How to start a movement
5 lessons from Derek Sivers
Ever wondered "How to start a movement?" š¤ I rewatched Derek Siversā 2010 TED Talk. It's a masterclass on the dynamics of a movement building, boiled down into 3 minutes. š Here are 5 takeaways:
1ļøā£ The Power of the First Follower
Leadership begins with followership. The first follower is the unsung hero who turns a would-be lone nut into a leader. They show others it's okay to join, making the movement credible.
2ļøā£ Embrace Your Followers
Nurture your first followers, they create the momentum needed to establish the movement. Each new follower makes it safe and more acceptable for others to join
3ļøā£ Courage to Stand Out
It takes guts to be the first one to stand up and do something different. Both the leader and the first followers must be brave enough to risk ridicule or failure in committing to something that is not yet popular or accepted
4ļøā£ The Role of Public Perception
A movement needs visible public support to grow. People are more likely to join something they see others supporting
5ļøā£ From Lone Nut to Leader
Transforming from a lone nut to a leader requires continuous effort to attract and unite people to legitimize the cause. Focus on inclusivity and collective identity, ensuring everyone feels part of the movement. As more people join, the movement approaches a tipping point, becoming self-sustaining and undeniable.
If you havenāt seen Siverās iconic TED talk itās worth a watch. You can find it here !