Leadership Lessons from Dancing Guy
2010-02-11
(UPDATE: I gave this short 3-minute talk at the TED Conference yesterday and got a standing ovation!)
Transcript:
If you've learned a lot about leadership and making a movement, then let's watch a movement happen, start to finish, in under 3 minutes, and dissect some lessons:
A leader needs the guts to stand alone and look ridiculous. But what he's doing is so simple, it's almost instructional. This is key. You must be easy to follow!
Now comes the first follower with a crucial role: he publicly shows everyone how to follow. Notice the leader embraces him as an equal, so it's not about the leader anymore - it's about them, plural. Notice he's calling to his friends to join in. It takes guts to be a first follower! You stand out and brave ridicule, yourself. Being a first follower is an under-appreciated form of leadership. The first follower transforms a lone nut into a leader. If the leader is the flint, the first follower is the spark that makes the fire.
The 2nd follower is a turning point: it's proof the first has done well. Now it's not a lone nut, and it's not two nuts. Three is a crowd and a crowd is news.
A movement must be public. Make sure outsiders see more than just the leader. Everyone needs to see the followers, because new followers emulate followers - not the leader.
Now here come 2 more, then 3 more. Now we've got momentum. This is the tipping point! Now we've got a movement!
As more people jump in, it's no longer risky. If they were on the fence before, there's no reason not to join now. They won't be ridiculed, they won't stand out, and they will be part of the in-crowd, if they hurry. Over the next minute you'll see the rest who prefer to be part of the crowd, because eventually they'd be ridiculed for not joining.
And ladies and gentlemen that is how a movement is made! Let's recap what we learned:
If you are a version of the shirtless dancing guy, all alone, remember the importance of nurturing your first few followers as equals, making everything clearly about the movement, not you.
Be public. Be easy to follow!
But the biggest lesson here - did you catch it?
Leadership is over-glorified.
Yes it started with the shirtless guy, and he'll get all the credit, but you saw what really happened:
It was the first follower that transformed a lone nut into a leader.
There is no movement without the first follower.
We're told we all need to be leaders, but that would be really ineffective.
The best way to make a movement, if you really care, is to courageously follow and show others how to follow.
When you find a lone nut doing something great, have the guts to be the first person to stand up and join in.
This is a really inspiring video Derek. So many people ask "how'd that guy/girl ever make it?" about rock stars, actors, poets, politicians - you name it. As your video so eloquently demonstrates, the answer is simple: Because they had balls. Talent or not, that's all it takes most of the time.
how Palin becomes president
But seriously, it does take guts. Which should be a lesson to all those very talented people out there who don't take chances and wonder why less talented people make it. If you go for it, you deserve it. If you don't, you don't.
Right on, "The First Follower: Linchpin to Creative Leadership"
This is one of the most inspiring (and inspired) moments I have ever seen. Thank you, Derek...
Great Vid!Thanks Derek!
bit sad when you think about it!
Saw this video a while ago. Very cool to use it as an instructional video for leadership. Derek, what happened to the box in your thinking?
love peace happiness~
Louis
Acute observations--whether team/co building or crossing the proverbial chasm.
yes, let's all be followers and copy someone else!
this is the first one that's really, REALLY resonated with me.
For niche musicians, it not only shows the importance of sticking to your ridiculous niche-guns, but it shows how important it is to show appreciation for fans (first followers) when you're just starting out.
So which are/were you...? leader or follower?
rada
This line says it all:'The best way to create a movement, is to courageously follow and show others how to follow.' Similar to teaching someone how to fish: a great way to pass the torch.
This is the simply the best thing I've seen all week, and that is saying something.
Rockin'!! What was the Nike commercial? Ahhh...Just Do It!
Amazing! Thanks, Derek!
Saw the video before but no less awesome the second time around. Perhaps, Derek, you should go back and give praise to your first musician friend who asked you if you would put up his music for sale on CD Baby when you founded it. Maybe that didn't take balls on his part but I'll bet you were felling kind of alone until that moment when enough of your friends signed on to create that tipping point.
AHA! That is what I have failed to do; nurture my first followers!
Thanks Derek.
Justin
Awesome...how simple human nature can be.
just love this ! nice one derek
Great and innovative advice Derek!
This is the first time the argument has been put so succinctly.
"The best way to make a movement, if you really care, is to courageously follow and show others how to follow."
I think we all secretly want to be the leader and control everything. However, there is a lot to be said about the fearless follower. That is authenticity. They are not following the crowd. They see something they like and jump in with both feet.
The world needs more fearless followers.
This is great. Did you not show this earlier? Or was that Music Business Radio? or was it CD baby DIY podcast? I don't know anymore. You're all helping me out TONS but you're all brothers and it all bleeds into one for me. It's great for me though. Thanks for trying to share any info you can get your hands on! It's so much appreciated!!!!!!
You are a friend in need!
Wow! I still remember the first lady that bought my first CD. She was a librarian from Conn. I was a grad student and had been asked to speak with one of my professors at a convention in Birmingham. Even though it was not all that appropriate--I carried about six CDs in my right pocket and five dollar bills in my left--brought a cd boombox and asked if I could play my cd while folks were getting seated for our talk. (on radical change)
Afterwards, several folks came up to buy my professor's books and my cds. The first lady took off the wrapper and asked me to sign it.
"But I'm not famous," I said and she said, "oh, but you will be. "
Now how is that for a first follower? I may never be famous--but that lady gave me confidence that someone else truly liked my music and thought I should stick with it. And I have--and every cd gets better and better.
Great take on the video. I interpreted this video very similar to you:
http://www.tawheedkader.com/2009/07/what-it-feels-like-to-be-an-entrepreneur/
In in this case, the Japanese corporate saying,"The nail that stands up, is hammered down."does not apply. Thank you Derek! This was one of the most lifting, inspirational messages that I've heard or have observed in some time.It put a smile on my face!
Right on the money, great narrative & use of the footage. How true!
This is simply brilliant!
First, it's observational: Really important things already happen naturally. We just have to notice.
Second, it's organic. It's not artificial.
Third, It's duplicatable: The line,"New followers emulate the follower not the leader"helps us focus on the few knowing they will give birth to the many.
Thanks for this.
Derek you are F@#%ING BRILLIANT. I'm standing up and always will for you.
awesome!!
Why would I follow someone who is doing something ridiculous?
Why would I want to create a movement?
I think motive may be more important than "how to".
I've seen this video before and it is really inspiring and thought provoking, as with everything that comes from the great Derek!
Didn't you post this one before?
Will comment more later.
I found this fascinating. But what about leaders who are too wacko, i.e. pathological, or evil? I suppose if the social timing is right, even they can find followers.
That's exactly how songnet works, & I'm often the dancin' fool:
http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/ci_14335322
But it seems to work.
Jimi
TheSongNet.org
This one really made me think. Thanks!
Great job Derek. I'm also giving you a standing ovation.
Great stuff, Derek. Thanks for breaking it down. Been following you since I saw your TED talk.
Wow how cool was that! Critical Mass began with 5 people!!!
Good stuff makes me think that so much is possible with one or two likeminded folks to get something great going!
Yeah Derek...one of my favorite inspirational videos.
Great point about the power of first followers and the leader's treatment of them as equals.
Sounds like the beginning of a great street team.
That video is really getting around!
Thanks for another thought provoking post.
A presto,
E.
I love that both sides of your brain are involved in your observations. When I went on CD Baby, I didn't personally know anyone else who had. Now nearly all my musician friends who publish are on there too.
That was awesome Derek! Being first is not always easy, and sometimes it's painful, but ultimately, it makes all the difference.
Great illustration Derek
Reff:
http://scripturetext.com/matthew/5-16.htm
derek! this is a fantastic video - i love it! i typically don't watch videos but you kept me engaged the entire time.
the post is very insightful and a fantastic lesson... I never realized the tremendous role the brave follower plays.
ps - you have a wonderful video voice
this was awesome! i actually found it MOVING!
Of the first three participants, it seems to me that it's the third who is the most pivotal, the one who makes it a group event. And it's interesting to me that being a little more annonymous correlates with being a little more powerful. In a way, the most annonymous people, the general crowd, actually contribute the most to this being a movement rather than several guys dancing. For me, there are at least three lessons here: One, if you want to dance shirtless in a crowd, do it because of that, not because your intention is to start a following. Doing what you sincerely feel is right in that moment is the only way it works, and it's the only way to honor any followers that turn up - who wants to follow someone who's just trying to create a following? Second, be careful to choose your lone nuts wisely. Don't think your actions and choices don't influence the world around you. I don't think that second guy thought "I'll be the one to step up and support this dude in crazy dancing," and the third guy didn't think "hey, I'll be the one to make it a movement" they just thought "that looks like fun". Everything we do has a ripple effect. And third, don't equate visibility and acknowledgment with the actual power of your actions. Those annonymous people in the crowd are actually the movement itself, each one of them.
