Charley was pleased by how the interns had developed the traits of individuals for each of the making a difference phases. He had learned from them. The final phase was the subject of this morning’s discussion: Sustained Action.
“I’m sure that all of you have seen what seemed like worthy causes quickly evaporate”, Charley began. “What traits do difference makers need to be able to stay focused on the desired change? Also, how does a difference maker keep society engaged over the long time that is necessary to bring about permanent changes? We tend to view small victories as the end point when they are often just the beginning.”
The interns seemed to have no problem with the focus traits. They quickly identified these traits as the traits of grit, a term that is used to describe both perseverance and passion for achieving long term results. They were not as successful in developing the traits for the achieving long term societal engagement.
Charley asked them why they remain engaged in something of personal interest to them. After some thought, the interns arrived at the following:
- We need new ways we can stay engaged. Over time, we get tired of the same messages asking us to do the same things. (Renewal)
- We need to see our efforts achieving some success and more leaders engaged. (Progress)
- We need to move from the unusual to the usual. What might have stood out needs to become unexceptional. (Ordinary)
- We need to see the baseline for what we value and find acceptable change. (Adjustment)
While the interns didn’t identify specific individual traits, they did a great job of describing what was necessary in building societal acceptance. Charley suggested that the trait that might encompass each of these was STRIVING ONWARD.
Now that the interns had captured the individual traits, Charley wanted to start the process of developing these traits.
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“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” – Harriet Tubman