If you frequented TikTok, YouTube or a favorite cable news channel this summer, you likely tripped over the US Republican National Convention. This week, many of us are scanning the Democratic National Convention (DNC) highlights in Chicago.
These mega-events share one thing in common: they provide a masterclass in fueling movements.
That’s why these conventions matter to every growth leader and entrepreneur.
Absent any clear vision or dedicated, passionate community, your business will feel like a series of dopamine-driven moments.
First, let’s define how moments and movements differ. Then we will look at some practical ways you can fuel positive, longer-term impact.
At a high level, consider these key differences between moments and movements:
- Organization: moments can be fleeting. Movements require a vision, planning, structure and accountability.
- Duration: moments can appear as a TikTok viral video. Movements require sustained attention—possibly decades. The American Nurse Association’s “Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation Challenge” just celebrated five years, and is just getting started.
- Scope: moments may affect individuals or small groups. Movements appeal to large audiences and societies.
- Impact: moments may make memories. Movements drive lasting change. Mental health awareness, climate action, and sustainable fashion movements provide solid examples of persistent action.
“Moments” offer a singular (and hopefully memorable) experience. This summer, we witnessed several moments. Three I will remember include the Paris Olympics, Starbucks’ new turnaround CEO move (details here), and regular OpenAI executive revolving door news.
Moments can represent the denouement to a series of challenges or opportunities. Others feel drastic, often cleanup efforts stemming from a series of poor decisions.
Movements require a patient leader who’s willing to set a new vision—and stick with it. One of my favorite examples highlights Hubert Joly, former CEO of Best Buy.
He stepped into a company headed for bankruptcy. He started a movement that led to one of the most successful turnarounds of our time. The Heart of Business outlines his philosophy. By putting people and purpose at the center of this movement, he sparked innovation, saved jobs and avoided massive store closings.
Moments can either be a dopamine hit, or an experience that supports and advances a movement. Democratic presidential nominee, Kamala Harris, has a lot riding on her acceptance speech this Thursday. She will either create a moment or spark a movement. Time will tell.
Regardless of your political proclivities, you can learn from former president Barack Obama’s endorsement speech last evening. Ever the consummate storyteller, he has emerged as the Democrat’s beacon of hope, inclusion and preserving the American dream.
I am hopeful that generative AI will give us more free time to imagine a better future and spark movements. We need time to design the life we truly want. Time to write our next book proposal and unleash our big idea. Time to welcome boredom into our week—where innovation and joy can emerge.
Pablo Picasso once said “without great solitude, no serious work is possible.” I love that aphorism. I’ll go one step further… Without a clear vision, no serious movement is possible.
It might just be your time to start a movement. Who will you add to your campaign staff?
P.S. Speaking of moments—I just returned from a swim race on Lake George, NY. On my way home, I stopped by a bucolic New York town to see my fellow 100 Coaches friend and author, Sally Helgesen. She catalyzed a women’s leadership movement 35 years ago with her bestselling book, The Female Advantage.
Watch our recent livestream here.
Lisa Nirell and Sally Helgesen
Hug and recognize your friends who are willing to lead life-changing, uplifting movements. I sure do!
Copyright 2024, Lisa Nirell. All rights reserved.
Generative AI was never used for this edition. It was fully written by me—a human.
Lisa
P.S. Here are other resources and events for you…
- September 19, Washington DC – “The Team Transformation Scorecard.” Private member cohort hosted by AARP. Message me for details and application.
- October 17-20, Santa Fe NM: Navigate midlife transitions and company “innovation stagnation” with greater calm and clarity. Chip Conley is co-leading our CMOs Leading Innovation Conference (CLIC ’24) retreat. Get details and register here. We gather at the 2,500-acre MEA ranch.
- Did you miss our “Fight Fake News, Protect Your Brand” livestream? Watch the show here (37 minutes). Listen on Apple Podcasts here.