Author Alex Budak shares insights on becoming a changemaker and leading positive change at any level. He discusses the importance of mindset, humility, adaptability, dealing with resistance, and leading change through culture. He also introduces the concept of micro-leadership and the changemaker canvas tool for executing and communicating change.
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Quick takeaways
Leadership can be reframed as change-making without the constraints of titles or roles.
Encouraging 'micro-leadership' empowers individuals to take action and make an impact.
Deep dives
Defining Change Makers and Challenging Leadership Perceptions
Change makers are individuals who lead positive change without the constraints of titles or roles. This inclusive definition challenges the traditional views of leadership tied to specific positions and empowers individuals to effect change at any level, from entry-level positions to prestigious roles. By reframing leadership as change making, people can embrace their capacity to influence various spheres of life, including work, community, and family.
Leading Change Through Action and Permission
Encouraging individuals to take action as change makers, the focus is on granting oneself permission to lead rather than waiting for external validation or titles. Emphasizing the importance of action as the key to impact, individuals are urged to engage in small acts of leadership or 'micro-leadership' consistently. This approach shifts the perception of leadership from a formal title to a series of meaningful actions that contribute to change.
Becoming a Norm Entrepreneur for Culture Change
The concept of a norm entrepreneur involves initiating and scaling new norms within culture, influencing change from the bottom up. By formalizing or informalizing cultural shifts, individuals can alter collective behaviors and attitudes, driving transformation through norm creation. This approach underscores the role of individuals in shaping organizational or societal norms, enabling a more inclusive and impactful change process.
Fulfillment Beyond Happiness and Success
Exploring the concept of fulfillment beyond conventional notions of happiness and success, the focus shifts towards sustained joy and purpose. Questioning the transient nature of happiness and the potential emptiness of success, the idea of fulfillment emerges as a deeper and more enduring orientation in life. By delving into the realm of fulfillment, individuals can explore a more profound and holistic approach to personal growth and satisfaction.
Most of us believe we can make a difference in the world. That we can have an impact. What holds us back from acting on those beliefs are often the doubts. Doubts about our skills, our credentials, even our roles at work.
Alex Budak studied the research and interviewed the changemakers, and he argues we can all be changemakers, no matter our resumes. That’s what led him to write his book, Becoming a Changemaker: An Actionable, Inclusive Guide to Leading Positive Change at Any Level.
I was inspired by Alex’s book and our conversation. I walked away with a changemaker playbook on the mindset, leadership qualities, and behaviors to make it happen.
Episode Links
Finding Leadership Treasures in World Cup Trash
Stop Waiting for Permission
Be the Light
Interview with Sheena Iyengar
The Team
Learn more about host, Gayle Allen, and producer, Rob Mancabelli, here.
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