Large and small organizations have a culture that, at times, becomes stagnant. The culture prevents innovation and begins to lose market share. Opportunities are missed because they are blind to new ways of thinking. Others have tried and failed to change the corporate culture.

You have a great idea. You have convinced sales and marketing (or they you) about the possibilities of potential revenue. Yet, you feel like a unicorn in a balloon factory (SG). People are afraid of your idea. People are afraid of making the change of the status quo. People fear the risk...envisioning always the worst (lost job, lost benefits, more work, longer hours). Worst yet, the company itself does not tolerate failures. New ideas cost time and money with the unknown outcome being too much of a risk. Those that promote new ideas are squashed...transferred to be in charge of emptying waste-paper baskets.

Yet, you and any of your supporters feel that the idea will make a difference. You feel passion for your idea. You have the desire to change the organization for the better. You can see the potential and the positive impact it will have on your team, group, division, and maybe company. You want to instigate the change in your organization. Better to fail spectacularly than do something mediocre (RP).

Check your ego at the door. Too many projects create dependence that helps no one in the long run (JN). Solutions to change the business must be driven by discipline, accountability and market strength (JN). Your job is to provide business people with skills, knowledge and networks they need to tackle tough problems. If you pass this test, you are ready to embark on a journey that will grow you even more than the impact it will have on the company.

What do you do?

First, define a sticky story: A short story with a clear focus on the outcome or product. A story that others will remember and be able to help you reach your goal because they understand what the final outcome and are empowered to make decisions to reach that goal (CDH). When there's an elephant in the room introduce him (RP). Build a vision for the people and recognize that no single source of leadership will make it happen (JN).

Secondly, find people to whom you can tell the story. You need to spread the hope. You need to form a tribe of followers (SG). Organizations do change and flourish only when influenced by many hands and forces (JN). The people that are the least like you are the people you need the most (JN). Leadership requires leading people not like you (JN). Individuals that bring their best get better by joining with others that are the best at something else (JN). It doesn't matter what you call them as long as you treat them with respect (JN). Offer something that creates a community (JN) in the business area. Coworkers have a responsibility to one another. The best community consists of the best of everything...one person at a time (JN).

This is not easy. If you want to achieve your dreams, you had better learn to work and play well with others (RP). You need to get them as excited as you are about the possibilities. You need to entice them with benefits their efforts will have in achieving your dream. Providing incentives for people to do the right thing matters a great deal (JN).

Thirdly, have a plan. A plan that illustrates: where you are today, where you want to go (your vision) and how you are going to make that transformation. Use this plan as a guide. Change is rarely so straight-forward (JN). Expect delays; especially if you are forcing a new way of thinking or doing (JN). Be grateful for little successes but never satisfied as if it's the best to be (JN).

You can't get there alone. People have to help you and I do believe in karma. I believe in paybacks. You get people to help you by telling the truth. Being earnest (RP). The most important skill for anyone is to be the best listener ever (JN). You will hear fear and other obstacles that will need to be addressed in order for change to occur. Most people are uncomfortable taking continual risks and imagining a future others cannot see (JN).

Watch your back. Keep your goal ever present in your mind (EN). You can tell the pioneers by the arrows in their backs. But at the end of the day, a whole lot of people will have a whole lot of fun (RP).

Becoming attuned to how others function and make decisions is a critical skill (JN). Those in power and are afraid of losing it will use any means necessary not to lose it (JN). Those who want power will use any means to get it (JN). Never defend an implausible position. Instead, ask why it is implausible. What's the real objection (JN)?

The brick walls are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something. Because the brick walls are there to stop the people who don't want it badly enough (RP). Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted (RP). Let the work teach you. Your mistakes will provide you great wisdom. Throughout your journey, question your ideals. Are they countervailing forces that are preventing long-term success. So often we ask ourselves and others the wrong question (JN).

Having someone believe in you makes all the difference in your success (JN). Does the business community and management believe in you? When you talk to management...are you calling for advice or just providing information. Be clear (JN). Are the reams of paper confusing? If so, you have an opportunity to succeed by merely simplifying (JN).

Before you start...

This article is a compilation of quotes from individuals that have changed a culture. Their words and wisdom will help you to succeed in making a difference on a small or large scale. Nothing ever achieved was achieved without inspiration (EN). I recommend that you start by reading and listening to these change agents. Read a page a day. Listen to 5 minutes when you feel fatigued and are questioning if the journey you are on is worth the effort. Don't bail: the best gold is at the bottom of barrels of crap (RP).

• SG: Seth Godin: Tribes: we need you to lead us.
• CDH: Chip & Dan Heath: Made To Stick: Why some ideas survive and others die.
• EN: Earl Nightingale: Lead The Field.
• JN: Jacqueline Novogratz: The Blue Sweater: Bridging the gap between rich and poor in an interconnected world.
• RP: Randy Pausch: The Last Lecture.