This was a really interesting piece, thanks Derek. You always give me such good things to think about.
Thanks Derek...makes me think of my guitar player. I'll have to forward this.
The funny part... are those who never joined. They were the ones bad mouthing and shooting down the lone guy for being a Loone. "I would never do that!..."
GOOD STUFF DEREK!
Fantastic points Derek. I couldn't agree more! We've seen it again and again. Ebay was not the first on-line auction site, but they revolutionized the space. Facebook was not the first online social networking site, but they left Friendster and MySpace in the dust. Being first takes courage and vision, but being an early follower can be just as important.
Amazing! Nurture your first few followers, it's not about you, and have the courage!
Thumbs up!
I used to have a lot of friends dropping by my house so one day a
friend of mine and I decided to sail to Hawaii. We located numerous rotating fans, a large quilt for the boat, food and music.
We were on our way. As different other friends came by to visit ..when we told them were we
were going they all wanted to join us. Pretty soon we had our boat over running and We had to add another boat. That afternoon was one of the most fun I have ever had.
I think you really hit on something -- the first follower is more important than the leader. A movement, company or group can all be followers, but they can only be as successful as that first follower because he sets the precedent.
Brilliantly done!
I loved this vid when it came out last summer..
excellent!!
I was the follower and the leader. I wrote this poem because I was inspired by the actions of another.
A million Closets
By Rich Baumann
Silent music
Trapped in a million closets
Waiting to be played
Instruments alone
Waiting…
Waiting for hands to touch
Waiting for hearts to warm
Longing hands
Waiting
Things lost
Music silenced
Silent music
Trapped in a million souls
Waiting to touch
Lonely Hands
Waiting to touch
Sore Hearts
Lonely Hands
Wanting most
To share in the healing Music
Within one week I was given five thousand dollars worth of musical instruments to give away in New Orleans.
The million Closets Project has now given away over twenty nine thousand dollars worth of instruments.
We will never be fully satisfied with what we get, until we are satisfied with what we give!
I fucking LOVE the beautiful simplicity and rightness of this post. We are in Canada, being handed a load of shit by our government, and we have seen this dynamic played out -- ending in a surprise for many: positive and motivated community in action. What we started with is about 225,000 "first followers" who joined a Facebook group called Canadians Against Proroguing Parliament, started by Chris White. I get it now!
I am re-posting this.
Thanks a bunch --
LJ
The young man was having fun, and to hell with what people thought. Point taken for leadership though! Being a leader takes huge balls these days.
Great video. I've been using that video with my clients for a while, and they all love it! I really like your deconstruction of it too.
Great first comment Toggo!
I don’t suppose anyone else out there found this a frightening or disturbing as I did. I am not necessarily a leader but neither am I a follower. Followers scare the daylights out of me. Sorry.
An additional thought: we're all all of these things at different times and in different areas of our lives. I've certainly been the instigator, the co-conspirator, the first person to make it a group, and part of the crowd. All of them are valuable and appropriate to different situations.
I love this line "We're told we all need to be leaders, but that would be really ineffective." Yes!
Inspirational? Yes. Funny? For sure. Leader? Only by the strictest definition.
awesome, Derek! just great!
So my soundcard is broken, going in the shop today.
I watched this without sound and wondered where this was happening, what song, if any, he was dancing to? Was he at a concert? Or were they all just dancing without music?
I wanted to go back and count how many men had to do the stupid dance before women joined them.
Simple. Great!
Illustrative of this aspect of human nature. Clearly it can be used for good, bad, and neutral. What matters ultimately, then, is the quality of what the leaders and the first followers are wanting to get others to do.
Dancing for joy I can endorse, suicide bombing unfortunately makes use of the same part of human nature. Discernment is vital to our evolution.
Good stuff, Derek. Lead, follow, but join the joy of the dance.
I'm glad to know I'm not the only "shirtless nut" in the world. Best 3 minutes of education I've had in a long time!
"how Palin becomes president"
Thank you for that. Perfect.
Damn Derek. I think you may be a genius.
This is a great lesson in how leadership works!
It's a very good example of how other people follow and come out of their box, get involved after they see that their is acceptance, and the interaction can benefit them; whether it's fun, entertaining,gives them a new perspective, or is a life changing event!
We should all think of this example in pursuing our life long dreams, whatever they are - Thank you for sharing Derek!
George
BRAVO!! Amazing story. What a brilliant angle! Thank you.
music being derek
i guess that you can call "free form dancing" a movement or wild looking dance, movements.but lots of people love to dance, not too many people like to work for a cause, usually a hand full of hard core doers get things done in a group.
i've been the lone nut many a time, currently on another "cause". in the I CHING it is called "what is central that holds a group together" and that is usually for a defined period of time.
i started the www.lehighvalleymusicawards.org without any money and now it is in its 12th year and picked up the grammys as a sponsor, they loved the organization & lehigh valley talent.
i started www.communitylvmc.org
america's most innovative, educational & fun music conference.
the company i "outsourced" it to in late november acheived almost nothing. after two months i gave them an option, produce something or we part ways, we parted.
now, let's see if i get more peers
and more of the lv community involved.
a neat kicker is, ten percent of registration money is raffled off to the musicians who attend. and followup help for a year.
april 16th & 17th & 18th is coming.
bright musical ways
ian the being
570-818-4100
Wow, simply superb Derek!
Truly agree ... just role on your own with complete dedication ... followers will come automatically by looking at your sincerity towards what you do!
Brilliant, simple, succinct- I can see why you received a standing O at TED. I can only hope to learn the lesson as well as you just taught it. Thank you Derek.
Nice take on this in terms of the lens of leadership Derek. (As always the spaciousness you allow with all your communication is so powerful).
Here's another take on Dancing Guy and why the social engagement happens from our Tummelvision.tv show http://bit.ly/5xMuT3
That was brilliant.... and about Palin, oh please, god, NO!
that's why I follow you
great video....
please, more!
Thanks Derek, What a great observation. You are doing an amazing service to get people thinking. You have a cute smile too.
Excellent video Derek and why shouldn't you have a standing ovation?? Well done with this one.. TED huh..?? Wow...I remember when you were just a keen enthusiast. Now you're a TED speaker. Congratulations. All the best
always eileen
Sivers is a F!KN Genius!
This is very useful. Thanks Derek.
Was that your VO and your insight?
If so, this is a slam dunk and soon to be viral video.
I saw your Japanese address video in an unrelated web search a while ago.
This one will live on in cyber space (my humble opinion)
Vernon
Unfortunately, the lesson of this video also has its very dark side as well and, as such, the video falls within the category of "propaganda." It is imperative to examine both the pro and con of any argument, and this video is focused only upon the former aspect.
In fact, the great tragedy of our society is what can best be described as "the lemming effect," in which insane activity often begets even more insane activity.
For example, the sports utility vehicle (SUV) craze is a classic example of "the lemming effect," in which a terrible form of transportation, in terms of materials manufacture, fuel consumption, aesthetics, etc., is popularized via a Big Media brainwash, suggesting that it is very "cool." When enough lemmings enter the picture, next thing you know, the movement gains enough respectability such that it manages to corrupt even notable social activist luminaries such as Bob Dylan, who transmogrified into a spokesman for GM Escalade (hard to believe but true!).
Another example: the resurgence in the popularity of fur epitomizes "the lemming effect," resulting in a massive escalation in the unnecessary cruel slaughter of innocent animals solely to feed a Cult of Celebrity interpretation of what is "cool."
That is the sad reality of the lone dancing guy: he may birth some great ideas, innovations and movements, but equally true, he often popularizes the worst kind of mass insanity.
interesting. It also shows how much people need to get up and move their bodies. A very healthy and soulful expression in itself.
Did you see those who were sitting near the dancing mob? Leadership lesson #25
The more infectious your leadership, the harder it is to sit still in your presence!
that is one of the most amazing things I've ever seen. And your first follower comments are spot on. I'm wondering about this application to history. Many paralels (not all happy) there.
M
WOW!!! I love this, and your message couldn't have come at a better time.. This is really going to transform my playing field today.. Thank you so much....
In the USA the political leaders tend to be attorneys. Attorneys, I am told, address boxes, box by box.
