How to start a movement | Derek Sivers

www.ted.com With help from some surprising footage, Derek Sivers explains how movements really get started. (Hint: it takes two.)
TEDTalks is a daily video podcast of the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world's leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes. Featured speakers have included Al Gore on climate change, Philippe Starck on design, Jill Bolte Taylor on observing her own stroke, Nicholas Negroponte on One Laptop per Child, Jane Goodall on chimpanzees, Bill Gates on malaria and mosquitoes, Pattie Maes on the "Sixth Sense" wearable tech, and "Lost" producer JJ Abrams on the allure of mystery. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design, and TEDTalks cover these topics as well as science, business, development and the arts. Closed captions and translated subtitles in a variety of languages are now available on TED.com, at www.ted.com/tra.... Watch a highlight reel of the Top 10 TEDTalks at www.ted.com/ind...

[@ericblair5841]

'The first follower is an underestimated form of leadership.' I've watched this clip so many times, his point about the other followers following the first follower resonates with me so much.

[@JungleBoi9]

You should watch the other one - the running commentary is even better kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIibkqCDeLt0gLM

[@DennisCNolasco]

This has much more significance than most people actually think.

[@williefalcone8556]

You forgot to include the media and financial backing. A movement can get no further than your backyard without them.

[@williefalcone8556]

It's funny but Master P broke this down before he blew up.

[@SvenDzahov]

@@williefalcone8556 not exactly correct.

[@spiritualawakeing]

These guys Are Cool cats one + one equals 3. When We collaborate Love By Dancing. We learn to dance deep down in our souls. This video is a beautiful way to Show the Meaning of Life.

[@spiritualawakeing]

@@williefalcone8556 exactly

[@JoMama123451234]

A short yet incredibly powerful speech.

[@theneonpython]

i've seen multiple videos like this where a single person is dancing for some time, then a second person comes by after a while, and it's just them for awhile. then, in a much shorter amount of time, people start coming in waves. it's a fascinating phenomenon

[@thegreatermuta5237]

Does anyone have any examples of this?

[@TVwriter23]

@@thegreatermuta5237 The Harlem Shake is a good example though separate vids. Most don't even know who created it. Just the person after

[@RoyalTy37]

@@thegreatermuta5237go to party there’s many times when no is dancing yet that will be that person that pretty motivates everyone to get on the dance floor 😂

[@jakecaput]

Wow! This is one of my favourite TED videos: it manages to get the point across in just a few minutes, with fun, but the lessons learnt are still great!

[@vechorik]

"When you find a lone nut doing something great, have the courage to join in."

[@vladislavno]

- Adolf Hitler

[@soundzrinmygarden3833]

@@vladislavno haha yep Adolf was a lone nut

[@yuvrajoli-a-7125]

Be the lone nut -Sun Tzu the art of nuts

[@lusanaornelas6774]

@@vladislavno The difference is the “great” part

[@coachsuds]

"The first follower is an underestimated form of leadership." What a powerful lesson! Teachers, coaches and leaders do we nurture our "first followers" sufficiently. Do we reinforce and value our team leaders enough...great nsights!

[@debbieruston]

Love this one .....A leader starts out with a vision....they have the courage to follow the vision alone at the beginning, until someone joins in and follows....then they embrace those they are training as equals and teach them to duplicate their strategy so others can join in too, bringing their own uniqueness to expand the vision.... This is a great example of using our influence, standing alone with a vision, and how we can use the concept to bring positive change to the world...

[@jjmoney7809]

P

[@gblargg]

It could even be that the leader isn't a leader, just a loner doing their on thing. The first few people joining are the ones that can spot something worth amplifying, and help direct it. They are a kind of curator.

[@bnortman68]

The best < 4 minutes anyone can spend... Sivers emphasizes the importance of nurturing and embracing the first follower, as they are crucial to the success of any movement.

[@aoimsef]

I think the first follower is very important because it is the driving force that impact everyone and makes people feel encouraged

[@user-tg6ux1vc9u]

貴方にもその力があります😊

[@olgamashtaler6705]

I love TED for helping to discover such simple but at the same time amazing truths in everyday moments. I've watched this video many times, now the leadership has opened up to me on the other side.

[@melissaganus]

Tears of joy. Thank you, Derek, for putting this out into the world - Ideas That Need To Spread! I’ve been a lone nut for a long time, Dr Mel the Squid Lady, and the SQUIDminders movement is tipping. Mind your Squid, SQUID your mind. whenever you feel like “something is wrong” can you SQUID? Stop > Question > Understand > Imagine > then Decide Mindfulness when we need it most. … Derek, I’ve been inspired by this video of yours for so many years, and have watched and shared it so many times. Today I know what it feels like to be surrounded by others who can enjoy the dance. Max the QoL

[@redjoshv9605]

“The lone nut” is named Rocky Outcrop, check out his KZbin channel, oddly enough, he is actually an extremely gifted stock market analyst!

