“CHANGE WILL NOT COME IF WE WAIT FOR SOME OTHER PERSON OR SOME OTHER TIME. WE ARE THE ONES WE’VE BEEN WAITING FOR. WE ARE THE CHANGE THAT WE SEEK.”
Barack Obama
Change is a frequent topic of discussion as people hope for something better in the year ahead. We hope that something will happen to improve our economy, to improve our health, and to create unity.
This hope is often placed in government, or leaders, or others in our neighborhoods or families. The reality is that any change we seek needs to begin with ourselves. Yes, those other entities or people have a role to play, but we must also own our part.
If you want a society that is more just, we ourselves must strive to act justly and fairly. If we want to end racism, we must learn about the ways in which we demonstrate privilege and bias, even when unintentional, and eliminate those actions. If we want unity we must speak respectfully and listen to opposing views.
Historically, our best and most important changes have not come because of institutions, but rather because an individual decided to make a difference and change things right where they were. Rosa Parks made a difference and brought about change by not relinquishing her seat, Harriet Tubman made a difference by helping slaves to freedom, and there are many others who have created the change they have sought.
The great news is that each of us has the power to change ourselves, and influence others around us. As a leader, do not wait for others to create change on behalf of yourself and your organization. Instead, begin now to make your organization, community and country better by living out the change you seek and need.