It makes for a stiff life. What would one say if the Congress & President were more capably considered with the thoughts of say #earth_architects, rail road engineers, nurses, teachers, water well drillers, farmers, astronomers, or other walks of life not so inclined to jump from box to box ? Join us !
I love that video and your commentary is spot on. Especially like the part about the important role that early followers play in "validating" the lone nut.
Thanks for your thoughts.
this is a pretty brilliant post.
Excellent analyzation. It reminds me of the opposite, a high school mentality where 99.5% dont dare put them selves at risk.
I hope to always be shirtless and the 2nd guy also!
Very insightful, Derek! You never hear about the first follower--well explained.
Love It.
Thanks
Saw this a while ago through Seth's site. It's cool. I tried it out at an airport, starting the q for a flight that had been delayed.So everyone was waiting around wondering when it was going to come. Two of us went to the start of the queue. About 30sec later another person joined, 15 sec later the third did and then everyone else within the next minute or so. Not a movement I know as everyone wants to get on the plane but something similar going on.
For those who think they've seen and heard this before, Seth posted this video with a slightly different take on it, regarding tribes and membership and all. Similar concepts, from very different points of view.
No surprise to me that Derek and Seth both noted lessons in this.
Funny thing, if you search YouTube, there's another video of the same guy, taken earlier from a different angle. He dances alone for a VERY long time, MUCH longer than the video above would suggest:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbI0QOI6_-4
You have to be okay with dancing solo for a long time if you want it to become a dance party, so make sure you're dancing because you enjoy it.
O.K. Now that we have seen the instructional video, its time for action. Everyone should apply this thinking to what their doing. Start dancing.
Primate psychology is fascinating, isn't it?
I like Derek's spin on this video but it scared the @#$! out of me. Reminds me of Nazi Germany and hate groups. Blind followers starving to be part of something, anything. Dangerous stuff. I have never scene anything like that before. Guess I am looking at the "glass half full."
Derek,
This is fantastic. I'm going to share this on my blog.
Thanks
excellent POV. I think that is why publishers, A&R, and agents are so important to an artist cause they can be the number 2 and 3 that say, "hey, this artist is worth checking out". Unfortunately, very few publishers, A&R, and agents are willing to say that about a crazy dancing man unless all their friends are already saying it. Maybe, we need a training seminar on being #2 and #3.
"...The first follower transforms a lone nut into a leader..."
SIMPLE...BRILLIANT...TRUE!
~rhonda
Reminds me of when John Lennon was doing what he called SCREAM THERAPY, he recorded the songs WELL, WELL, WELL and COLD TURKEY and probably others I don't recall right now during this period of his life in the 1970s.
Absolutely uninspiring clip in and of itself, but when put in the context of leadership it truly comes alive and becomes an invaluable tool on the qualities of leadership and becoming a leader.
Thnx for sharing Derek,
Sam
You are on fire, Derek
Derek, bringing this back to music and their fans (in the 80's/90's).... this really explains why so many "first followers" or hardcore music fans (often of indie bands), often feel betrayed when the bands they "dared" to spark, go on to be popular and part of the "in" crowd.
Really nonsensical for them to feel this way....but nevertheless a good way to capture the first follower's leap into the strange dancing band.
Outside of music... this a terrific point of how "sole" leadership is overrated.
Simply great, Derek! I feel inspired! Thanks!
great insight Derek!
Leadership takes courage and someone willing to stand alone. However, I love how you brought up the "first" follower. The first follower is so important and is the start of a bigger movement. I enjoyed the video and loved how it was presented with your commentary. Great stuff Derek and thanks!
So THAT's how FACEBOOK happened! wow.
I liked the comment about Palin...so the mechanics of the psychology can all be right but what if the first guy who looks like a nut IS A NUT!...all the mechanics still work and are "great insight" but you might still end up with a horrendous premise becoming totally popular...to the detriment of society....of course if all you want to do is to make money from something that looks new......
Awesome crystallization!
(both the video, and the insights)
...hmmm...so, in other words, I should really be pissed off at the FIRST guy who thought Obama was a good idea? (rim shot)
Derek!
Love this video! It touched me, as it has taken me years to get this band going on a kind of crazy idea I got. Finally I got a great band and WE now are getting going and are all going in the same direction. Folks love US.
Thanks!
Jac
I agree with this article and I am experiencing it myself in my music life and in a non profit organization I am involved with. I absolutely love reading what you have to say whether I agree or not I always get to thinking about things and I am always challenged so thank YOU!
Leaders love their inspiration more than themselves..!!!
Rachel
haha that vid gets better every time I see it.
interesting note: the Leader has a lot of energy, the first follower has somewhat less energy, but the momentum from the 3rd, and following participants helps re-energize the first follower. After awhile the Leader is theoretically disappeared, his existence now mapped onto his followers, and his presence ultimately unneeded. Great Leaders are so gauged. How long can you stand alone before someone follows you? Do you have what it takes to pass the torch when the time is right?
nice video Derek!
Dancing Guy started the movement but now he is anonymous, and irrelevant, and if he has any humility he will have difficulty telling the story to new acquaintances about how he "started a movement."
but wait... what role did the music play?
I would like to meet the person who stood up first to lead off the "standing ovation". Bravo! :o)
indeed... nurture the people who really love what you are doing in the world.... and are confident enough to champion you... these relationships are gold.. and yes amazing what enthusiasm can do! m
As always, brilliant. There's a lot to be said for the first follower. Because he didn't just get up there and do his thing. He was inspired and then used his sphere of influence to invite others to be inspired.
We all want fans. But what we really need are inspired fans - fans who not only enjoy the music for themselves, but will invite all their friends to enjoy the music as well.
It's not who you know - it's who THEY know that makes a movement.
And remember - Dance like nobody's watching!
Your Music Business Coach,
Debra
hi Derek, the young man was dancing alone for awhile. doing his thing..being free in the landscape..a time to dance and let go..then as you said the first follower set the new tone and the spark was lit..amazing how from one leader the flock pours like a thunderstorm into a crowd..why does it take so long for others to believe? LIke the domino affect right..lay the dominos out one by one and then push the first one and watch it all unfold...my new cd came out today and your video made me realize I need to find some followers to dance with me and my new solo piano product..life is all about growing and learning..let's all dance together and not be shy to let out that child wonder that lives in all of us..Mark
an interesting point is that the leader, and at least his first followers, were young and "like" him. new dogs vs old dogs. same breed vs mixed breeds.
they had already self-selected by being at this concert - perhaps "the landscape" is also important to where a subset tribe can emerge strongly?
In my consulting I urge creatives to "find their tribe" - and if there isn't one - be the leader who helps one come into being.
The tribe creates the scene which then enables the scene to carry (and expand) the tribe.
- Lisa Lepine ProMOTION Queen,
consultant to creatives
Even better, create the perception of social proof...put the first follower on the pay roll.
I learned that in Kung Fu Panda:
The only secret ingredient is..
you.
Most leaders seem to confuse ego with strength ...
or maybe I should say too many - especially in bands ...
Truly beautiful. You make us smile with you Derek!
Eddie
Haha... I was expecting to see that "Where is Matt" video that's circulating but was pleasantly surprised. This is awesome
Brilliant, inspirational! Thank you for that.
In return, check out for free my new song "Valentine's Day", just released. http://tinyurl.com/yapy9jo [pardon the somewhat unrelated self-promo here, but time is of the essence in getting my first follower on this!]
Stream it for free on my homepage (click on my name).
Enjoy, and spread the love 'n affection!
Still one of my favorite YouTube videos of all time.
glorious. I was always the eccentric nutter, partying on my own, doing cartwheels, swinging from branches, singing to the traffic on a pillar with my underpants on as a hat. I went through time where I had much of that knocked out of me, thought it was useless, but I re-embraced it, welcomed it home, and never looked back. I never forget to thank all those who followed or that without them I might still have left all I value hiding in a closet
I love this. So perfect. So needed. Thank you!
This was the best post ever, Derek. I'll echo Rab Townsend way up there at the top. The importance of appreciating your first followers cannot be overestimated. My old fans have given me publicity, money for car repairs, web services, you name it. I just make music. They have made my career.
thanks Derek .... always thought provoking AND inspirational
( George Bush was thought provoking WITHOUT being inspirational)
WOW! How insightful! I loved this. This is one of your best. Of course, all of you messages are informative and inspiring but this was a total education. This reminds me of that teacher you had that cut to the chase and taught you everything you needed to know about theory in, was it, four lessons. He found a way and you followed. AMAZING VIDEO! I'M definitely sharing this one with my students. Thanks soooooo much Derek.
