CHANGEMAKER'S TOOL: WIN OVER ALLIES TO MAXIMIZE YOUR IMPACT!
I'm writing a series of articles about tools that I've tested myself as a leader, change-maker, mother, and entrepreneur. I promise they're quick, simple, and effective—and can even inspire beautiful transformations—if you commit to practicing them daily or as often as possible.
💡THE PROBLEM: LACK OF SUPPORT
When you drive change—especially if it's going to have a lasting impact—you're often out of step with the rest of the group.
At best, you elicit astonishment; at worst, you are met with mistrust or mockery.
Changes toward sustainability require collaboration with multiple stakeholders and organizational partners.
Nothing changes when you're isolated.
The challenges are systemic and too vast to be tackled alone.
I regularly hear my clients complain about feeling lonely, about the burden of going it alone, and about the frustration of constantly having to push others to take action.
I understand.
I've been in their shoes.
However, the real problem does not lie in a lack of commitment on the part of others.
The real challenge is twofold:
Often, the engagement strategy is inadequate
The level of enthusiasm generated by our proposals and the way we embody change is often low.
Today, I'm focusing on a key strategy for addressing the first point: engaging the right allies.
🔍 THE TOOL: THE ALLIES STRATEGY
"A PROJECT DOESN'T DIE BECAUSE OF ITS OPPONENTS BUT BECAUSE OF THE CRUEL LACK OF ALLIES"
This is one of the key lessons of sociodynamics, a change management method developed by Jean-Christian Fauvet in the 1970s.
What is important to understand is:
A person's attitude toward your project depends on their feelings and opinions at any given moment. This attitude can change over time.
Joining forces with motivated people is essential to mobilize a group. The goal is not to convince those who are reluctant or passive, but to capitalize on the drivers of change to create a ripple effect.
Here is the partner map, which is useful for mapping your ecosystem and finding the right allies
Sociodynamic Position of Stakeholders
Source: JC Faudet
🐝 YOUR CHALLENGE: SURROUND YOURSELF WITH THE RIGHT PEOPLE
If you're still with me (thank you, by the way), you're probably wondering, "OK, but in practical terms, what do I do?"
Here are two options:
You can take stock of the players around you and place them on the partners map above.
You can also answer these questions to identify your key allies based on your needs:
Who gives you positive energy?
Who can help you become more influential? Who can you talk to?
Who is a source of ideas? Who can share tools and feedback?
Who knows your ecosystem well and can help you navigate the political issues?
Who is motivated by and directly affected by your mission? With whom can you move forward and collaborate?
For each key need, you'll find the right ally. There's no need to ask your allies to be by your side 24 hours a day. They can be peers, superiors, mentors, colleagues, suppliers, customers, coaches, and friends.
MY FEEDBACK
I discovered the importance of allies during my coaching in Japan, thanks to Sophie Mauriac ( hello and thank you, Sophie, if you're reading this).
At the time, I felt very alone. My efforts to transform the organization, my position on the Executive Committee, the differences in Japanese culture, the managerial challenges, the environmental crisis—everything was weighing on me. I often complained. I felt like I was alone against everyone.
The process of identifying my allies helped me regain control of my daily life and my ability to make an impact. I had to open my eyes and figure out who could support me and provide me with resources based on my various needs and challenges.
A positive dynamic developed, and strong professional and personal bonds were formed. My daily life gradually changed, and a few years later I was able to leave Japan, proud of the collective impact we had made.
I can only advise you to stay focused and maintain your connections with your allies.
They're out there, just waiting for a sign from you. Believe me.
"So... ready to start?"
IF YOU FOUND THIS POST INSIGHTFUL, PLEASE LIKE IT AND SHARE IT WITH YOUR NETWORK. THAT'S THE BEST WAY TO SUPPORT ME.
Hi, Changemakers!
I am Nina, an impact maker coach specializing in leadership and sustainable transformation. For over 12 years, I have led sustainable change within a Fortune 500 organization in a multicultural environment. Through my work, I aim to inspire professionals in organizations to rethink business practices and help them take pride in contributing, in their own way, to a more sustainable, people-centered, and nature-friendly world. If you want to become an inspiring and impactful leader who engages your team and organization to create a better world, contact me!
