"新しい秩序を導入する際の主導権を握ることほど、取り組みが難しく、実行が危険であり、成功が不確かなものはない。"

Introducing something new, whether it's a groundbreaking idea, a revolutionary product, or a transformative way of doing things, is one of the toughest challenges you can face. Essentially, changing the status quo isn’t just risky—it’s fraught with uncertainty and danger.

Think back to when this was said by Niccolò Machiavelli in "The Prince" during the early 16th century. He was a political thinker who lived in a time of great upheaval in Italy. His world was one where power dynamics could shift overnight, and introducing new ideas or strategies was a high-stakes game. If you put yourself in his shoes, you can see why he’d stress the difficulty and peril of leading change. He wasn’t just theorizing—he was observing the brutal reality of Renaissance politics.

Now, let’s take a real-life example to ground this idea. Think of Steve Jobs and the introduction of the iPhone. Back in 2007, the mobile phone industry was dominated by companies like Nokia and BlackBerry. These devices were primarily used for calls, texts, and some basic internet browsing. Jobs envisioned something different—a sleek, touchscreen device that combined a phone, an iPod, and an internet communicator all in one. It was a radical departure from what people were used to.

The risk was enormous. Apple was betting big on this new direction. If it failed, it could have been disastrous for the company. People were skeptical; tech experts doubted its practicality, and even within Apple, there were voices of dissent. But Jobs pushed forward, fully aware of the peril and uncertainty. And we know how that turned out—the iPhone revolutionized the tech industry and changed how we communicate, work, and entertain ourselves.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? First, be prepared for resistance. People are naturally inclined to stick with what they know because it's comfortable and familiar. When you’re introducing something new, whether it's a new process at work, a groundbreaking project, or even a lifestyle change, expect skepticism. Don’t let it dishearten you. Understand that this resistance is part of the journey.

Second, have a clear vision and be passionate about it. Your belief in your idea or change has to be strong enough to weather the storms of doubt and criticism. Be ready to adapt and pivot if necessary—flexibility can mean the difference between success and failure.

Lastly, build a coalition of supporters. Change is hard, but it’s easier when you’re not alone. Find allies who believe in what you’re doing and can help you champion the cause. Their support can provide both practical help and emotional encouragement.

Imagine you’re trying to introduce a new way of working in your office—say, a switch to a fully remote model. You're excited, but many of your colleagues are apprehensive. They worry about communication breakdowns, decreased productivity, and losing the camaraderie of office life. You present your case passionately, showing them how remote work can offer greater flexibility, higher job satisfaction, and even increased productivity. You address their concerns, maybe suggesting trial periods or hybrid models. Over time, you win over a few key influencers in your team, and together, you advocate for the change. It’s tough, there are setbacks, and not everyone is convinced immediately, but you keep pushing forward—just like Steve Jobs did with the iPhone.

In the end, remember: the path to meaningful change is rarely smooth, but it’s those who dare to lead and navigate through the uncertainty that often create the most lasting impact.