Desire to Lead for Change
Change, for better or for worse, is a constant. Everything is constantly changing or evolving and most changes are an attempt to improve something. Technology changes and evolves and improves our productivity, systems can change the way we do business, politicians create laws to change our behavior, and citizen often band together to change and improve our societies. What does change always need? Desire and leadership are two of the most important characteristics of those seeking to affect change.
There are many examples of women taking charge and striving to lead societal improvement. You too may want to change something for the good of your family, your local town, or for those with big aspirations, the world.
As women in technology and of the web, the world is at our fingertips. We are no longer bound by proximity and we can affect change around the globe. We can post and have our words translated to numerous languages online and be read by people from all different countries, cultures and all walks of life. Our business connections can literally span the globe without ever leaving your country and you can touch others’ lives even though you never meet those people whose live you touch.
What’s holding you back? Do you think you need a fancy title to lead change? Or have to be a “manager” to have others follow you to do good?
To help you find your next mission to lead, be it at work, at home, or somewhere in the world, here are some tips in focusing on your desire to make a difference:
1. Identify the Problem You Want to Be Known for Helping to Solve
Write it down. Create goals and objectives around solving that problem. Make sure it is something you are passionate about; otherwise, it will go by the way side.
2. Find Others With a Similar Desire and Let Others Know Your Intentions
Leverage the Internet to find like-minded individuals, or, groups that already exist you could get involved with. Take an active role in these groups and develop your voice and a following.
Whether it be through creating a website, using Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Second Life or the other Social media tools that are available, finding and connecting with other likeminded people is now easier than ever. Creating a movement for social change is also easier than ever. Using the Internet is one of the least expensive ways to communicate and connect.
3. Organize and Take Action
Leading effective change takes organization and structure…create an action plan with roles and responsibilities for those involved in helping you to make change. During this process identify
- What the problem is
- How you are going to solve it
- How to judge if your mission is succeeding
4. Celebrate Your Successes and Toot Your Own Horn
Don’t forget to leverage traditional media. Develop a public relations plan to highlight your achievements with press releases and announcements to the appropriate news outlets and publications.
Do not be afraid to get out there, present your point of view and seek leadership roles to make a difference.
So what are you waiting for – find something to change and lead the march! Just remember, you don’t always have to be the one at the helm to lead change that is noticed.
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I’ve learned that life is much more enjoyable when you start to get comfortable with, and even look forward to, constant change. It’s hard to get to that place, but it’s worth it!