Great video. Great lesson. The interesting thing is, dancing guy wasn't trying to attract followers or start a movement. He just wanted to dance, and did.
Scott Andrew: Thanks for the information. It's kind of heartening to know that the guy danced for a long time before anyone else followed his lead. Means that if you're out there by yourself for a while, it doesn't necessarily mean you're doing it wrong.
Many good points here.
What you don't address, though, is the INTENT of leadership and the followthrough on the trajectory of the group of followers.
In this example, the dancing guy really doesn't seem to care if anyone else is dancing or not. He just wants to dance and enjoy himself. People join in and there is mass improvisation. That's fine in this case.
However if you want to "lead" people to a specific objective, you really do have to lay a course for them. It's quite more complex. For example, say you want to lead teens into making safe sex choices and avoiding disease and unwanted pregnancy.
The communication methods have to be more carefully contrived. You don't just ... ha ha.. stand on the side of a hill waving a condom. Though, I suppose, that could be tried!
And another point, once the mass of energy is rolling, a strong leader can still guide the energy... for good or evil, depending on their intent! Your dancing guy didn't really care about leadership. He could have just gone at sat down at some point. Maybe later people started moshing ... or partner dancing. He wouldn't care.
Musicians can lead dancers movements by changing the tempo and the mood of the music.
Leaders should consider what they will do when they HAVE followers. Are they going to relinquish the leadership, or have the energy be taken over.
I wonder what your thoughts are on these two additional aspects of leadership. (guiding the trajectory and maintaining control of the message)
every one is a leader so put it this way who you know before leading matte4rs most
Noah was a lone nut. Jesus was a lone nut. Galileo, Tesla, Thomas Paine, Martin Luther King, Lenny Bruce, Richard Pryor -- lone nuts.
There's a lot of leadership in the crowd.
Fantastic video and insight. Thanks
I love it! I had read your initial post on this topic and didn't think the TED talk would be anything new, but you honed it into a gem of an insight!
Derek, you gotta be nuts to be saying this, but I like it!
QUE PODER!!!
HOW POWERFUL!!
As the front man/singer for my band Myron and the Kyniptionz for 13 years, I am living proof of your topic. When we perform I am the "nut" rolling on the floor, dancing in the middle of the crowd and dancing on the tables. Once 2 or 3 join in it quickly becomes a party. Yes, it takes guts but that's why YOU call us "nuts". People loved to be rocked! and we always get more gigs.
um, I still don't get how I can take this lesson and use it to build a base.. nurture first followers? Ok, but then it stalls, or something, because they aren't attracting others. Do we have unappealing first followers? hmmmm
Huge lesson for the Christian Church.
Funny this is the second blog post today that referenced this video.
To quote Alice's Restaurant:
"You know, if one person, just one person does it they may think he's really sick and they won't take him. And if two people, two people do it, in harmony,
they may think they're both f****** and they won't take either of them.
And three people do it, three, can you imagine, three people walking in singin a bar of Alice's Restaurant and walking out. They may think it's an organization. And can you, can you imagine fifty people a day,I said fifty people a day walking in singin a bar of Alice's Restaurant and walking out. And friends they may thinks it's a movement."
Thanks for the post
1, 2, then it grew
3, 4, add some more
Derek,
Seriously good point my friend. Thanks for sharing this. I'm glad to hear what you got a standing ovation for. You are a great leader because of just how much you care about everyone else.
Thanks for showing us the way thus far!
Cheers,
Andrew
Beautiful illustration. Love the emphasis on being about the movement and not about the leader.
standing ovation well deserved!
I will certainly share the lesson. In the meantime, does anyone have a good best practice (or experiential tale) about effectively nurturing first-followers?
Thanks!
I saw the video the first time. I think your thoughts about the first follower are fantastic and a great addition.
Thanks
Thought I was watching some old Saturday Night Live skit.
Kind of like the Beatles. John started something and the others followed to greatness.
WOW! interesting points Derik.
This is a great video. Thanks, Derek.
I think the biggest factor here is the leader (original nut) is enjoying what he is doing oblivious of what others are thinking. That's a crowd puller. Reminds me of Tom Sawyer getting the fence painted and something so banal as that on a Saturday afternoon by his friends, simply by pretending that painting a fence is by far more interesting than playing, swimming or even lazing.
Thanks for sharing this Derek.
I wish I had posted earlier... I feel a bit like the guy in the crowd not wanting to be ridiculed, however...
This very exampled worked for Hitler... One nut...
Good article, and narratorship by Derk Sivers on leadership
wow, that was great! that is often how a mosh-pit starts, one or two guys inspiring the others to let loose!
We're fools whether we dance or not, so we might as well dance.
~ Japanese Proverb
Derek,
What perfect timing, as I have a big gig this weekend that I think is the beginning of something very special. I will be treating these first followers very special, that's for sure.
Rhan
Very good example
Brilliant!
Are you saying you used to be a lone nut!?
You never cease to inspire and amaze me Derek. I am following you.
This is wonderful Derek
Such a new approach on looking at leadership! Although I've been the leader type most of my life, now I learned it is actually the followers who make you the leader, otherwise you're just a fool
))
Thanks Derek, again, very inspiring!
Thanks Derek,
This is so relevent for me.It's all about a strong sopport system.I have heard it before and thank you for reminding me!Just what i needed....
They must be on drugs... Das is nich normal.
Cool. Thanks, as always...
Collective enthusiasm-Yay!!!!! Loved it...thanks so much for making this cloudy morning shine.
Derek my friend this is FABULOUS! I was laughing all the way through it. It reminds me of the man who toured the world doing his dance>>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlfKdbWwruY I would love to put your vid on my 'Leader's Rising site as a post http://www.kelliefrazier.com) for the youth to see. Any chance of that happening and I'll link it back to you?
Sure! Never need to ask. Always feel free to copy, repost, or link to anything on my site. Thanks! -- Derek
Ha! That is a great example!
Too Cool!!!!!!!
Hats off to those few who remained sitting!
That clearly defined Leadership,from what we were taught or lead to understand. I really understand now, that there is no Leader without, the first follower,it does take courage to be the first follower. I will never forget this concept. Thanks Derek.
Derek, right on as always.
I saw your commentary yesterday and was reminded of it when reading today about the death of Walter Morrison, the guy who invented the Frisbee. He and his wife were tossing a cake pan at the beach when someone came up and offered to buy it for five times its actual value. They were the oddballs, willing to look silly and having fun doing their own thing. The guy who bought it was the first follower -- the first sign that this Frisbee thing had legs... fascinating.
applying this model to music is tricky... in general, the tipping point idea applies, but consider the difference. throwing Frisbees at the beach or dancing alone/half naked at an outdoor concert is something that can be done by a few and yet is visible to many. in music, the equivalent is a site like MySpace Music where you essentially have a virtual beach with thousands of people standing side by side doing different odd activities that they're enjoying and would like others to notice.
visibility is key, but also a certain amount of distinct incongruity -- otherwise you're just lost in the clutter.
ok go might be a good example here: their music video was on a site not devoted to music alone, but to a huge general audience of people seeing entertainment. ordinary, even awkward, musicians doing a highly coordinated dance was incongruous, yet their commitment to it (not to mention the quality of the tune) was infectious ... the combo was viral fast.
thanks for the great commentary, got me thinking... cheers, Duff
Absolutely the best....Too too funny. Even better narration. BRAVO!
Thanks, Gary Knight, The Fries Band
we CAN have the results we want!
Thank God He has a real plan following the REAL MAN (J.C. of Nazareth!!) :0)
I love it! Never thought about the 1st follower nor the 2nd. Great stuff.
Great video....Great message.
brilliant, Derek!
Without your commentary I wouldn't have thought of any of that....DANG DEEP in sense!
So the point here:
it takes nuts to follow the lone nut. And that's real leadership.
I like it.
bd
@bdunc1
Brilliant Derek! Way to slam dunk in 3 minutes flat! BTW, I dream of attending TED one day...
--Terrace Crawford
http://terracecrawford.com
http://twitter.com/terracecrawford
Awesome video it really goes to show how leadership really works. Thank you for the video!
brilliant. loved it. truth in simplicity. a practical observation of the magic. BTW - Hugh's book is another practical example, though seemingly more difficult to grasp. I feel like dancing to some live music on the grass right now. You coming?
Why does being a leader have to be drug induced and or radical action?
I am overcome with insight
Awesome!www.lifestylearchitecture.com
Amazing! It's great how one can take lessons from a relatively simple situation like that! Great transcript Derek
So inspiring ..
thank you for sharing this video
with us .
