bring their best selves. This amplifies the collective artistic output, making the organization a magnet for talent and patrons.
Corporate Work
In the corporate sphere, the act of showing up is often codified in KPIs (Key Performance Indicators). When employees exceed targets, it energizes the team and motivates others to 'show up' in their roles. The reverberations are felt in increased productivity and perhaps in the company stock price—a visible metric in the corporate economy of presence.
Teams and Management
In a project team, each member's contribution is like an investment. When one member 'shows up' by taking the extra step to innovate or problem-solve, it elevates the team's overall performance. For managers, showing up might mean providing clear guidance or stepping back and giving the team autonomy, depending on what the situation demands.
Nonprofit Boards
On nonprofit boards, showing up goes beyond mere attendance. It involves advocacy, volunteering, and sometimes difficult decision-making. When board members are actively involved and aligned with the mission, it galvanizes donor support and community engagement.
Sports
In sports, the athletes, coaches, and even fans show up in a very physical way. But they also show up emotionally—think of the collective roar in a stadium or the focused hush during a penalty kick. The energy reverberates and even impacts the game's outcome.
Churches and Spiritual Communities
In spiritual settings, showing up might be as simple as attending a service, but it also extends to emotional and spiritual investment in the community. The collective search for meaning or enlightenment becomes deeply enriched when each individual shows up wholeheartedly.
Academic Settings
Professors and students create a unique economy of showing up in the classroom. Presence here isn't just about lectures and grades; it's about sparking curiosity, sharing insights, and engaging in meaningful debate. When students and teachers show up in this way, education transcends mere instruction and becomes a life-enriching experience.
Public Service
In public service, showing up translates into a commitment to community well-being. Whether it's a local council meeting or a national legislative assembly, the quality of presence impacts the policies that are created and the trust the public places in their leaders.
In all these settings, the "currency" can differ—it might be time, attention, skill, or even love—but the fundamental economics remain the same. When people show up in ways that resonate with collective values, needs, and aspirations, something far greater than the sum of its parts is achieved. The return on investment, so to speak, is a stronger, more vibrant community or organization, radiating an energy that draws people in and holds them together.
Local Community Gatherings
Whether it's a neighborhood association meeting or a local farmer's market, the energy and collective spirit are palpable when people show up. Residents who invest their time and energy help shape the community's character and future. Their active presence can lead to stronger neighborhood watch programs, improved local amenities, and even community gardens that everyone can enjoy.
Personal Relationships and Family
In one's personal life, showing up takes a deeply intimate form. Partners show up for each other in times of crisis and celebration, investing emotional support and love. Parents showing up for their children's school events or simply being there for a heartfelt conversation can make a world of difference in building strong family bonds. In this “economy,” the currency is love, time, and undivided attention, and the 'returns' are relationships that weather life's ups and downs.
Stuff for Showing Up
Discussion Questions
What are the energies or currencies you trade in your relational economy?
Have you ever found value in something only after investing your presence into it?
What are some challenges you've faced in 'showing up'? How did you overcome them?
Have you ever felt a relational deficit with someone? How did you address it?
What are some shared values or experiences that make you 'show up' in a community?
At-Home Activity: “Show Up” Accounting
Aim: To actively engage with the idea of "showing up" as an economy of value, deepening your understanding of your role in your communities—be it family, work, or social circles.
Duration: 1 week
Materials Needed:
A notebook or digital note-taking app
A timer
An open mind
Steps:
Reflection: Start by reading the concept of the “Economies of Showing Up”. Spend 5 minutes jotting down your first reactions. What does 'showing up' mean to you? What "currency" do you feel you bring to your communities?
Mind Map: Create a mind map of the places and communities where you "show up". This could range from your family and work to book clubs, fitness classes, or volunteer work. Link each to the kind of value you think you bring—Is it enthusiasm? Expertise? Empathy?
Daily Log: For one week, at the end of each day, make a quick log:
Where did you “show up” today?
What did you contribute (your "currency")?
Did you feel like this was valued? Why or why not?
Deep Dive: Choose one area where you felt your presence wasn’t as valued as you’d hoped. Spend 15-20 minutes thinking or journaling about why this might be. Was there a mismatch in what you offered and what was expected or needed?
Action Plan: Based on your reflections, think of one or two actionable steps you can take to improve how you "show up". This could be anything from communicating your ideas more clearly at work to spending quality time with family.
Experiment: Implement these changes for the remaining days and note any shifts in how you and your contributions are received.
Group Chat: If comfortable, share your week's findings with a trusted friend or family member. What did they think about your insights? Sometimes, external perspectives can offer invaluable feedback.
Wrap-Up: At the end of the week, review your notes. Do you see any patterns? Have your actions led to a more fruitful "showing up" experience?
Bonus Questions for Reflection:
What did you find most challenging about this exercise?
What was the most surprising insight you gained?
Are there communities where you feel you could "show up" more?
Use this activity as a foundation for your personal transformation in how you "show up" in your life. The "currency" might differ from one setting to another, but the principle remains the same: Showing up enriches not just you, but also the communities you are part of.
Social Activity: "The Currency Exchange"
Aim: To delve deeper into the types of "currency" people bring to different social settings and relationships. By exchanging these "currencies," participants can learn more about their own needs and what they can offer to others, all in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.
Duration: 45-60 minutes
Materials Needed:
Index cards or Post-it notes
Markers or pens
A large bowl or hat
Optional: Small tokens or stickers as "currency indicators"
Steps:
Set the Stage (5 mins):
Briefly introduce the idea of the "Economy of Showing Up" and the concept of social or emotional "currency" like kindness, humor, or listening skills.
Currency Identification (10 mins):
Ask each participant to write down a type of "currency" they often bring into social spaces on an index card (e.g., empathy, enthusiasm, leadership).
Place these cards into a large bowl.
The Drawing (5 mins):
Invite participants to draw a card from the bowl.
Ask them to reflect on whether they often give or receive this kind of "currency" and how it feels to do so.
Currency Circles (15-20 mins):
Group participants by the "currency" they've drawn, forming small Currency Circles.
In these circles, participants discuss the following:
How often do you offer this "currency" in your life?
In what settings or relationships could this "currency" be more valuable?
Are there times you wish you received more of this "currency"?
Optional: Give out small tokens or stickers that represent each currency. Participants can place these on a community board or keep them as a reminder.
The Exchange (10-15 mins):
Have participants return their drawn cards back to the bowl.
Invite them to draw another card, but this time they should aim to "offer" this new currency in a specific situation in the upcoming week.
Wrap-Up (5 mins):
Reconvene and ask a few volunteers to share what they've learned about their own "currencies" and what they plan to do differently in the future.
Close the activity by emphasizing the power of being intentional about the value we bring into spaces and relationships.
This activity creates an environment where participants can be both introspective and social, exploring the concept of "currency" in the "Economy of Showing Up" in a practical, engaging way. It encourages people to be more aware of the value they both give and receive in various aspects of their lives.