Movements, So 20th Century: Here We Are in Era of Networks

 Talking about a "movement" can position you as, well, so out-of-touch. So 20th century. That's when influence was a highly centralized force field. 

Back then, there were leaders, such as Gloria Steinem, carrying the activist banner. You joined organizations. You marched, following the institutional scheduling. You funded those institutions. Your identity was linked to them. Yes, you were a feminist. 

Now, influence is decentralized. That's primarily because technology has created the era of the network. And those networks can generate a kind of collective message, with myriad nuances. And continual revisions.

The sources of influence include:

AI, especially chat bots

Internet

Social media

Newsletters

Podcasts

Online communities

Tik Tok, YouTube

Professional platforms, both anonymous and functioning with bylines

Lawsuits, digitally placed in the court of public opinion

Reset legacy media

Comments posted on legacy media's articles

Prediction markets.

A viral post by those with 50,000 followers can shape messaging more than the old-line activist march. A meme can emerge. It probably will be modified, just-in-time. 

Forget mission statements. A whole bunch of moving parts bounce around with each other, updating the national or global mindset. 

It's not hyperbolic to declare that technology has eliminated the future need for another Gloria Steinem.  Gender issues belong to Everywoman and Everyman. Each decides the meaning. And then there can be a fragmented grassroots push for policies and more. Lobbying, as we've known it, could mutate. 

In coaching, I'm bringing up to date the "right thing to do." It's no longer about organizing. It's about establishing the unique voice. Other networks will link. And soon enough the tradwife becomes a joke and the manosphere is seen as an obstacle for earning a good living. No leader has declared that. 

Extend that to business. Corporations and law firms may shift to leadership as a title. The critical moving parts could be those with influence linked to others with influence.  

Careers. Forget all that. It’s about earning a good living, no matter what.

Complimentary consultation with Jane Genova, StreetSmart Coaching (janegenova374@gmail.com)


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