This week we’re highlighting our Mobilization programs, which are part of our four-part model. And what could possibly be more fitting than a TedxTalk called How to start a movement? Mobilization is all about getting people involved and in less than three minutes, Derek Sivers explains exactly what you need to do to create a successful movement – and he does so by breaking down a pretty epic dance party (and if you know Invisible Children, you know we absolutely love dance parties).
So here’s the overview:
1) There has to be a leader willing to put themselves out there and be ridiculed (#check).
2) The first follower is essential. They are the ones who show everyone else how to follow and “transforms [the] lone nut into a leader”.
3) The leader must treat the first followers as equals as they are the ones who are responsible for starting what becomes the movement.
4) Eventually as more people join, you’ll reach a tipping point, and the leader is no longer the most prominent. It’s important to know that it’s not about the leader, it’s about the movement.
5) As more and more people join in, being a part of the movement is less risky.
Derek Sivers closes the talk with a note about being a follower. He states:
Leadership is over glorified. That yes, it was the shirtless guy [who] was first and he’ll get all the credit, but it was really the first follower that transformed the lone nut into a leader. So as we’re told that we should all be leaders, that would be really ineffective. If you really care about starting a movement, have the courage to follow and show others how to follow. And when you find a lone nut doing something great, have the guts to be the first one to stand up and join in.
Share your thoughts below. Why do we glorify the leader and seem to forget the importance of followers? Where you do see yourself in the grand scheme of the movement?
Think people should hear about this?