Silvers' video is a fantastic example of the power of momentum--in our campaign work, we call it the bandwagon effect. It starts small, in "Do the Doable" steps, and then grows; and grows. Ultimately, leading people means building momentum as you transfer ownership your leadership to them. It's not about the leader; it's about the followers.
David Morey
Author, The Underdog Advantage
Doesn't change the fact that the guy was just a wanker, dancing like a wanker, who managed to attract other wankers. The "first follower" was obviously just taking the piss out of him and the second wouldve joined in with anything going.
You guys are mistaking herd stupidity for something of value. Unless herd stupidity IS the value, which wouldn't surprise me.
The comments here are evidence of the same phenomenon and now I am the shirtless dancer.
But I bet no one follows me.
This is about the reader, not the dancer. Please see sivers.org/you-not-them -- Derek
Its true, the first follower is way under-appreciated. Too often do people think theyre so good and look down on the first people that follow them as "just one of the rabble that will eventually follow me" without giving them the support they require to boost them. You want your first follower to be highly redeemed and help make them influential... because nothing is better than being followed by someone highly influential.
Great observations Derek. I often encourage entrepreneurs to start a movement, but I must admit that it never occurred to me how pivotal the first few followers are in making that happen.
Tsufit
Step Into The Spotlight! : A Guide to Getting Noticed
www.spotlightbook.com
A worldwide movement @ the destination where great Jazz minds meet for education, networking and
all things Jazz!
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This is truly inspiring, Derek, quite a great observation, thanks.
I love this example! It stands for everything I try to pursue in my own personal life. If I'll ever make a million the first person to follow me should make two or more!
Fantastic!
Awesome!! I blogged about it. http://bit.ly/bAZ702 - you cant see me but I'm shirtless!
I think I once blew an interview because I said I preferred to be wingman to being the leader. It's in my nature. I've always thought it's a very valuable role. But I didn't fully understand how valuable and demonstrably valuable until now. Thank you, Derek!
Derek, I've had the privilege of hearing you talk in person on two occasions, and the way you think is amazing.
i'm giving you a standing ovation right now ;)
Another reminder of how truth or important principles are often so simple
Derek -
That "Leadership is over-glorified" resonates with me. Simple but insightful. You've started a movement with this dancing guy.
Cheers,
Bob.
I am a great first follower. I am also often the lone nut. But, its finding MY first followers, and so on....ah the road lengthens. Thanx for the gift. Probably won't write a book, but WILL use the concept. Also, in addition, do need the window of opportunity for the lone nut to be noticed by the first follower. That window is the key, they follower has to see, and catch on.
I want to add yet one more thing: I spent years working the production side of theatre and theatres have been "papering the house" forever for this very reason - creating the appearance of a following sells future tickets. An empty house is death to a production.
I suppose if you wanted to manipulate this phenomenon in business it wouldn't be too difficult (it's why the first few amazon reviews are often friends of the author/publisher) but it seems more interesting to find out if there is actually any unbiased interest. Well, at least to me.
hum...i wonder if the first follower really wanted to get up and dance first but was afraid to...and it took someone else to lead..before he could have the courage to dance in which case he became the follower?? i don't know,
just another way to look at it, either way..it's ok to be a leader and a follower..to me being a leader and a follower are equally important.my buddy eliot sloan of the band blessid union of souls related a story to me of how when they were first signed to their record company, noone knew who they were and a radio station just decided to play their music and as their song 'i believe' started climbing the charts the record label was like"is that our band?" and it was then that they got behind them 100% and 'i believe' became a top 10 hit..eliot knows how important the followers are...in a way, the followers BECOME the leaders, they bring attention to something important, something overlooked, that noone is paying attention to but should be..
That was amazing to see how that transformed from one lonely guy to a massive crowd in no time at all.
Valuable insight, Derek!!!
Solitoode
After 42 years in the music business, I sometimes find it just hard to believe that anyone or anything can make a difference.
Thank you for helping me understand and have a better perspective Derek.
This helps me understand as well.
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/living/2010/02/14/baldwin.one.armed.guitarist.cnn?iref=allsearch
this thought is exact
Great lesson Derek!
It reminds me of what I call the "L.A. Semi-circle", which happens every time I play in Los Angeles. At first there is a large semi-circle of space in front of the stage, as no one is yet ready to come forward toward the stage, thus exposing themselves to the commitment of liking what they hear and wanting to be close. But as soon as the first "lone nut" moves in, the "first follower" feels comfortable to also admit they like it and move in, and then the rest begin to come in droves, and the semi-circle gets filled in.
Thanks for your constant inspiration!
Hey, don't discredit the band. They're the ones who obviously inspired and "led" this man to dance. But, point well taken. Cool video.
Awesome! Great insight.
I would be shocked and run away and hate the people. I think the people were stupid, ok is just dancing and the sun wa shining so its ok to let oneself go.
... as long as you don't follow someone off a cliff. Good article!
The comments are really illuminating. Seems like most miss the point that YOU could start a movement by BEING a first follower. Instead we seem to concentrate on how to get OTHER people to be OUR first followers (or even create fake first followers!) And we worry that we "don't follow someone off a cliff." For some reason, it sounds like most people would rather BE a crazy loner nut than be associated with one. But then you don't get a movement, you just get a bunch of lonely nuts.
Thanks Derek for the lesson on how to be fun and deep at the same time. You have also apparently awakened the sex drive of the marketing dark matter. We will have to start calling you Buddha Buddy for abstinence from the call of the ego.
Derek,
My favorite post from you ever. Destined to be a classic.
-Bruce
Way to go, Derek!!
Some good ideas here, although nothing new. I'd like to say being a good leader is definitely about teaching others to be leaders in the sense of aspiring to inspire others to follow their own path that makes them feel alive and happy. That inevitably means standing out from the crowd and embarassing yourself sometimes because we live in a world of mental slavery. And it also means sharing that with others. The less slaves, the more colour, the more fun, peace and sanity.
This video goes a long way in explaining why we have so many idiots in political leadership positions.
In nature, it seems that everything is just waiting for you to laugh, the whole of nature laughs with you. It echoes and resounds and that is really the value of life. When things go all right, every body can laugh, but when everything falls apart, and then if you can still laugh (or dance) that is evolution and growth.
there is nothing in life that is more worthy than your laughter. This energy in this video made me feel that way.
thanks for sharing it!
Tina Shafer
Great thoughts here once again Derek. Either way you've got to be crazy to be a leader or crazy to follow. ;) I'm definitely the crazy one.
Haha, what a fantastic and educational story! Lone nut to leader... sounds familiar.
Derek - Being a leader, this video was a great look into what makes people follow you.. you are dead on. I've always know that you lead by example, but i never really saw it from the perspective that not everyone is following the leader, but rather the other followers. Very insightful and a great use of this video to demonstrate this principle. Thanks so much for your perspective.
first guy, second guy, third guy. Hmmmm okay. . .How does that apply to anything? What about the music being played, which supposedly inspired the first dancer? Which then makes the first guy the second guy. And how does all of that apply to a music career when the first dancer is left all alone, and the band plays on? Ouch. . . . Derek, I applaud your standing O. Congratulations! That's really wonderful for you. You've proven the theory you've put forth about the "second dancer" because there are a hundred or so second dancer/first followers proclaiming your genius. The fact is there is an ocean of people responding not because they are called to do it to leave the world better than they found it, but in hopes you will respond, find their creative endeavors worthy of your investment and find their own nirvana through your annointment. . .Is that cynical? Sorry. Happy Valentines Day!
Good inspiration Derek. You shouldn't neglect the shirtless guy's inspiration, and it's that energy which is chanelled down the line. Great post!
Hi Derek- very nice! thanks for sharing.
I think this would make an interesting song in Am, give me a few days and I'll see what I can come up with.
Sivers you are the man.
Hi Derek
It's right but some problem when Y're alone for a long time.
Very interesting video, thank much.
Respect.
great stuff, Derek!
Of course it is also possible that the First Follower theory only applies to novelty dancing.
There definitely is genius in all this.
would we call this action is the act of conformity, this explains everything in just a few minutes.
Great Mr. Sivers
timothy
The first requirement to stand up in public and do anything, sing, play guitar, act etc. is balls!! Sara Palin is a "dancing guy"!
Great post, Derek! One of the best points to remember is that if YOU are Dancing Guy (as many of us are), you need to treat your First Follower as an equal, and recognize that he or she is the most integral part of the movement.
Nice job!!!
"There is no movement without the first follower."
Well if I'm the nut and I want to lead a new movement, how do I get the first follower to follow me? Am I at the mercy of such people?
