Can you be a changemaker without allies?
Many of you may have seen this video in which Dereck Sivers explains why it takes two people to start a movement. In this case, one person dares to dance and looks a little strange. People laugh. Then, someone else joins in. Gradually, the crowd begins to join the dancers.
This example is an inspiring invitation to take a leap of faith when you’re ready to take action. It reminds us of how social movements work. When you’re ready to act as a changemaker, you will ALWAYS face resistance. But studies show that it only takes 20 percent of a group to bring about change.
Still, I can’t help but wonder: where do we start? Do changemakers become 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 individuals can only develop an objective awareness of their values through their relationships with others. Such a view would explain the shift in the group’s dynamics mentioned earlier. The person who started the dance went from looking like a fool to looking like a star, thanks to the reactions of the others.
“Man is human only to the extent that 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 seek the recognition we desire for ourselves. If they offer it to us, that’s great. But if not, what happens? Who is right? Can self-awareness stand on its own? Is external perception alienating us? Do we have to fight to the death to shape our own identity? How can we free ourselves in harmony?
According to Descartes’ statement , “I think, therefore I am,” our consciousness alone provides proof of our existence. In that sense, one might think that we simply need to see ourselves as changemakers in order to be one. Holding such a core belief may indeed give you the strength to dare to act while trusting that allies will join you. Rather than diminishing your value as a changemaker, observers’ reactions—such as laughter and skepticism—may actually offer insights into your power to bring about change!
The Power of “Otherness” to Boost Your Impact
I guess these two perspectives, which might seem contradictory, are actually complementary. Our initial personal intention to bring about change—though it may be vague and uncertain—gives us the strength to step forward as agents of change. Our determination, passion, and action enable us to attract supporters, reaffirm our intuitions, and build greater momentum. That said, what else is possible with the help of others?
First, let’s start by clarifying that there is a difference between detractors, allies, and brainwashed executors.
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, “an ally is someone associated with another as a helper—a person or group that provides assistance and support in an ongoing effort, activity, or struggle.”
At a 2008 press conference, Barack Obama explained why he had chosen Hillary Clinton to be part of his team:
“I assembled this team because I am a firm believer in strong personalities and strong opinions. I think this is how the best decisions are made. One danger in the White House is that you can get caught up in a group where everyone agrees on everything. So I am going to encourage vigorous debate within the White House. Understand that 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.”
Input from our allies will most likely provide a variety of positive and constructive insights that will help our project grow. With their help, we can identify hidden gaps and generate new ideas to strengthen both our vision and our roadmaps.
“If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.”
Thisproverb is used a lot in my circle these days. I have mixed feelings about it. I love collaboration. I couldn't have developed as many projects as I have if I had worked alone. The results and outcomes would also be less comprehensive, high-quality, creative, or even practical without my wonderful team members.
Since my goal is to embed principles of purpose and sustainability into the core business, it is absolutely essential that every level of the company be on board. However, I realize that I may often feel frustrated by the time it takes to explain, persuade, and wait for other groups to buy in.
Our ambition is to bring about an organizational shift. Should we scale back our ambitions and postpone initiatives while focusing on internal advocacy to convince everyone first? Should we coach people to discover their own motivations for action first? Or, on the contrary, should we act as challengers and changemakers to drive disruption? I can’t really choose just one approach, and I hope there’s room for all of them.
The answer may lie in our ability to acknowledge and unleash our own truth and genius, and then inspire others to co-create. I've spent a lot of time experimenting with and learning variousways to do this, but that's a story for another day ;D
While waiting for new insights, one might conclude that you first need to trust yourself to become a changemaker before inviting others to help build the movement. Are you ready to position yourself as a changemaker?
UPDATING 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 say 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 taking such action?
A Mantra
"Liveyour passion and share your dream"
Now it's your turn!
I challenge you to have the courage to acknowledge your inner truth and share your thoughts with me!
Feel free to share how this article resonates with you—I’d love to hear from you. Also, if you’d like support in becoming the leader you want to be for the world you envision, contact me! Here’s a form to help you further explore your ambitions and challenges: English / French
