The Power of the Determined Minority
What strikes me most about the American Revolution is that only 40-45% of colonists identified as patriots. The rest were either neutral (the complacent) or Tories (15-20%) who actively supported the British crown. Yet the determined weren’t discouraged by being outnumbered.
The determined fought. And they won.
Even more fascinating? The complacent ultimately enjoyed the benefits of freedom that the determined few secured through their sacrifice and commitment. This pattern repeats throughout history and in our organizations today.
When the complacent outnumber the determined, the determined still make the difference.
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This Dynamic in Modern Organizations
In our companies, this imbalance between the determined and the complacent may be even more pronounced. From my experience working with numerous organizations, I’ve observed that:
- A small percentage of truly determined employees often drive most of the innovation and progress
- Many team members fall into comfortable patterns of complacency
- Some may actively resist positive change (our modern “Tories”)
Yet despite these challenges, the determined continue to row harder, push boundaries, and create success that benefits everyone—including those who weren’t pulling their weight.
A Message for the Determined
If you count yourself among the determined, I want to encourage you: don’t give up. Your determination matters more than you know. There will always be complacent colleagues and even those working against your vision, but history shows that the determined typically win.
Your efforts create ripples that extend far beyond your immediate impact. Just as those 150 militiamen couldn’t have imagined how their stand would contribute to a nation’s freedom, your determination today creates possibilities others can’t yet see.
True Freedom Through Determination
This reflection reminds me that true freedom isn’t about doing whatever we want. Rather, genuine freedom is the ability to serve others on our own terms, not because we’re forced to do so.
Our country isn’t perfect—no place this side of heaven is. But I’m grateful for the freedoms we enjoy because a determined minority refused to accept complacency when facing overwhelming odds.
As you face your own challenges this week, remember Charlotte’s 150 determined patriots. When the complacent outnumber the determined, bet on the determined every time.