Hey Derek,
We work with colleges to increase engagement on campus and last spring several people sent us this video to see how it fit into our leadership training.
It's exciting to see that we are drawing similar conclusions, though months apart, with ours more geared to engagement in education: http://bit.ly/9H2V8u
Nice work on spreading this to the world!
Love it, simple and insightful!
Each time I watch this video and read along with the script, this important lesson becomes more inspirational and memorable. Thanks, Derek.
Great work, Derek! Your theory would seem to frame the old story of the sheep, leader of the flock, leading his faithful followers over a cliff. Of course, in this case, the leader (first follower) will lead everyone else in a more (hopefully) productive direction. Truth is, if the theory works in one direction, there's no reason why it shouldn't work in the other. Thank you for planting this valuable "seed of thought."
Derek! Great video. So bummed to have missed TED this year. What a perfect 3-minute presentation for that audience. Love it!
I've read through 242 comments. I think #240 sums up the most important aspect. It's beautiful that you have so many people's attention, and comments. Even though I was not your first follower, I have become a addicted to the shifts in consciousness that your discussion cause in me.
Hmmm, who was YOUR first follower? The one you KNEW was important to your movement?
I've got to admit something. My ego got in the way with this blog post, because I'd seen this dancing guy before, and loved it. So I didn't bother to click play on the video. I read through your post and liked it, but I felt like something was missing. Lucky for me that I finally came around to clicking play, as a last resort.
There is something about your particular voice that's a LOT more powerful than the written words you use. Maybe that's just me.
Some people look at the guy dancing, or the concept of honoring the first follower as worthy of some kind of scorn. God the guy was dancing, and so was the second guy and the third. DANCING! What is the reason that people would ridicule the initial dancer (idea guy) or the first or second followers? I'm thinking most of your readers are musicians (like me). But why would some people choose to see this article as potentially harmful? What is it about a crowd that makes people question whether the crowd will be used for good or evil? And as artists, don't we want BIG crowds? Isn't that what we DO? We create crowds and then try to get them to respond in predictable ways.
We humans have this strange propensity to respond to a given stimulus based on the feelings we were having in the past 5 minutes, before the current stimulus. ie: we miss the IMPORTANT point because we're thinking about something else instead of what's happening right now. Maybe that's what's going on in a few of the comments to this article. People are seizing upon one detail that reminds them of something different they don't like, to voice their displeasure about an entirely different topic. Such is life. Maybe I'm doing it now too. hehe
The guy dancing is about ANYTHING you believe in. It might be about making sure crowd mentality doesn't get out of control. Any one of us can use this incredibly entertaining discussion to feel good or feel not good. To me, it was an AHA moment that I can apply to my own career and business.
The crowd mentality by itself is not a bad thing. It's simply a facet of humanity. Many of the world's best inventions and processes were created through watching crowds and adapting them to where the masses were moving. Besides, everyone follows a crowd on some issues, and stands alone on others. There is no right or wrong about either choice, there is only what we are learning from it or NOT.
Crowd mentality is "cool" thing that happens, just like ant hills. It can be pointed towards something you like, or something you don't like. And what you like can change. Think of the crowd mentality as a newspaper, a cool band or Derek's blog. It's a source of information you can choose to assimilate or not.
Someone mentioned get the first follower on the payroll. I suggest making them a partner...
Steve
Personally, I like to make sure if I follow anyone there is a point. I went to the Atlanta Jazz Festival one year and it rain. Some people left and some people stay. I followed the second group,because there is no better way to listen to music except under a blue sky. My jeans were wet from the waist to the leg. I never forgot that experience.
I'm still very confused. I'm sure I've seen almost exactly the same article as this one before (months ago when the video was first posted to YouTube)... Is this kind of a repost or did I not read it here? :-\
I'm 99% sure that it's not a deja-vu thing, but that 1% drives me crazy.
FINALLY used the right keywords in Google!
Found the original
http://sivers.org/dance-lessons
Yeah I posted that one last summer, but when prepping my TED Talk version of it I realized I missed the most important point: that it's ALL about the first two followers. The shirtless guy had been dancing for 20 minutes. Nothing happened until one person joined in. -- Derek
Thank you, Derek! You're a great mentor for me.
And when if the first follower doesn't show up? Maintain your leadership, no matter what. specially if you really believe in what you do.
Peace.
So interesting... I blogged about this video last summer and drew a similar lesson from it on leadership, but also product design and innovation. If you are on to something, just keep dancing.
http://danielstillman.wordpress.com/2009/06/22/crossing-the-chasm-keep-dancing/
PROFOUND AND A VERY FRESH + NEW PRESPECTIVE TO LEADERSHIP ...
We are in a world where people want to be #1 always - this kinda introduces the concept of WHAT'S WRONG WITH BEING #2!!!
We truly have to celebrate all people in the movement as equals!!! After-all what makes the movement is the power of all not just 1/
Not sure if that will be possible where leadership is driven by a huge EGO!!!
So, I guess the trick is to make EGO more WE-GO/
Thank you for an interesting thought!!! Worth sharing ;)
Great leadership tips with this funny visual example.
thanks!
Derek, If one listens closely at approximately 2:53 of this video, you can hear a person say, " How did he do that? How did he do that?" I believe like you, in that he was simply having a blast at what he was doing and simply blocked out ridicule or the thought of being alone. If someone loves what they are doing this shows on stage or in life. People want to be with you.
Yes, there are challenges along the way, as in any business. Success comes in many forms, and the key is to keep doing the jig like the leader in the video. Others will realize, if it is truly a good thing, they should follow. Thanks for the video of the dancing guy./Users/stevenlindholm/Desktop/SRLBrochure_p2 jpeg(2).jpg
Very well said Derek, I did it. I was a first follower,people thought I was the lone nut. eventually I became him. it's all Good. Thanks, it's a kinda' confirmation.JLA.
Hi Derek, I realised just by seeing te video, it just plain simple to be a leader, and just remember how to feel if you were the follower. and act upon it, how would you liked to be treated when you were your own follower. with attention, respect, carring.
live with the passion in you and share it. love Margje
I guess it's a joyful moment when you see a dancer, think it would be fun to do the same thing, and get up and do just that.
Thanks, man. I needed that.
Pure manipulation...
The guy is NOT creating anything, just he is the first dancer at a rock(?? etc) event. Its not him that the people are dancing for.
The images are good for an "illustration", the words are OK and right alone - putting these 2 together is mere bullshit.
After all the comments above mine, I now feel good and safe about telling you that I really enjoyed this. Good vision.
Awesome!!!
Thanks Derek. I would like to use the video at work but we can not view You Tube. Is it possible for you to send me a copy as an attachment to my work e-mail at haugen.brad@syncrude.com
OK. It's posted here now: http://sivers.org/stuff/DancingGuy.mp4 -- Derek
I just wrote about the need for a Follower Revolution on Tuesday (http://www.bizucate.com/bizucate-inc/2010/2/16/a-follower-revolution.html) and just found your First Follower talk today. Kismet perhaps? You articulate the point well and I'm glad to know the concept was presented at TED.
Great idea, thanks.
Hi Derek. Very clever. If it was bible times you might be considered a prophet or the idea tsar. You probably wouldn't make the scriptures though. You're too easy to understand. Thank you for simple profoundness. (Is that a word?) Michelle
All of this came from the old Arlo Guthrie song from the 60's/70's called "Alice's Restaurant". He went through how one person was a nut but two was a trend, three was a group and four was a movement or similar to that. It's a funny song, maybe 17 minutes long as he tells a couple of stories rolled into the one great song.
Brilliant post Derek. but I think it's just a dancing guy without your BRILLIANT insight! This is the first time to your blog. Now, off to find other coolstuff here!
Kevin Ward
Sheep.
A leader needs guts. It takes guts to bare your puny self in public. And yes Derek, he needs a few sincere and avid first followers, in any case, at least one for a start. Takes two to Tango, you see. Also it takes a crowd to follow you along in your foot steps and in your movements, even if unwittingly.But most importantly,
there got to be a steep inclination
and a quick-witted side-step to thwart any formidable obstacle, to roll yourself into an avalanche.
Thanks for this Derek.
.
Really awesome. When are you running for President? Or at least Senator?
I mean it.
Wow! so inspiring!!! I wish There would be more "first follorwers" in this world!
Inspiring and True! Now when I feel like DonQuixote fighting the windmills I will play this video clip! Thanks for sharing!
I am going to tweet it
Loved this. I think I'm a little bit the shirtless guy (def this year so far) and the crowd. Not sure if I've ever been a first follower. Hmmmm. Will think about this!
