For decades now I have been watching this "champions theory" unfold in company after company. It sounds like a great idea. A person to run around and evangelize, clear out any land mines, and keep the momentum driving forward.
The problem, is that is rarely works.
Mid level or senior level champions rarely have the power to clear mines and maintain momentum just on their say so. And when they do, they often (for whatever reason) do not have the courage to make it happen.
What is more, change cannot be ordered...it has to be voluntary. (In some form)
I often feel sorry for people who are assigned as champions. This generally means:
a) You're on your own now.
b) Good luck, if it all falls to pieces we will know where to look.
c) A recipe for months of frustration, and ultimately resignation to the inevitable on behalf of the champion.
It is not uncommon to see champions lose total drive to push an initiative forward after being met with continual resistance and opposition. Or worse, they leave...
And when they leave there is nobody else there to carry on the fight, and often nobody left who actually understands what needs to be done.
Not champions - Movements
What we need instead of champions, are movements. leaders who can inspire others to give of themselves in order to achieve something greater than what exists today.
Have a look at the video here from YouTube. This is a great example of how movements are formed. From one brave soul, to two, then three.
And finally, after drip drip drip for ever, the dam breaks and instead of a trickle it becomes an overwhelming flood. (This might even be what is happening in Iran right at this moment)
Enjoy the video, not standard Reliability Engineering stuff...
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