I was inspired again by Seth Godin this week as I read his book Tribes. First published in 2008, I was struck by how important this book is 15 years later. The premise of the book is that all of us have a responsibility to lead the change we want to see in the world rather than waiting for others to lead us. This is extremely relevant in a post covid and climate change aware world where individuals have the ability to start a movement they feel passionate about from their own homes.

This article explores the ideas presented in the book and how self-coaching can support all of us to take purpose-led action at a time when it is so badly needed.

Perfect Timing

The ideas in Godin's book are closely linked to the concept of self-coaching. Self-coaching involves taking control of your own development and growth, rather than relying on outside sources such as a mentor or coach. It involves setting goals, identifying areas for improvement, and taking action to achieve those goals.

Just as anyone can be a leader and create a tribe, anyone can also be their own coach and take control of their personal and professional development. By understanding the principles outlined in "Tribes," individuals can empower themselves to create a community or tribe of like-minded individuals who can support and encourage each other in their journey towards self-improvement.

Since the pandemic, two ways of working have emerged. We all now have a choice. We can work for an organisation that provides us with security and rules to follow or we can work for ourselves and make up the rules as we go along.

Those that work for themselves are demonstrating self-leadership and have chosen their career path that usually is aligned to their previous experience or purpose in life. They have the opportunity to create followers in the form of customers, partners and other stakeholders who are interested in what they are doing. Over time these followers become part of a tribe that feels a sense of belonging and connection with the leader.

Those that work for an organisation have the opportunity to reconnect to their own purpose in life and then create a movement within the organisation that helps to bring their purpose to life across the organisation.

In either case it is useful to note Godin's principles in how to start what he calls a micromovement which can then gather pace to become something bigger. Let's explore his ideas first and then apply them to situations we may find ourselves in.

How to Create a Micromovement

Seth Godin describes the concept of a "micromovement" as a small, grassroots effort that brings people together around a shared idea or goal. The key elements of creating a micromovement include:

1. Publish a manifesto, a motto or a mantra that is easy to understand and share with others
2. Identifying a specific group of people who share a common interest or passion.
3. Identify a leader or group of leaders who can articulate the shared idea or goal and inspire others to join in.
4. Creating a platform or community where the tribe can gather, share ideas, and take action.
5. Developing a shared identity and sense of purpose for the tribe.
6. Encouraging members to take small, consistent actions that contribute to the movement's success.
7. Building momentum and creating a sense of momentum through consistent communication and action.
8. Creating opportunities for members to connect with each other and build relationships.
9. Empowering members to take ownership of the movement and make decisions that affect its direction.
10. Be transparent at all times. Your followers are not stupid
11. Your movement needs to be bigger than you
12. Movements that grow, thrive over time.
13. Movements are made most clear when compared to the status quo or movements in the opposite direction
14. Exclude Outsiders
15. Realise that money is not the point of a movement
16. Track your progress in terms of momentum, energy and the number and quality of tribe members

Movement within an Organisation