This video makes me laugh out loud! But I wondered to myself.... why did it take the women so long to join in? Oh well, I'm just happy one of them finally stepped forward so the other ladies could follow.
Loved this!! Dancing, art, leadership.... all good stuff. And, now I'm ready to conquer the day.... and look for the lone nut out there! lol Who wants to join me??
Bull.
He wasn't just "dancing," on a hill, he was dancing in an original WAY. The first and second follower didn't dance ANYTHING like him. Their dance was not cool or original or graceful. It watered down the message of the first guy, which was more about HOW he was dancing and less about THAT he was dancing. IN the end, the movement that arose became completely divorced from the spirit of the original dance. The original spirit of the guy and his dance was killed by this movement. It went from being something profound and dangerous to being annoying, packaged and mob like. I hated to watch it. Of course, i can see why others would like it, because there's a movement toward understanding movements. If you're going to be a first adopter make sure you are aware of what you're starting, and what you're destroying.
It was amazing, there's a lot to say about that, not just about the guy, or the dancing, or the "movement" that he creates, but the simple thing that it showes to us, it's a lesson of unity, in this case it's a dance, but what if it happened every day in the day to day things, what if we look around and support the tiny gret causes, i'm from Argentina (that's why i write that bad) and the ununion is the worst of our problems. Man, this is great, may i use on my blog and write a note about it?
concept - good
thought provoking - maybe
will it start a "first follower" movement - nah
even the first follower quickly become just another face in the crowd.
Thank for you sharing this video.
Dancing man (Colin) cameos in the trailer for Sasquatch 2010.
http://www.sasquatchfestival.com/
David
Great Derek,
I have a stupid idea,the reason why it's stupid becuase I've never done it before. What will it take to bring you to St. Louis this Summer for Lecture or Workshop on Leadership? Your approach to Leadership is awsome to say the least.
Thanks for the invite, but I've already got my summer booked-up with travel. -- Derek
To answer the question of first follower, I know some bands that have effectively recreated this effect at e.v.e.r.y. concert. They have a friend (or two) that goes to every show and acts as their #1 fan. It never fails to get a good portion of the crowd going. The band sets the example, their friend follows suit, and if that doesn't work, they have another friend to follow him -- the results are exponential from there, just like in the video above.
Wow, this video is incredible! The other thing is the guy who started the dance was just totally in his own element....he didn't seem to have any agenda besides having fun, which in and of itself is contagious!
Ravi
Very impressive. Now I know how Mr. Spock feels like when he says "Fascinating."
One of the main points here seems to be that the initial resonance is crucial. Then, the more people follow, the more others are attracted.
All expressed by this crazy video. Nice!
BTW: Trekkies: I know how you'll criticize my statement about Spock ;-)
But what if the so called leader hires a first follower and maybe a second one. Never follow leaders. Think for yourself and don't try to copy someone else. Before you realize it you are trapped in someone you don't want to be and never intended to be. Or, maybe, you are a born follower. Then you are a loser and will be the toy for all those called leaders.
Reminds me of the Kantor 4-play model: mover, follower, bystander and avoiders can all be seen.
A compelling video! What an awesome way to initiate a movement. This morning, after reviewing the comments, I was inspired to do exactly that.
We all want to be part of something... anything. Community is one of our most basic necessities and most admirable traits.
And I guess that last guy that never got up to dance would eventually be the leader when all the dancing people get tired and end up following him by sitting down again.Kinda like a ghost culture of fashion cycles...long hair,short hair or wether it be no hair,it´s all been done before,it´s such a bloody bore!Just be TRUE to yourself people.And if you are really obsessed with being a leader eventually someone will follow and sit down beside you,even if it´s just cause they´re tired of dancing.However it seems in this world of competitive consumer madness and media controlled sheeple culture,being true to one´s principles is the last thing anyone seems to follow.Sadly in this corrupt game of follow the leader,people readily succumb to the carrot (money) and stick (power).So I guess this leadership lesson is OK for something silly like dancing but when dealing with the real problems facing hummanity (usually having to do with the shortcomings of our own selfish human nature) most true leaders either end up being locked up as madmen or sacrificed as martyrs.
Kimo actually showed this blog entry to us during our Applied Marketing class, and it was amazing! It really is an inspiring video, and makes me feel even better about how many times I've made a fool of myself for the sake of leadership. This video intensifies that message, and I feel like it's really something more people should pay attention to.
I can't help but wonder what the person who was taping was thinking in their head. Perhaps, "Wow, look at this idiot". Then after 2 minutes, the ones who looked like idiots were the ones that WEREN'T dancing!
Truly inspiring. I love it!
Hi, as i had no response I've took the freedom of download and translate the video, if you wish, you can see wat i´ve done here
http://javolox.blogspot.com/
I´ve named "Of sheeps and sheperds" or "De ovejas y pastores" in spanish. I hope you like it as well i hope you understand spanish.
One more thing, this is yours, please let me know if you want me to delete it.-
Hi! That was a quite inspirational video, Derek! I'm gonna follow it to friends who participate in social movements and social network studies!
-- Derek
To do so, I've transcripted and translated the video to Portuguese (Brazil). Here is the link: http://dotsub.com/view/79a06688-4aef-472f-a97c-8d4a736f934b
I hope it is ok to do so. Soon I am going to post it om my blog, so I thought it was better to check if it is ok with you.
Thank you in advance!
Sim. Obrigado!
I agree. Interesting way to see it. I always am an avid supporter and head encouragement giver, when I see someone with a dream--especially my kids and my nieces and nephews. I'm alway right on board. But I never realized what role I played. I just wanted to lift them up, and support and encourage. I also love to help a new business flourish, by gushing over their concept, and telling folks about this great new place--I like to give true and honest praise for an idea that I think has the potential to help or inspire. It is interesting ot see your point of view, although It was always my intention to help the other. Wow.
I can't help thinking that although the first follower is important, who they are in relation to the specific situation is possibly more important.
For example, if I we're trying to get my band noticed it would be no good to have my mate Steve from down the pub as my first follower. It would be better if it was someone who was highly regarded or influential in the music industry - a so called opinion leader.
Or would it just take longer to get noticed if Steve was my first follower?
I am not surprised that you got a standing ovation at TED. You delivered a simple message in a manner that is simple to understand and the message is pertinent to us all.
Great job!
This video reminded me of this post:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsRJYPr1Dnw
On second thoughts, how many followers would the lone nut have, were he to do a tight-rope-walk or a sheer-cliff-climb? This alone will decide whether his movement would turn out into an epoch or just peter out into a passing fad. But, thanks Derek, for an insightful and thought-provoking view of a common place event.
I so love this! It's simple, and yet beautiful, perhaps for its simplicity.
And it's a great way to break down leadership. Anyone can understand it this way. Anyone can participate this way. And yet, few will have the courage to do so...at least not until things have tipped so it's now "safe" to follow.
I agree with your main thesis very much: It's much easier to be a first leader than a first follower.
Glad to be following you now!
Wonderful,inspiring and funny, great work Derek !
Old news - Seth Godin did a bit on this forever ago -
I originally posted this on June 6 2009, then Seth posted his take on June 10, 2009. Seth is a friend and even gave me tips on this talk at the TED Conference. -- Derek
Inspiring yes.
But also frightning.
It looks like all it takes to start a movement is a nut and a great follower. History shows where that can lead to.
So if the nut has nutty ideas, keep using your brains and don't let your heart or the first follower take over.
But if you really think the nut is a genius and adds value to the world, then by all means, follow the nut, your heart, brain and follower.
brdi
Anyone know the name of the band?
Song is Unstoppable by Santigold -- Derek
Yay! I saw this video yesterday on the music connection website and googled it today to see if I could find the embed code to send it to my friends
I've heard you speak at a bunch of conventions and always appreciate your positive and original point of view. Thanks for your post and your thoughts!
great pitch and strong delivery.
Amazing Video and Nice Observation. Altogether a great eye opener for me!
This is great! Very inspiring - and fun! It was shown at a seminar I attended yesterday, and I just posted it on my (German) website with a translation of your transcript. Hope that's ok! (if not, please let me know).
this is just amazing
Great interpretation of an otherwise typical video. My question is: how come we judge someone who pursues his passion and in the process becomes authentic as a "lone nut?" It seems that humans are so defined, limited and driven by conventions - always going and staying on the path that has been carved nicely by others.
Hurray to the "pionners" and "trailblazers" (read "lone nut"). They are the ones that expand our human experience.
Nice post, Derek!
