Working within the system will not change the system
The problem with the idea that working within a system one person can change the system is that systems are built to maintain a status quo. They self-reguate, self-heal and overwhelm individual efforts to create change, even when that change is necessary. Once a system is in place, it runs much like a perpetual motion machine, always doing what it is supposed to do.
The body is a perfect example of a system. It has a certain temperature that it likes to be. It has a certain weight that it likes to be, and its systems exist to maintain the status quo of those two things. Pathogens can change the body’s temperature for a time, as can prolonged exposure to cold or heat; however, once the pathogens are eliminated or the person changes his or her environment, the body will return to its normal temperature. People can become more active, workout, eat less, but as soon as they stop, their body weight will return to its natural state.
In businesses, the effect of overwhelming individual effort can be seen even when someone with power decides that a change must be made. When a new CEO comes in, he or she will typically try to change things within the company to make it leaner, more profitable and more creative. However, even if that CEO is in place for five years, the changes that he or she implements will dissolve soon after he or she leaves. A very few will stick, but the majority of them will return to what the company was doing before, especially if that company has had a revolving door of CEOs. For individuals, who do not have the power of a CEO, creating lasting change is almost impossible.
The best system is one that has convinced individuals that they can make a difference from within, but it is the rebels, who ignore system rules, that create change. However, if people come together to support each other and work outside of the system, change to the system can become permanent or exist as long as the people are united in the process and goals of the change.
The body is a perfect example of a system. It has a certain temperature that it likes to be. It has a certain weight that it likes to be, and its systems exist to maintain the status quo of those two things. Pathogens can change the body’s temperature for a time, as can prolonged exposure to cold or heat; however, once the pathogens are eliminated or the person changes his or her environment, the body will return to its normal temperature. People can become more active, workout, eat less, but as soon as they stop, their body weight will return to its natural state.
In businesses, the effect of overwhelming individual effort can be seen even when someone with power decides that a change must be made. When a new CEO comes in, he or she will typically try to change things within the company to make it leaner, more profitable and more creative. However, even if that CEO is in place for five years, the changes that he or she implements will dissolve soon after he or she leaves. A very few will stick, but the majority of them will return to what the company was doing before, especially if that company has had a revolving door of CEOs. For individuals, who do not have the power of a CEO, creating lasting change is almost impossible.
The best system is one that has convinced individuals that they can make a difference from within, but it is the rebels, who ignore system rules, that create change. However, if people come together to support each other and work outside of the system, change to the system can become permanent or exist as long as the people are united in the process and goals of the change.