Want to engage people? Act as a Change Multiplier!
This is the second article in a series on ways to engage your ecosystem to change the world. The first article focused on the mindset needed to most effectively influence one’s surroundingss.
Change multipliers challenge the way they interact with others
The scale and urgency of our environmental and social challenges may overwhelm even the most rational and motivated sustainability advocate. Faced with such a daunting goal, this advocate—determined to transform our work, consumption, and production patterns—may be tempted to impose radical changes too quickly. Yet what seems like the best course of action in the short term may not be the most effective strategy for engaging people in the long term.
According to Liz Wiseman and Greg McKeown (see the book*Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter*), the multiplier’s leadership is based on the belief that anyone can figure out problems on their own, even if they seem to struggle at first.
One might conclude that the role of a leader committed to fostering sustainability would be to set the vision, bring together aspiring changemakers, and create the right conditions to unleash people’s best ideas and creative efforts—rather than micromanaging every step of the way.
Change multipliers act as challengers
This kind of leader is able to turn anxiety into trust and determination. Here is an example of how a multiplier motivated others to overcome uncertainties:
“We are facing an unprecedented crisis around the world. This situation could become an opportunity for our organization. Let’s completely rethink our business models to demonstrate that a company can thrive while preserving nature, nurturing employees, and co-creating with its external partners. I need you to take on this ambitious challenge. Here are my questions to help guide your brainstorming: Why are we in this business? How useful are we to the planet and its citizens today? What would it take to be 100% purpose-driven? I don’t need 100% complete answers right now. I need us to grasp about 30% of the answers so we can figure out how to allocate our time and resources to find 100% of the answers in the coming months. I trust your commitment to the company. Refocus on what drives you in life and work. I will support you.”
At the other end of the spectrum, changemakers who act as “diminishers” might retain control over every detail, telling others what to do and how to proceed. They would come up with both the questions and the answers, turning others into robots carrying out orders. They might also lower expectations to ensure that targets are met.
Currency exchange multipliers act as investors
Such leaders engage their ecosystem because they foster a sense of ownership and motivate action through an inspiring vision.
“‘Ifyou want to build a ship, don’t focus on gathering wood, dividing up the work, and giving orders. Instead, teach them to long for the vast and endless sea .’”
Allowing yourself and others to dream big about your future goals will provide a motivating compass for the long term. It will also prevent you from focusing all your efforts solely on that higher goal.
Taking Action Toward Change
Every day, calm your busy, anxious mind with empowering thoughts, such as:
People are smart and can figure things out.
I give myself permission to stumble as I develop new, habit-multiplying habits
Change is a journey
Lasting change depends on my ecosystem’s commitment and support
Refine your engagement strategies by asking yourself these questions:
Based on my role and the value I bring:
What do I need to focus on to ensure that our sustainability mission is implemented smoothly?
How can I draw on the talents of others to tackle the remaining challenges?
What would enable other people around me to appear more capable of working toward systemic change?
How can questions help people take ownership of the vision and illuminate the path forward?
“‘WhenI let go of who I am, I become who I might be.’”
Feel free to share your thoughts with me, and stay tuned for the next article. We’ll explore ways to strengthen your sense of legitimacy as a change leader!
If you want support to become the leader you want to be for the world you envision, and if you want to accelerate your ecosystem’s commitment to the change you hope for, contact me! Here is a form to help you further elaborate on your ambitions and challenges: English
