Competencies for changemaking, social innovation, and sustainability

We hear the term “changemaker” thrown around a lot, but what does it actually mean?

And more importantly, how can each of us become one? There’s a really insightful article I came across recently that breaks this down into four key abilities that every changemaker should develop. So, let’s unpack these abilities and see how we can all start applying them in our lives.

What is a Changemaker?

Before we get into the specifics, let’s talk about what it means to be a changemaker. A changemaker is someone who sees opportunities where others see problems, someone who takes action to create positive change in their community, workplace, or even the world. It’s not just about big, headline-making initiatives—being a changemaker can be as simple as making a small, yet meaningful impact in your daily life.

But here’s the thing: being a changemaker isn’t just about having good intentions. It’s about developing certain abilities that help you turn those intentions into real, tangible outcomes. That’s where the four changemaker abilities come in. Let’s break them down.

Empathy

The first ability is empathy. Now, empathy isn’t just about feeling sorry for someone—it’s about deeply understanding their emotions, perspectives, and experiences. It’s about putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and seeing the world from their point of view.

Why is empathy so important for a changemaker? Well, if you’re trying to solve a problem or create change, you need to understand the people you’re trying to help. You need to know what they’re going through, what their challenges are, and what they truly need. Without empathy, you might end up creating solutions that miss the mark or, worse, make things even harder for the people you’re trying to help.

So how do we develop empathy? It starts with listening. Really listening. Ask questions, be curious, and approach every interaction with an open mind. Don’t assume you know what someone is going through—take the time to learn and understand.

Cognitive Empathy

The second ability is what the article calls cognitive empathy. This takes the idea of empathy a step further. While emotional empathy is about understanding and sharing someone’s feelings, cognitive empathy is about understanding how someone thinks. It’s about grasping their mindset, their beliefs, and how they make decisions.

Cognitive empathy is crucial for effective communication and collaboration. When you can see things from someone else’s perspective, you can anticipate their reactions, address their concerns, and build stronger, more effective partnerships. Whether you’re leading a team, negotiating with a partner, or trying to rally support for a cause, cognitive empathy helps you connect with others on a deeper level.

To develop cognitive empathy, practice perspective-taking. Try to understand why someone thinks the way they do. What experiences have shaped their views? How do their values influence their decisions? By understanding the “why” behind someone’s actions, you can engage with them more effectively and create solutions that resonate with their needs.

Self-Agency

The third ability is self-agency. This is all about taking control of your own actions and decisions. It’s about recognizing that you have the power to make a difference, no matter how small your actions might seem.

Self-agency is what turns intentions into actions. It’s what drives you to step up and do something instead of waiting for someone else to take the lead. It’s about believing in your ability to create change and having the confidence to take risks, even if the path isn’t always clear.

Developing self-agency starts with a mindset shift. Stop thinking of yourself as a passive observer and start seeing yourself as an active participant in creating change. Set goals, make plans, and take small, consistent steps toward making a difference. Remember, every big change starts with small actions.

Creative Problem-Solving

The fourth and final ability is creative problem-solving. This is where innovation comes into play. Being a changemaker often means finding new solutions to old problems. It’s about thinking outside the box, challenging the status quo, and coming up with ideas that others might not see.

Creative problem-solving requires you to be open-minded and willing to experiment. It’s about embracing failure as a learning opportunity and not being afraid to pivot when things don’t go as planned. The most successful changemakers are those who can adapt, iterate, and keep pushing forward, even when the going gets tough.

To build your creative problem-solving skills, start by challenging your assumptions. Ask yourself, “Is there another way to look at this problem?” Surround yourself with diverse perspectives, and don’t be afraid to take risks. Remember, creativity thrives when you’re willing to step outside your comfort zone and explore new possibilities.

Conclusion: Bringing it All Together

So, there you have it—the four abilities that every changemaker needs: empathy, cognitive empathy, self-agency, and creative problem-solving. These aren’t just abstract concepts—they’re practical skills that you can start developing today.

Being a changemaker isn’t about having all the answers or making a huge impact right away. It’s about taking small, intentional steps to make the world a better place, one action at a time. Whether you’re volunteering in your community, leading a project at work, or just trying to be a better friend, these abilities will help you navigate challenges, connect with others, and drive meaningful change.

So, I challenge each of you to think about how you can apply these abilities in your own life. How can you be more empathetic? How can you take more control of your actions? What creative solutions can you come up with to solve the problems you see around you?