First you may want to read the excellent book “The Leaderless Revolution” by Carne Ross. He convincingly argues that people will benefit by taking charge of their affairs, but that –crucially- they must also have agency over these decisions: control.

As a senior British diplomat Ross became frustrated and depressed about his work. He concluded that the diplomatic circuit was detached from the real world; thinking for the people without input from the people. The process towards the Iraq war ultimately made him decide to quit the service and establish his own organisation, called “Independent Diplomat”.

 

Ross describes that politicians and international organisations (UN, EU, international conferences such as the climate change summits) claim that they have problems in hand. But evidence suggests otherwise: promises not outputs are the result. Thus: growing frustration among the people. The system seems to be such that citizens do not have any responsibility, politicians monopolise this. The result is that citizens are laying back. Ross says: if people do not have responsibility do not expect them to behave responsibly.

 

Ross is offering a clear advice: we lack control and we need to take it back. In this day and age, in a world that is more interconnected than ever before, any individual can make a real difference. Just do it, we are the people we have been waiting for. In his book he provides a list of principles for action. Any strategy should be concrete: practical not rhetorical.

 

The book is much richer than I can describe here. You should read it yourself. For me his elaboration on his personal journey (from the glamorous life of a diplomat to quitting an starting his own organisation) adds to the quality and credibility of the book. He has taken action himself. I very much agree with his statement: “to choose a life freed of restraint, but also security, (as “Independent Diplomat”) is to choose fear as a constant companion. This is very much my own experience. However, this fear turns into an ally. For it provides the jolt of electricity that that fires action. If it is absent, he says, something is wrong.

 

This is so true! Sometimes it seems impossible to take a certain step, but it turns out very rewarding if you do. Take control and make a change.