Create a Movement
Creating a movement is not easy. It requires that you do things that others seem as unnatural and maybe even weird. People will say you should stop doing whatever it is. They may think you are crazy and even laugh a little. Most living things feel safer as a member of a crowd, not out on their own. We are no different.
How are we supposed to create any positive change if we always remain part of a crowd? The answer is simple but definitely not easy to put into practice. This short video by Derek Sivers breaks it down very well, with a story about a shirt-less dancing guy.
The lessons:
- A leader needs the guts to stand-alone and look ridiculous.
- A movement must be simple and easy to follow.
- A leader embraces followers as an equal, it’s about the movement not the leader.
- Being a first follower is an under-appreciated form of leadership.
- New followers emulate followers and not the leader. Movements must be public and transparent.
The best way to create a movement doesn’t require that you create one on your own. If all everyone did was create their own movements, there would be no movements! Instead, be an early follower. Find something you believe in, and have the courage to support a movement that is already underway, no matter how obscure it may seem at first.
FANTASTIC. Loads of important lessons here. LOVE IT!
Conor Hughes
August 8, 2010 at 12:42 pm
The really important person is the first follower, because he transforms a lone nut into a leader…
And that’s why, once your revolution is successful, and you have been transformed from a lone nut into a leader, you must always have the fuel line in your first follower’s airplane sabotaged ASAP.
ultrarunner
July 7, 2010 at 8:14 am
Awesome, thanks for sharing. Makes me want to stand up and dance.
Jon
June 23, 2010 at 7:27 pm
Love it! What a simple example of exactly what leadership (individual person or organization) is about. Thanks for sharing Ravi!
resonantinsights
June 23, 2010 at 2:37 pm