Many of you may have seen this video where Dereck Sivers highlights why you need to be two to start a movement. In this case, a first person dares to dance and he looks weird. People laugh. Then, somebody else follows. Progressively, the crowd starts to join force with the dancers.
This example is an inspiring invitation to take a leap of faith when willing to do something. This reminds us of the movements’ mechanisms. When willing to act as a changemaker, you will ALWAYS face resistance. But studies show it only takes twenty percent of a group to pivot.
Still, I can’t help but wonder: what is the starting point? Do changemakers become actual changemakers because of external recognition or self-recognition? Do we first need allies to become changemakers?
The power of ‘otherness’ to shape your identity
The philosopher Hegel argued that subjects can only have an objective consciousness of their values through their relationships with others. Such a stance would justify the shift in the group’s dynamics mentioned beforehand. The one that started the dance went from looking like a fool to looking like a star, thanks to the other people’s reactions.
“Man is human only to the extent to which he tries to impose himself on another man in order to be recognized by him. As long as he has not been effectively recognized by the other, it is this other who remains the focus of his actions. His human worth and reality depend on this other and on his recognition by the other. It is in this other that the meaning of his life is condensed.” Alexandre Kojeve, Introduction to the Reading of Hegel
How powerful and dangerous our relationships with others can be! In their eyes, we search for the recognition we want for ourselves. If they offer it to us, great. But, if not, what happens? Who is right? Can self-awareness stand alone? Is external perception alienating us? Do we have to fight to death to shape our own identity? How can we harmoniously free ourselves?
Accordingly to Descartes’ statement “I think, therefore I am”, our sole consciousness gives us proof of our existence. In that sense, one may think we simply need to see ourselves as changemakers to be one. Having such a core belief may indeed give you the strength to dare to act while trusting that allies will join you. Rather than mitigating your value as a changemaker, observers’ reactions of laughter and skepticism may give insights into your power of disruption!
The power of ‘otherness’ to boost your impact
I guess these two positions that could be seen as contradictory, are in fact complementary. Our initial self intention to make a change, while potentially blurry and shaky, gives us the power to stand up as a changemaker. Our determination, passion, and action allow us to attract supporters, comfort our intuitions, and create a larger momentum. That said, what else is possible with the help of others?
First, let’s start by specifying there is a difference between detractors, allies, and brainwashed executors.
According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, ”an ally is one associated with another as a helper, a person or group that provides assistance and support in an ongoing effort, activity, or struggle.”
In a 2008 press conference, Barack Obama explained his reasons for having Hillary Clinton on his team:
“I assembled this team because I am a strong believer in strong personalities and strong opinions. I think this is how the best decisions are made. One danger in a White house is that you get wrapped up in a group where everybody agrees with everything. So I am going to invite a vigorous debate inside the white house. Understand I will be setting policy as president; I am responsible for the vision that this team carries out and I expect them to implement that vision once decisions are made.”
Allies’ inputs will most likely bring a diversity of friendly and constructive insights to make our project grow. With their help, we can envision hidden gaps and new ideas so as to solidify both our vision and roadmaps.
“if you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together”.
This proverb is very much used in my environment these days. I am a bit ambivalent about it. I love collaboration. I could not have developed as many projects as I have if I had worked alone. Outputs and outcomes would also be less comprehensive, qualitative, creative, or even pragmatic without my wonderful team members.
Since I aim to embed purpose and sustainability principles in the core business, I absolutely need all layers of the company to be engaged. Yet, I realize I may often feel frustrated with the time required to explain, persuade and wait for other groups to buy-in.
We have the ambition to create an organizational shift. Should we restrain our ambitions, delay initiatives while focusing on lobbying internally to convince everyone first? Should we coach people to discover their own drivers for action first? On the contrary, should we act as challengers and changemakers in creating disruptions? I can’t really choose just one approach and I hope there’s a place for all approaches.
The answer may lie in our capacity to acknowledge and unleash our own truth and genius to, then, motivate others to co-create. I have spent a lot of time testing and learning various ways of doing so, but that is another story for another day ;D
While waiting for new insights, one may conclude you need to, first, trust yourself to become a changemaker before inviting people to co-create the movement. Are you ready to position yourself as a changemaker?
ACTUALIZING YOUR CHANGE
A simple Tool
Think of two changemakers you respect and admire:
What do they have in common that inspires you?
What does that tell about your (hidden) hopes for yourself and your life?
If you could be as free as a bird, what kind of changemaker would you like to become?
What is the first small step you can take in that direction today?
Who can help you stay confident and accountable for such an action?
A Mantra
“Live your passion and share your dream”
Over to you!
I challenge you to dare to acknowledge your inner truth and share your thoughts with me!
Feel free to share how such an article resonates with you, I’d love to know. Besides, if you want support to become the leader you want for the world you expect, contact me! Here is a form find to further elaborate your ambition and challenges: English / French