Electricity is Just the Excuse
Electricity is just the excuse…the real story is people, community, and servant leadership.
Thoughts from the recent Consulting from the Couch podcast interview with Josh McGhee of Touchstone Energy, about servant leadership.
At its core, the cooperative story starts with a simple truth: electricity is just an excuse to make life better.
Co-ops aren’t built to chase profits—they’re built to serve people. Members aren’t just customers; they’re owners. That changes everything. Decisions get local, margins return to the community, and “success” means improving someone’s everyday life, not padding a bottom line.
Keep It Simple, Keep It Human:
The energy world is changing fast, but the co-op advantage isn’t about keeping up—it’s about staying grounded. Technology can scale reach, but only trust can scale relationships.
That’s why “mass personalization” matters. Whether it’s a new website, rewards program, or member message, it should feel personal to the person opening their bill or calling after a storm. The winning formula? Ask, listen, build, repeat.
Leadership That Lifts Others:
The best co-op leaders don’t chase the spotlight—they create it for others. Servant leadership means listening first, acting with integrity, and staying accountable. Integrity without accountability is just a slogan; accountability makes it real.
And when leaders are transparent, communities respond with trust—and trust makes everything else possible.
Respond, Don’t React:
Strong leaders don’t rush to react—they pause to respond. That moment of reflection changes tone, outcomes, and culture. Pair it with curiosity, humility, and a little joy, and you’ve got the kind of leadership people want to follow.
The Local Advantage:
Every town has a heartbeat—Friday night lights, fairs, parades, small moments that say, this is home. Co-ops know that rhythm better than anyone. When your message reflects that heartbeat, engagement turns into a genuine connection.
That’s the co-op difference: scale that serves, leadership that listens, and a mission that treats electricity not as the goal—but as the spark for dignity, resilience, and joy. Because at the end of the day, electricity really is just the excuse.
To listen to the podcast interview with Josh, click here.