Can One Person Change a Large Company?
Large companies are inherently resistant to change. They have established ways of doing business, hierarchical bureaucratic structures, and institutional inertia that favors the status quo. However, it is possible for a single determined and visionary person to drive meaningful change at a big company.
Here are a few ways one person can change a large Company:
Have a compelling vision.
For an individual to spark change, they need to have a clear vision for how the company can operate differently and better. This vision needs to be compelling enough to inspire others and drive people’s actions. The vision should be bold but also pragmatic.
Build a coalition of support.
No one can change a big company on his own. He needs to recruit others to support his vision. This starts by finding people who share their beliefs and values about the need for change.
A united group can work together to overcome obstacles and resistance. As the coalition grows in size and influence, real change starts to happen.
Start with small wins.
Don’t aim to overhaul the entire company at once. Take on bite-sized changes that can build momentum over time through small wins. Each small change and quick victory builds belief in the vision and appetite for more change. It also allows time for people to adapt to and accept the changes at their own pace. With enough small wins, the company’s transformation can come to pass.
Influence leaders and decision-makers.
In large companies, the people at the top ultimately drive which changes get adopted. An individual needs to make a persuasive case for change with leaders and executives. This may involve presenting data and evidence, bringing external perspectives, and appealing to changing business conditions or future opportunities.
Leaders must see that there are benefits to supporting the proposed changes.
Make a case for urgency.
Big companies tend to move slowly, so individuals pushing for change need to establish a sense of urgency. They must show why change needs to happen now rather than being put off into the future. Crises often spark urgency, so they can highlight the crises and risks of not changing. But they can also point to market dynamics, competitive threats, customer demands, and more that make the need for change time-sensitive.
One determined and persuasive individual, armed with the right vision and approach, can absolutely change a large company. But it requires bringing others on board, earning support from key leaders, establishing the need for change, and taking on changes gradually through small wins.
With consistency and persistence, real transformation is possible, even in the largest and most set-in-their-ways of organizations.