A Field Manual for Tempered Radicalism

(Undercover Change-Making: A Manual for the Office Rebel)

Ever felt like a secret agent in your own office, trying to make things better without blowing your cover? Welcome to the world of tempered radicalism! This concept, introduced by Debra Meyerson and Maureen Scully in the 1990s, is all about being a change-maker while keeping your day job (‘Radical Change, the Quiet Way’ ).

These ‘tempered radicals’ balance their loyalty to the organisation with their desire to implement positive change, often working subtly and strategically to avoid the resistance that more overt change efforts might encounter.

Why Go Undercover with Your Change Efforts?

• Stealth Mode: By keeping your change efforts under the radar, you can avoid the drama and bureaucracy that often accompany big, formal projects. No need for a grand announcement – just a quiet revolution.
• Flexibility: Small, incremental changes can be adjusted on the fly. If something doesn’t work, you can tweak it without needing a committee meeting.
• Sustainability: Gradual, discreet change is less likely to provoke resistance and is more likely to stick in the long term.
• Empowerment: When everyone feels like they can contribute to change, you create a more dynamic and inclusive workplace.

Big, formal change projects can be like trying to turn a cruise ship – slow, cumbersome, and prone to hitting icebergs. They often get bogged down by politics and resistance, moving one step forward and two steps back.

Ready to Get Started? Here’s How:

1. Self-Reflection

Take time to reflect on your motives, values, and ethics. How do these align with or differ from those of your organisation? This self-awareness will guide your actions, pre-empt potential sticking points, and help you stay true to your principles.

2. Authenticity

Build trust and credibility by being authentic in your interactions. As Gandhi said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” Your authenticity will inspire others and create a foundation for meaningful relationships and alliances.

3. Building Alliances

Find your fellow rebels. Look for colleagues who share your passion for positive change – those who take ownership and actively work to improve things. Forming a network of like-minded individuals can amplify your impact and provide essential support.

4. Persistence and Resilience

Change is tough. Positive impact often takes time and requires persistence, especially when working in a tempered radical mode. Stay resilient in the face of setbacks and continue to champion your vision.

5. Strategic Action

Small, incremental changes can accumulate to create significant transformation over time. One of my favourite thinkers – Nassim Taleb – talks about how seemingly minor actions can lead to widespread change (see the “Dictatorship of the Small Minority” articles and book). By focusing on small but consistent efforts, you can gradually shift the culture.

Taking It to the Next Level: Forming a Network of Tempered Co-Radicals

Working in isolation can be challenging and limiting. By forming a network of like-minded tempered co-radicals, you’ll know you’re not alone in your quest, and you’ll be able to leverage the collective power of the group when you need it. Here’s how to build your network:

1. Identify Allies

Look for individuals who share your values and vision for change. These could be colleagues, mentors, and members of other departments. Again, you’ll spot them because they’re the ones who take ownership and actually work at making things better.

2. Build Trust

Foster trust within your network by being open, honest, and supportive. Trust is the foundation of any successful collaboration.

3. Collaborate Strategically

Set up regular catch-ups with your group, not just to work on specific projects but to discuss challenges, share ideas, and offer suggestions. Peer groups and action-learning models work well here, allowing you to share knowledge, resources, and support to enhance your collective impact.

4. Celebrate Successes

Recognise and celebrate small victories along the way. This will keep morale high and reinforce the value of your efforts. But be discreet – while it’s good to air successes and seek appropriate credit, be careful not to make it sound like you’ve been running an off-the-books change program, or you risk being absorbed into the official machinery.

The Power of Tempered Radicalism

Tempered radicalism isn’t about being sneaky or undermining your organisation. Quite the opposite. It’s about working with integrity, being impactful, and focusing on real-world positive outcomes, even when the organisation itself becomes an inadvertent barrier to change. By embracing tempered radicalism, you can help create a more dynamic, inclusive, and effective environment for change.

Remember, small actions can lead to big transformations over time. And it’s infectious – the more you enact the change you want to see, the more you’ll see it. Stay committed, stay authentic, and keep being radical (in a tempered way)!