[@morbidbushido]

That is some really great observations

[@silviameyer5369]

Loves the presentation but what about the oil ad just after...

[@quadnine]

Greatest Ted talk of all time. Despite its unassuming appearance. Don’t always be the leader. Sometimes it’s more important to be the first follower. Everyone says “yeah yeah”. And then start another nonprofit that they can control, rather than finding something close, and helping.

[@teruaki-kh7kx]

I love this story. it’s funny . I think first follower is the most important.

[@user-tg6ux1vc9u]

貴方の名前カッコいい

[@t-sq8wk]

トップ画いい感じだね💗

[@roisingtommy]

I have laughed over this video numerous times before, but this perspective was certainbly an eye-opener.

[@user-ed3dp7wk9y]

I totally agree with this video. The real value of first few followers is crucial and can't be underestimated. If the first several followers realize that they are treated like equal, that someone behaves and nurtures about them in the best possible way, then this movement has everything to be prosperous and successful. This video is the good example for everyone who wants to start a movement. P.S. I'm currently working on Glorifi and don't know how leadership can overcome it :Dd 2:20

[@rodbower.humanist]

Where did the second half of this video come from??? The talk by Derek Sivers only lasts 3 minutes; after that almost another 3 minutes is about Repsol and IBM and how to find more fossil fuel! Not happy TED!

[@MohammedYASSINE]

it came from the money that TED takes from IBM to fund its activities.

[@haideelady1]

Agree! Add to that the fact it's wholly untrue! If 80% of New Zealand's electricity is from renewable sources, I'm sure that can be replicated almost everywhere.

[@Dynamokr]

@@haideelady1 1. 40%, not 80%. 2. Not everywhere in the world can you tap into abundant geothermal energy sources like you can in New Zealand. (Actually quite rare worldwide.)

[@haideelady1]

DrSkulk 1) check your sources. 80% of NZ’s ELECTRICITY comes from renewable sources. Interesting you felt the need and the right to correct me without checking that. 2) the majority of our renewable electricity comes from hydropower, not geothermal - I’m pretty sure most countries have rivers. Do your research.

[@Dynamokr]

@@haideelady1 My source is indeed concerned with net energy, not electricity, so I concede on both counts, as you had restricted the scope to electricity only. However, I must note that your reasoning is still not infallible. Hydropower is not the be-all and end-all of renewable energy. Just because you have a river, doesn't mean it is guaranteed to be viable to run hydropower on it; you need to consider so many factors like monthly rainfall and temperatures. Hydropower is also associated with environmental damage and displacement of people involved in the construction of dams. And let's not forget the fact that there exist regions in the world where there literally are no constant rivers. Don't get me wrong: I'm all for increasing the proportion of renewables all over the world, but to be saying that almost every country should be able to do the same as what one very particular country managed to achieve seems to me a very simplistic conclusion. In turn, I find it interesting that you felt the need to bring up grandiose concepts like "rights" in addressing a simple attempt at rebuttal, as misguided as it may have been.

[@Darrf]

Wow Hill Guy got his own TED segment. He is a true legend.

[@samsara801]

To get a standing ovation after a 3-minute talk says it all.

[@t-sq8wk]

first follower were very important but I think being a first follower is something I couldn't do.

[@user-tg6ux1vc9u]

君ならできるさ！

[@user-tg6ux1vc9u]

I think a company can’t start without first follower.l thought a company was made up one person👏👏👏👏👏

[@koyot_inozemez]

1:35 sitting on the fence

[@Drogoempedocles]

I love the lecture. but anyone else see that cheesey OIL ad at the end? Terrible.

[@somestingyontheinternet683]

@Reinhard Heydrich Speaking 5 years later. Heh. Lol.

[@ii-panniik-ii4332]

"*"It's about the movement not you."*

[@koheihashizuka889]

This short speech gives me power.

[@maskeddev]

Where I currently work, we had this video played to us during our two day induction in Canary Wharf. It was the very first video they showed us!!

[@matthewgibbons9975]

Brilliant, remember when that video example from day 1 of its release on KZbin, now it’s being debated on Ted to an even greater audience and following, proof in the flesh that one person really can make a massive difference 👏✅

[@matthewgibbons9975]

Additionally another video was shown before the mass gathering began, someone happened to filming him from another viewpoint and initially another man chooses to film, then “be the second leader” so it was great to see escalating ✅

[@jeffprice767]

this clip reminds me of a movement i started this morning. it was HUGE, multi-colored and powerful.

