How To Make Big Changes When You're Not In Charge
"I'm not the CEO. My boss doesn't get it. What can I actually do?" Perfect question. Today we tackle the hardest position - leading change when you have zero formal authority. If you've ever felt frustrated watching problems you could fix if someone would just listen, this is for you.
Your Front-Line Advantages:
🎯 You see real problems (not the PowerPoint version)
🔍 You know what actually works (versus corporate theater)
💪 You have credibility with people doing the work
⚡ Your 15% solution - the sphere you can control right now
*15% Solutions - Liberating Structure developed by Henri Lipmanowicz and Keith McCandless. Inspired by professor Gareth Morgan: https://www.liberatingstructures.com/7-15-solutions/
The 8-Week Battle Plan:
- Week 1: Map your real influence and find allies
- Week 2: Start your first micro-experiment
- Week 3: Make success visible to colleagues
- Week 4: Partner with someone curious
- Weeks 5-8: Let it spread organically
Key Strategies:
Start ridiculously small (one shared list changed everything) Find productive disruption techniques Make your manager your ally through results Use strategic passive resistance wisely Stay humble about success to avoid backlash