Right now, the world needs more Leaders.
Business Leaders. Community Leaders. Not-for-Profit Leaders…. the list goes on.
Leaders have to push themselves out on a limb. Leaders have to stand out from the crowd. Leaders must push the status-quo and challenge accepted ways of thinking. For these reasons, being a Leader can be isolating.
So what is the catalyst that can turn individuals (often initially perceived to be) “lone lunatics” into admired Leaders of Movements?
Answer: a 1st Supporter
Being this 1st Supporter demands bravery (just as brave as being the (about to be saved) isolated, lunatic Leader). The first supporter is often accepted as an equal by the leader – perhaps an element of relief from the Leader to find a kindred spirit. The 1st supporter needs just one more person to join for a crowd to emerge (i.e. 3, the Leader + 1st supporter + 1 other). From this crowd, a Movement can develop.
Nowhere is this more perfectly demonstrated than in the above talk by Derek Sivers. Watch how the (initially) perceived dancing “nutter” is quickly enveloped by those eager to become part of the in-crowd – those who had, up until a few minutes before, watched with a mixture of amusement and horror from the safety of the crowds. But they stood up and joined in – all due to the bravery of that 1st supporter. Fascinating stuff.
Lesson: Great Leadership can only emerge by virtue of that single 1st brave supporter.
So can you see an opportunity to be THAT 1st Supporter and be the much needed catalyst to help create a Movement?
