Please watch this video and then read the following comments.
These comments are from our friend Don Riker:
I appreciate the simplicity of the illustration and the wisdom of considering what happened from a leadership perspective. In working this out, however, I see a long-term challenge that is beyond the scope of the clip. A growing crowd is irrelevant if they are not eventually touched and motivated at a deeper level. While I agree that the first follower is critical, the leader must step up and disciple others or the crowd will quickly fade away. That’s what makes working out ConneXions principles over time so critical – and takes much more wisdom, effort, and grace than drawing a crowd.
If we accept George Barna’s definition of transformation (“Any significant and lasting transition in your life wherein you switch from one substantial perspective or practice to something wholly different that genuinely alters you at a basic level.”), then the real test is what happens when the “first follower” and others return home. The degree to which they engage in the same “cause” is the real test of whether a movement is developing.
Modern church history is filled with moments like the ones in the clip. But what we thought at the time were the beginnings of movements were merely a fun exercise in group dynamics. I pray God empowers us to labor together in such a way that the cause of leader development will truly grow an enduring movement.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Don has highlighted what is for me the critical difference between a swarm and a crowd. Getting to the first follower is the mark of any movement of people – but movements can be crowds (groups of people who gather to share–for example, crowds on Flickr who gather photos), mobs (groups of people who gather for a one-time event), networks (groups of people who gather for professional benefit) or swarms (groups who gather for a specific purpose). The kind and quality of vision as well as the working out of values, norms, and behaviors in community and an openness to improvement and sharing over time will in large part determine whether a movement is a crowd/mob or a network/swarm.
I enjoyed this clip! People catch passion. They catch something seen in action. That first fellow was obviously passionate. He was into it. He spoke several things by his actions. (1) He did what he felt. There was action to the passion. (2) He didn’t care what others thought. (3) He had fun doing it. (4) He didn’t think it abnormal that others came alongside and did the same thing. (5) He didn’t mind their dance wasn’t exactly like his. (6) He didn’t tell them to stop.
This is great. Those who follow best will lead best. In all of our learning to lead let us learn to follow well. So said Paul, “Follow me as I follow Christ.” That is how to lead.