Be Inspired to Invoke Change in the World from Past Successful Leaders

What does it take to invoke long-lasting change? Inspired by Martin Luther King Jr. and how he brought about change in the world, I pondered this question. So often at work when we are trying to implement something new, we feel like we are pushing a boulder uphill and not making any progress. It helps to get a little perspective and learn from others who were successful.

On this day, when we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr., I look to him and other leaders to give me hope that things can change. You and I may not be working on a global movement but there are projects that we are passionate about but often feel like they are unattainable for us. Here are 10 characteristics that we can adopt from MLK Jr. to invoke the change that we would like to see at work and in the world as a whole.

1. A clear vision

It is important to have a clear idea of what you want to change and how you want to change it but this is easier said than done. Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision was for a world where all people were treated equally, regardless of their race. He believed in the power of nonviolence and civil disobedience as a means of bringing about change and ending segregation and discrimination. He also advocated for economic and social justice for marginalized communities. His ultimate goal was to create a society where all people could live together in harmony and mutual respect.

2. A plan of action

A clear vision is great but how are you going to put it into action? A plan that outlines the steps you need to take to bring about change is crucial. Martin Luther King Jr. had a number of tactics that he employed in his efforts to bring about change. Some of these included:

• Civil disobedience: King believed in the power of peaceful protests and acts of civil disobedience to challenge laws and policies that were unjust.
• Nonviolent resistance: He emphasized the importance of nonviolence as a means of resistance, believing that it was a more effective way to bring about change than violence.
• Organizing and leading mass movements: King was instrumental in organizing and leading mass movements such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.
• Giving speeches and writing articles: Being a powerful orator, he used his speaking and writing skills to inspire and motivate others to join his cause.
• Lobbying and negotiating: he worked with lawmakers and government officials to advocate for change and negotiate for the rights of marginalized communities.
• Educating the public: King believed in the importance of educating the public about the issues facing marginalized communities and the importance of civil rights.
• Collaborating with other civil rights leaders: he also worked closely with other civil rights leaders such as Rosa Parks and Thurgood Marshall to bring about change.

3. Persistence and determination

Change is difficult and remaining persistent is key to seeing it through. A few ways that King was persistent were:

• Continuously advocating for change: he did not give up in his efforts to bring about change, even in the face of resistance and setbacks. He consistently spoke out against segregation and discrimination and worked to bring about change through his actions and words.
• Refusing to back down: Even when faced with intimidation and violence, King refused to back down and remained committed to his beliefs and goals.
• Persisting in the face of personal setbacks: he faced a number of personal setbacks, including threats, arrests, and even physical violence, but he never let these obstacles deter him from his mission.
• Continuing to inspire and motivate others: King's persistence and determination inspired and motivated others to join his cause and work toward change.

Fighting for change, whether on a world stage, at work, or even with a disrespectful neighbor, persistence will pay off. You may experience setbacks or have to try different tactics to accomplish your goal but being determined to find a positive outcome, in the end, will be worth it.

4. Support

Change is often easier to achieve when you have the support of others, whether that be from friends, family, or like-minded individuals. And King relied on his support system to help him. Some of his support systems included:

• His family: his wife, Coretta Scott King, was a strong supporter and partner in his efforts to bring about change. His parents, siblings, and children also stood by him and supported his work.
• The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC): King co-founded the SCLC and received support from the organization and its members in his efforts to bring about change.
• Religious communities: he received support from religious communities, including churches and faith-based organizations, who believed in his message and mission.
• Civil rights organizations: he also received support from various civil rights organizations such as the NAACP and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC).
• The media: The media played a crucial role in bringing attention to King's message and the civil rights movement, and many journalists and media outlets supported his efforts.
• The general public: members of the general public who believed in his message and mission and supported his efforts to bring about change.

Martin Luther King Jr. inspired so many people while he was alive and since his death. However, he didn’t do it alone. True leaders have a vast support system and while it can sometimes be lonely at the top, it doesn’t mean you are doing it alone. When thinking about the greatest leaders of our time, none of them did it alone and you shouldn’t either.

5. Courage

It takes courage to stand up for what you believe in and to fight for change and Martin Luther King Jr. had more courage than most.

6. Resourcefulness

Finding creative and innovative ways to bring about change can be key. Thinking outside the box is a phrase that is often used but King was creative in leveraging what was available. He was an amazing speaker and writer which helped get his points across clearly. In addition, the media isn’t what it is today and he knew it could help get his message out by doing interviews and reaching as many people as he could.?

7. Flexibility

It is important to be open to adapting and changing your approach as needed. King adapted to change. Vision, planning, and resourcefulness are great but not everything always goes as planned. Even though he held his ground on the vision he had, he adapted to ensure the message resonated.?

8. Collaboration

Working with others who share your goal can be incredibly powerful in bringing about change. I’ve already mentioned many of the collaboration individuals and organizations that King worked with to reach a larger audience. Collaboration is often mentioned as a key trait that leaders need to have in today’s world. It’s true that it is key but it also has to be fully embraced. No one person can do everything by themselves. Reach out and get different perspectives and insights from others, in the end, it will be even more amazing than you could have dreamed.

9. Communication

Clearly communicating your message and vision is essential in convincing others to join your cause. If we all can be 10% as amazing at speaking and writing as King, we can consider ourselves successful.

10. Patience

Change often takes time, and it is important to be patient and persistent in your efforts. Patience is a virtue that not many people have and lots could use more of, including me.?

Hopefully, some insight into the characteristics and tactics that Martin Luther King Jr. leveraged will inspire you with the change you are trying to bring about. Whether personal, business, or philanthropic, change is hard but obtainable. Be inspired by the leaders who came before you and invoke positive change in all that you do.

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Rhonda Giedt is a marketing executive focused on solving challenges to spur revenue growth in companies. She has experience with marketing companies in SaaS, manufacturing, and 3D printing. She is also an avid sports fan of college football, golf, premier league football, and many others.

She is also an Envoy Core Group Leader for Pavilion, start-up advisor, and mentor to marketing and business professionals.