[@teratoma.]

jeff i want to grab ur attention to this comment

[@diamondpiks]

I have rewatched this so many times and it still amazes me

[@ezlanpowers]

I was definitely there for the video in the beginning. It's from Sasquatch 2013 and it was definitely an awesome trip!!

[@chris_troiano]

I knew that had to be Sasquatch.

[@rishikeshwagh]

It's from 2009

[@eddiev0719]

Wth was that IBM ad about though?!? Pretty much saying let me keep abusing the earth for the earth (us)

[@sarahbee7272]

+Eddie Vazquez the IBM ad threw me off too... this was an excellet talk though

[@1819050]

A to the point entertaining and concise explanation of what leadership is at its core. Favorited!

[@danalee606]

Still the best TED Talk.

[@Jqirus]

I come back to this every once on a while

[@joaquinjorge3455]

I think the leader is the most important in a movement. But more important is to make the first followers believe and support us. You have to give them confidence and show them that they support the right movement. If you have 5 supports, it is easier to multiply the followers. And if you make happy all this support the movement is going to grow.

[@USPresident2050]

This is how you start a KZbin Channel!

[@tedtheyerl5090]

I never really understood what makes a leader effective. This talk explains that! It's the followers, especially the first one (and ones), they and all others are equal. Not better than anyone else. Different talents bring so much to the table, beyond what the leader even knows.

[@rubberchix]

have loved this talk for years, always come back to it

[@powsser]

A well-done short. When I think about what I would say given two minutes, I draw blanks. But this is a powerful message put concisely to a memorable image. It might not change the world, but it gets the job done.

[@m-hc7cg]

I thought that followers have a very important role because,they need strength courage. Also,I don't think it's a role that anyone can play.

[@user-tg6ux1vc9u]

貴方は頭のキレがいいのでファーストフォロワーに相応しいでしょう😂

[@tonyamhughes]

That was the shortest and most effective Ted talk ever!!!

[@with-Milk]

Thank for your sharing. Today I learned how to be a gut. It may be helpful for me in events. When you become a follower, just strongly belive your leader, do not confuse anything. When the leader welcomes you like an equal and you fell comfortable, I think it is a bright side. If it is not, you do not follow them anymore.

[@ahmadhama1981]

One of the most isightful TED Talks

[@MichaelCappelli]

I teach this to my great students to show them how to create a powerful message in a short time!!!

[@goldeennss]

“The first follower is what transforms the lone nut into a leader.” To illustra

[@monicag4551]

great material for my classes, thank you!

[@xperrosinsangrex]

How stupid that guy sounds saying "the challenge is to find more oil"

[@MonkeyRecords]

I haven't watched TED for quite a while and thought I'd check this out and I get 3 minutes of Derek Sivers and then some ridiculous ad for the oil industry. Probably the last time I visit here for a while.

[@user-mh9lb6hw1q]

1.it's important to have the first follower and should improve you skills to make many other followers 2.Believe and support are the best attitude of followers 3.if you become strange enough then you don't need to follow someone

[@roskypolkerkan8355]

My boy Ricky and I called this "warming it up" and took pride in being the 1st one's to hit an empty dancefloor all the time and the results were usually always like this. It's a shame most people need other people to do things 1st before joining in and not listening to their inner instinct to do it themselves.

[@Dexroid]

Cheers to you and Ricky.

[@fonzdaii]

this is the best TEDtalk ever.

[@accessoffice1]

Wonderful......I am am in it right now! YES! A Movement For Women Leaders, Women Executives, How wonderful is that? Leading, Sharing, Writing, Planning, Goals, Results.....YES.....It's truly a MOVEMENT, right on time!

[@kasane1337]

I don't think I'll accomplish my intended revolution by that, but at least it gave me some motivation to be more proud of my ideas - even in 3 minutes already.

[@mafagerstedt8366]

I'll join you comrade

[@kasane1337]

Ma fagerstedt Yeay, now we're 2 already! :D

[@sobitasadullah4517]

Who wants in my communist revolution. First member gets VP

[@monchiexthemonkey6068]

Can we be a monarchy? You can be the king but I want to have a seat at the council

[@kasane1337]

@@monchiexthemonkey6068 no

[@revcheeks]

This guy is clearly telling you to follow. He's not talking about aligning with a common interest and becoming passionate about things you believe in. He's telling you to latch onto something that somebody else is already doing and that you'll be special for it. 0:34 "What (the leader) is doing is easy to follow" 2:20 "Leadership is over-glorified." i'll make sure to fall in line and go back to sleep now Derek. Good talk.

[@xfabkwood9321]

this makes me want to join

[@DarwinFranks]

I can't tell you how much I love this video.

[@Jagnathbaba]

A great dummy guide to start a movement... PS directed to this video by the Book "So good They can't ignore you...".. Loved it.

