Sense of Legitimacy and Change Makers
"You know, Nina, I'm not sure I fit in. I'm afraid I won't live up to their expectations. Who am I to lead this project? I want to engage my ecosystem to transform my organization. I want our products to have the least possible negative impact on the environment and society. I want to rethink how we view business success. I'm not an expert. I talk about social and environmental justice, but what do I actually know about it?"
Many of my interactions with my colleagues and clients go something like this. In such cases, my heart and mind are bursting with anger and outrage. The voice in my head says, “But OF COURSE you’re the right person to start this movement and help change the system and its ways!” I know that’s a nice thing to say, but its impact is small and short-lived. How can I get others to believe in themselves? How do I overcome that darn imposter syndrome that I’ve felt so often?
At the risk of disappointing you, there is no magic wand. But here’s one inner truth: you are the right choice simply by being yourself. No one can save the world—least of all on their own. However, as a changemaker, you can make a difference simply by acting in accordance with your vision, your power, your joy, and your circle of allies.
As Isabelle, an inspiring and empowering coach, said: "Legitimacy is the confidence you have in yourself. Self-confidence is an inner reservoir."
Let’s [start to] stop waiting for external approval, which is nice to have but is often a leaky basket of expectations. Let’s take a deep breath and transform this dread of “Do I have the right? Can I? Am I capable of launching this movement for change?” into “It’s time to become the leader I want to be, for the world I envision.”
Taking Action Toward Your Change
Write on paper or on your phone—list at least three of each of the following:
Studies and training programs that provided you with insights or tools to act as a change-maker,
Experiences, successes, and failures that have helped you learn a thing or two about leading change within a given system,
Skills you use so easily that you may have underestimated their value,
The people around you, whether near or far (e.g., a team, a mentor, a friend, podcasts, or books). These resources will support you on your journey.
All of these elements contribute to your “reserve of confidence” and, therefore, to your sense of legitimacy.
Do you really want to squander your fuel of confidence? Is the world such a perfect place that you can avoid doing your part? It is by doing your part, in your own way, that you build your legitimacy. So let me ask you: What role do you want to play in the world today?
In the next article, we'll explore the role you can play in engaging those around you in this systemic change. In the meantime, share your ideas and insights in the comments or by contacting me directly!
“‘Forevil to triumph, all it needs is the inaction of good people.’”
Do you want to become the leader you envision for the world you hope to see? Do you want to accelerate your ecosystem’s commitment to the change you hope for? Contact me! Here is a link to an exploratory call and the form to further elaborate on your ambitions and challenges: English
