THE CRITICAL MASS CHALLENGE
The Power of Creating Ripples
In 1976, Betty Williams, a mother of two, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her dedication to promoting a peaceful resolution to the troubles in Northern Ireland. Williams was thrust into the spotlight after witnessing the casualties of three children in her neighborhood. She petitioned her community and subsequently led 10,000 women on a peace march in the children’s honor. The peaceful march was disrupted by protestors and one week later Williams led another march – this time with 35,000 strong! Not only did she make a difference with her determined actions, she also created critical mass by influencing thousands of people to take action.
Williams’ actions demonstrated that anyone can create critical mass and make a difference. Creating critical mass means reaching a sufficient number of people (usually three percent) to create awareness or start new initiatives and new causes. This may mean impacting three percent of the people in your organization, community, or the world to make a difference!
Why Create Ripples
Without someone taking action to create critical mass, many historic goals, including those of iconic organizations, may not have been accomplished. In his book, The 8th Habit, Stephen Covey states, “Most of the great cultural shifts—ones that have built great organizations that sustain long-term growth, prosperity, and contribution to the world—started with the choice of one person.” History shows that the choice of one person has also resulted in great communities and great nations. The U.S. Constitution would not have been possible without the vision and actions of those who created critical mass and produced lasting ripples.
If you believe it takes a larger-than-life leader, like those who founded the U.S. Constitution, to create critical mass, you may want to reconsider. The reality is that everyone is a leader and every individual is capable of creating a ripple effect. In fact, John Quincy Adams once said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.”
Through Rapport’s intensive trainings, graduates learn to dream more and become more. Graduates therefore become passionate about inspiring others to do the same. By forming recharge groups across the country to “keep it alive,” graduates become a resource for others to take their leadership skills to the next level. Their actions help create critical mass by touching three percent and helping to fulfill the vision of having a Rapport graduate within the circle of influence of every person on earth.
Changing Behaviors
It is important to be passionate about your purpose for creating critical mass. However, passion is not the only ingredient for driving your vision. In the August edition of the “Rapport Connection,” you learned the significance of getting others to share in your vision in order to bring it to reality. This idea was expressed in Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s statement, “If you want to build a ship, don't drum up people to collect wood and don't assign them tasks and work; rather, teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea.”
Through this month’s process you will learn another important aspect of creating critical mass: identifying key behaviors that require change while simultaneously engaging others in those behaviors to create new, better outcomes. For the world to change, individuals must change. For the world to be better, all people must learn, grow, and improve how they lead their lives. It is also about creating an environment where the new behaviors will thrive and spread to others who are impacted by the results.
Important Takeaways
This holiday season is the perfect time to start creating ripples by asking yourself what it is you are passionate about. If this seems difficult, consider Betty Williams and countless others who have created critical mass by recognizing that the smallest action makes a difference.
Ask yourself questions like, “What can I do to be more influential?” “What will I do to take a stand for the causes I’m passionate about?” When answering these questions, think of all the people waiting for someone to lead them on a worthy mission. Who you are makes a difference. Allow your voice to be heard; lead – the world will follow!
Take the critical mass challenge this holiday season. Tell us about it by contacting your Leadership Training Advisor at MyLTA@RapportLeadership.com or (800) 989-0715. Remember, each action makes a difference and creates a ripple effect.