[@fuchaowang7894]

It's so impressive!! People trace the passionate and inspiration people

[@klubnord7465]

I think my perspective on life changed the day i first saw this clip.

[@carlamariesidhom2857]

This was amazing!!! Thank you!!!

[@siegfried182005]

I love the commercials from TED. They are different from those here in Romania.

[@jordanj1738]

An ad at the end of my Ted talk ?!

[@pstudioproduction]

That is great example. If you made decision keep pushing.

[@criisannaa]

I like this TED. It’s includes a really interesting facts! I’m waiting for new videos

[@1n33dw4t3r]

This is a legendary moment

[@Goodwill72]

I've seen many standing ovations limited to just one person. I can't remember ever seeing just two or three people giving the standing O. Once those few have joined in, all stand.

[@arniesadventures9656]

Did y'all really just promote fossil fuel which induces global warming

[@Cyberbabes]

I was surprised to see an advert for an oil firm. First part was interesting though.

[@blindguymcsqueezy50]

This was AWESOME!

[@user-ro3hv8wt5w]

I totally agree with the statement that the first follwer is often underrated. The first follower should get the same credit as the leader. To join in, you need guts as well.

[@veronicapagano6431]

Repsol and IBM can do one!And TED too for wasting 3 mins of my life!

[@komaki119]

that was awesome, Best vid ive seen for a while.

[@pebre79]

Best Ted talk ever

[@roamingtheblue]

This is the best video ever

[@ayang19701]

It's difficult to be a leader, but it's easy to be a follower. you can be a follower,but you must know what you are doing. I'm the best follower because I'm third one to leave message. It is not easy to be the first follower. To be a follower should have enough courage.

[@DanJanucik]

:25 - :46 1:05 - 1:32 1:40 - 1:56 2:41

[@joshuahill4260]

am i the only one bothered by the fact that the second half of this turns into an advert for the oil industry to keep drilling in harder to reach places?

[@mrtampham]

is there a video on youtube of the one playing in the background with the dancing people?

[@andreabenetton9254]

I think the only thing that is underestimated is the leader: he had the idea, he had the guts to go first, without him there isn’t any movement and the first follower is a follower and not a leader by definition. Also, in a situation like this one, there’s no transformation from a nut to a leader, but it is a movement of people who want to be a nut for five minutes

[@ToxicxGordon]

THAT WAS AMAZING

[@victoriavelascot]

Love this story

[@lw1913]

This was a great one!!!!

[@ArcherJoeJoe]

Inspiring. Love TEDtalks.

[@Food-guru]

We have adopted this "movement" in our new business pitches, and this certainly applies in all aspects of our lives:) Love, Love, the message, the humor, narrator, and video!!!

[@LatianaBlue22]

Great!! Simple way to evoke the importance of something so huge.

[@user-wd9wx6km2r]

This TED gave me the motivation not to give up and continue to stand out in society without fear of being judged

[@olofdrofn]

This is awesome.

[@TheDentist27]

The pro-global warming commercial at the end was touching

[@priced80]

How much was TED paid for the advert at the end? #BecomingSuspicious ... I don't usually do the # thing but I think this deserved it.

[@leam1978]

@mochiam you're deliberately treating your criticisms of the oil industry with their ads as one in the same to try and make a point, all to avoid the simple and practical solution i suggested in the first place. i'm not saying your cricitism of the oil companies isn't valid, but /the internet runs on ads/. they are nearly all unpleasant. the ted ads are very easy to ignore. the talk is brilliant regardless of the ad and it boggles my mind how many people don't seem to get that.

[@LemonLimeLaughter]

@hellasow I'm just making a point on how fast we are using up the oil

[@user-wb6ye1xi2u]

“To believe in God is to know that all the rules will be fair, and that there will be wonderful surprises.” - Ugo Betti

[@priced80]

If they are willing to accept sponsorship from oil companies or companies that have interest in oil exploration etc., then they are also open to censorship of technologies that undermine oil exploration and use. How many TED talks have been rejected or adjusted because the sponsors do not like what is said? I know what these companies are like. They probably want to see all the material that they sponsor before agreeing to pay for the advert and would therefore have a say in what gets rejected.

[@sjcgarnier]

Great presentation from Derek Sivers. Shame about the promotional add afterwards from the oil industry sponsored by IBM. Ironically, it sends a complete opposite message: adopting change can be too difficult. Let's just continue on the same path and digg for all the oil possible.

[@TruptimayaTripathy]

Best illustration of leader

[@jiwoonglee6277]

A lone nut becomes a first leader if he has a follower who is nut

[@sophiamitchell2189]

love your vids!

[@Durchbrechen]

Thank you, Emma.