Very effective. I am championing a Goal Plan Team on Leadership Excellence for my company and will use this video as an introduction to what it might look and feel like when we hit a tipping point.
Thanks for sharing the clip.
Thanks for the video, it is very inspiring.
There is something we can learn from it. Awesome!
I love this video and have sent it out on Facebook and through emails to my friends. One thing that makes me laugh when I watch this little informative clip is the woman screaming off camera. She obviously loves everyone dancing and enjoying themselves. I will point this out to people when I show them the video and they always say – yea I love that and laugh. Maybe you could call this, “Leadership Lessons from Screaming Lady”. Really what is being illustrated is that enthusiasm is contagious. I think people have a natural inclination to agree with the people around them for better or worse.
Very observant...get it? Ob...servant. Especially love how as the movement grows the ones that are left sitting down become the ones that look silly. Translates so well to every walk of life and field of business.
i applauded and shouted. amazing.
I think a lot of you are still missing the point. You are still applauding the original leader, when the narrator clearly concludes by saying that the first follower is an unappreciated underdog.
The lesson here is not to "go for it" and "be a leader" per se, but to not be afraid of doing something (whether it is to lead, or to follow).
I just stumbled on this page. That was a great example.
Incredible job taking a random video (I assume) and turning into a great real life lesson.
Unbelievably scary beyond belief that a number of responders to this page found this video "inspiring". This had to be the stupidest, most wrong-thinking "tool" for "youth control" that I have seen since Hitler indoctrination footage. Why the denigration of leadership and leaders? Why should anyone follow a fool and a nutjob?
This video has been used in teacher training for the IB MYP.
You are so FANTASTIC! I LOVE this! and even more after hearing about the experience first hand.
Excellent!! Thankyou for sharing.
Derek - Share about this more than anything lately
I so love this - always watch for the "first follower" - here the Phillies Phanatic knows who the #ff might be 
Philadelphia Phillies Phanatic – now that’s how we “Engage” in Spring Training!
Social Engagement – The Philadelphia Phillies Mascot wrote the book on Engagement – see him/her “in action”! – Now that’s social in the trues sense of media! – Social Media strikes again! Watch for the “First Follower”
Vid
http://bit.ly/cCcb3a
Here is an important thing to note. The same is unfortunately true of behaviors that go terribly wrong. It's how Group think and Mob mentality are formed. Watch this video of the horrible riot that broke out at JMU. The precise moment when Students started throwing Bottles at the Police, which led to tear gas being dispersed. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJJNTLwGLFo
The pivotal person, in the same sense, who turned one person throwing bottles into a mob of people throwing bottles, was the second person, as you say.
But what might have happened if the second person who stood up, was the one who DISCOURAGED the first one from continuing to throw bottles? Might more have followed suit if another brave soul echoed the brave one's desire to keep it from turning into a riot?
It is interesting how the photographers are marveling at how ridiculous the situation is, but no one is standing up to stop the bottle throwers.
You are so right. The second person can either join in, and make the behavior alright, or he can admonish it, and try to sway the first guy's behavior. In this case it could have been the difference between what ended up being a riot, and a festival that was kept under control.
Three weeks ago I used this video in my 7th Grade Leadership Class. It really proved the point.
It can't go without note that the original leaders were all men...a curious thing to think on.
... And then they all went to vote for Obama!
This 3 minute video and your commentary is changing my life and my church! HOORAY! a true gem!
Fantastic! Every leader who has ever been seen as a lone nut can attest to the importance of the first follower - not just for the sake of getting other followers, but for the well-being of the leader. Who knows when the original leaders stamina would have run out if the first follower hadn't come along to support his actions? Beautifully put together.
You must be American.
Brilliant thought provoking piece! The YouTube link was passed to me via a fellow firefighter and now is getting shared with others. You have started a movement!
Late to the party... but this is the first original observation on leadership that I've seen in a dog's age (and make that an old dog). Thanks, Derek.
Wow.
Thank you for putting together this fantastic video. It gives people hope.
Really great lesson to learn. Thanks Derek.
Fantastic example of having the guts to be the leader and the importance of the first follower. Great motivation for those of us working in sustainability that we may just get swamped by the crowd as they rush to join.
You've done a great job in translating wave theory for the lay person
Derek! You are the lone nut! I am one of your emulating followers!
Let's test theory..add me:
http://www.facebook.com/antonio.kuilan
I'm going to dance in the North Pole!
Incredible. Thanks, that was amazing. Posted on my site already. Much love, S.
unfortunately.we cant buy your products in my country.i hope you succeed in your work
Wow.. this is awesome. The idea and the way you describe it. Thank for this inspiring sharing. I want to share it in my site.
=)
wow! thanks a lot!
No matter what your industry, this is a great way to make your point, love the humor!
Just the best TedTalk ever! So accessible for everyone, so clever to take that clip and make it into an example. Go Sivers!
Dance and music is the most unique form of art. A perfect artistic nonverbal communication with movement of the body in a graceful, rhythmical and lyrical way. Pleasing to the eye physical gestures can speak louder than words. Derek you chose the very right video to make us understand your philosophy and perspective about leading and flow cause it’s a fact that There is no movement without the first follower. Hats off!
The "lone nut" leader is essential. You simply cannot have the first follower without the leader, ballsy enough to take the first step. The follower will never has the guts to take the initiative to begin anything. He's just following. -Fred a.k.a "Lone Nut"
Nice video. We really need such type of leaders.
Thank you Derek!
Just in time for me. Once read that if you really want (or looking for) something, the whole world join hands... Exactly this happens to me now and your post is one important piece for my puzzle.
Best regards!
Derek,
Thank you so much for making Gandhi's "First they ignore you, then they ridicule you, then they fight you, then you win" declaration so entertaining to watch!
Sincerely,
Randy W. Sandberg
Awesome. Very inspiring.
I am directing my improv classes to watch this - critical stuff for group improv! Thank you!
Very cool post. This guy does something similar on a different scale, take a look at the video here: http://www.wherethehellismatt.com/
Having built many businesses over the years I can tell you its all about the first customer, embracing that customer and letting others see the customer/supplier play out for others to see and JOIN...
No lessons here... but its true. Leadership is all about nurturing that first follower or two. (or customer).
Great video... Notice also that when the first follower becomes uninspired by the leader the crowd stops following... The dance ends..
But also notice that we as onlookers like to capture the story of leadership and tell others about it over and over and over again...
Thus the numbers of views this video is getting on YouTube.
Great video, Great Observations.
Cheers,
Rob
simple yet incredible.
Thanx
Hi Derek,
Great text with the video. Really well done.
I am currently in China where there are some leaders but nobody dares to follow. I will have the vid subtitled in Chinese and put your name with it as the source of the text.
I understand now the importance of the community building around an idea - that it is crossing the line between "mystic" and demystify it in building the collegial relationship with the follower - and consequent followers. Fantastic insight - thank you.
Cool!
Liked the lesson.
I do feel it is easier to start the dance or join when everyone else is there...
Being the first follower feels like intruding the first one...
OK, this just looks like a bunch of stoners at a concert. Stoners always bunch together, there's no leadership here. Just too much pot.
Hi Derek... really great commentary. As an entrepreneur who's survived the first 2 years of startup, I can relate to the dancing nut.
Having those first followers is DEFINITELY what it's all about. I'll be adding your blog to our blog roll, if that's o.k. with you.
I've been that guy dancing before and the exact same thing happened!
According to my research, the use of drug and guns guarantees MORE followers.
In other news, we see this kind of behavior at gigs all the time, it takes two couples to get the ball rolling then the dancing can go all night.
I've never really thought about the first follower before but now you have said it I can't believe I didn't notice it before! The first follower is the guy that makes the difference.
Funny and Freedom inspiring! Good observations. Looking beyond the superficial can reveal many lessons other than what is seen. Anyone can criticize, but few can create.
Wow. Very nice. Gonna have to digest the comments now!
-kpaul
Leadership means nothing. It only requires followers. Even adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin were leaders.
Leadership providing value and creating a memorable legacy is the ultimate goal.
i agree...just see the need and take a lead
Au contraire!
True Leadership is a gift that inspires others to moral greatness creating righteous change in the world and uplifts the giver.
Whereas, murderous dictator puppets rule by fear and horrendous acts. Theirs is not a gift, but greed that unjustly takes.
There is a vast difference: one gives their life and the other takes life. It is not a job that anyone can take without being corrupted and destructive.
Yes, what you call the first follower is extremely important, not only because she or he leads to more followers, but also because she or he will give confidence to the leader, who is no longer alone.
Great Post
Very interesting perspective on leadership. Simplicity is genius!