Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., probably the most prominent leader of the American civil rights movement, gave us two essential lessons to apply in leading change.

A Compelling Vision

In 1963, while leading the March on Washington, Dr. King delivered his most famous speech – “I Have a Dream”.  It was a compelling vision of an America where all people were treated equally.

Role Modeling an Essential Principle

Dr. King’s entire life exemplified an essential principle to apply in leading change:

“If you’re not making yourself uncomfortable, then you’re not making anyone else uncomfortable.  If you’re not making anyone else uncomfortable, then you’re not changing anything, and you’re probably not leading anything, either”.

Dr. King put himself out there, and I’m sure it made him uncomfortable.  It also made a lot of other people uncomfortable, which caused many of them to rethink their beliefs, and their actions. 

Ultimately, Dr. King’s perseverance and courage changed an entire nation.