I read a book that detailed how the French Revolution took shape. In it, I found the answer to how small businesses/newbies can sling the Goliaths.
The pace of changes is so rapid that they model revolution more than evolution. It is a myth that change starts from the top. A monarch never stands out of his palace holding a placard - We need democracy. We need a revolutionary for that change. So, if you have to disrupt any business or fundamentally change your existing one, here's a recipe:
Have a point of view: All revolutions start with having a point of view that is fundamentally different from the existing norms. It should address a core problem that either has been ignored for a long or is being applied me-too solutions.
Build a coalition: A revolution without a formidable team ends up being a storm in a cup. Find like-minded people who believe in the cause and are fundamentally dissatisfied with the status quo.
Have a plan and execute it in stealth mode: The team needs the plan to work. However, there is no guarantee that it will work. A failed attempt at a coup alerts the establishment, and it uses all its might to crush the revolution. Therefore, test your plan on a small scale and remain under the radar.
Negotiate with the Stakeholders: After you have a working plan, demonstrate its utility to an influential stakeholder at an opportune moment. Negotiate for more resources. The underground network that you have built till this time becomes handy now. The top leader is always looking out for solutions. You can bypass the bureaucratic middle management and reach the top with the result of your successful experiment backing you.
Build momentum: Many revolutions fail after the euphoria of early success dies. Therefore, continually motivate the team, build networks, and up your ante. Be relentless in the pursuit of your vision.
Evaluate and adjust: Revolutions fail because, like the establishments they challenge, they too become procedural. Therefore, it is critical to evaluate plans, and tactics and calibrate them to the ever-changing environment.
Non-linear strategies are the need of the hour. Only revolutionaries can help an organization create and execute them. Be that revolutionary. The risks are high. But are there really any secure jobs around?
Subodh Gadgil Feb 13, 2023
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