Obstacle 4: Leadership Vacuums
Meet Brianna
Brianna works at a service job where employees are treated poorly. Long hours, inadequate breaks, and unrealistic expectations are the norm. Brianna feels frustration bubbling within her, and she can see it mirrored in the faces of her colleagues. Yet, a collective silence hangs over the workplace, as if everyone is waiting for someone else to take the lead in addressing the issues.
Brianna knows that change will only come if employees unite and voice their concerns. However, fear held her back. She worried about the consequences of being labeled a troublemaker or losing her job in an already challenging job market. She knew she couldn’t be that leader herself, at least not yet.
Despite her reservations, Brianna held onto the collective hope that someone would eventually step forward. She believed change was possible. But it would require the courage of one person to break the silence and inspire others to join in the fight for better working conditions…
Solution
Take Cautious, Collective Action
Many people find themselves in situations like Brianna’s. They know they are being mistreated. But they lack experience in activism, and fear the consequences of speaking out.
As a result, they succumb to the bystander effect, in which everyone hopes someone else will intervene. But no one does, and so the mistreatment continues unabated.
Movements Do Not Need a Singular “Leader”
Unless you are wealthy, powerful, and/or unethical, you will not change conditions by yourself. You must work with others. You must have strength in numbers.
A charismatic leader certainly helps. But it’s not necessary. In fact, there are advantages to movements without a singular “leader.”
Leaderless movements are often more democratic, more resilient, and more difficult for the opposition to isolate or punish.
Step One: Lay the Groundwork
Document Everything
The lengthier the list of evidence, the stronger your position. Describe behaviors in detail and go as far back as possible.
Seek Expertise
Research, expert testimony, and legal advice can strengthen your position and clarify your rights.
Build Informal Connections
Casual gatherings and private online spaces can help coworkers discuss concerns safely and honestly.
Step Two: Act Collectively
Grow
Identify others who may sympathize with your concerns. More people means more leverage.
Act as One
Decide collectively how concerns will be expressed, and communicate carefully on behalf of the group.
Use Anonymous Actions
Anonymous surveys, whistleblower systems, and unsigned letters can reduce fear of retaliation.
Plan for Scenarios
Predict the most likely responses from leadership and prepare strategies for each possibility.
Did You Know?
Social justice movements have at least 225 different tactics they can use to apply pressure and fight for justice.
Learn more about each of them in the free guide linked above!
“Power rarely yields voluntarily. Collective action is how ordinary people force change.”