Collaborative Atmosphere Like This Doesn’t Exist in Campus

Here’s my reflection on the Python Asia-Pacific Conference (PYCON APAC) 2024, especially from Georgi Ker’s session.

• The open-source community thrives on open and equal collaboration.
• The main motivation is innovation and selfless contribution.
• Freedom to express and experiment is highly valued.

Why don’t I experience the same collaborative atmosphere of the open-source community in a campus environment?

This question comes from my reflection on “The Psychology Behind Open Source Leadership,” presented by Georgi Ker, Director & Fellow Member at the Python Software Foundation, during PYCON APAC 2024.

I’m a lecturer by profession, probably a minority among the hundreds of attendees at PYCON APAC, but I truly enjoyed all the topics delivered by the speakers. Feel free to tag me in the comments if you share the same profession, attended the event, and felt the same vibe.

Georgi Ker was one of the keynote speakers on Day 2, and I took away many key points. Here are five of them:

1. The Python open-source community values every contribution, no matter how small. This is reflected in the communication style. “It’s not about me, it’s about we.” For example, “I created this library because its performance is precise” versus “We can use this library because it improves performance.” The emotional impact of these two sentences feels quite different.
2. Membership is when we willingly invest time, thought, and energy into something and start to feel like we’re part of it. The more energy and dedication we invest, the stronger our sense of belonging and involvement becomes. Membership also means feeling emotionally and psychologically comfortable enough to take risks and try new things. It’s about feeling OK to express ideas without fear of negative consequences.
3. A leader isn’t just someone who’s good at speaking up and influencing others in a circle. If a leader dominates a circle too much, they actually become less influential. People tend to choose leaders who listen and are open to influence, rather than those whose minds are made up and unwilling to change. Leaders who listen are seen as more flexible, open to feedback, and better at adapting to the group’s needs.
4. Mutual support, appreciation, and collaboration are key within a circle. “From what’s wrong to what’s strong.” Focus on finding strengths rather than faults. This creates an environment where members accept each other.
5. The more we share experiences with one another, the stronger the emotional connection becomes within the circle.

Points 2–6 form the four foundational elements of community. There’s no capital involved. Open-source contributors never think about how much money they’ll make.

Georgi Ker’s session ended with a QnA, but I didn’t get a chance to ask my question:

Why don’t I experience the open-source community atmosphere in a campus environment?

Maybe the readers can help answer in the comments.