Niccolò Machiavelli wrote this in The Prince, published in 1532:
There is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things; because the innovator has for enemies all those who have done well under the old conditions, and lukewarm defenders in those who may do well under the new.
You’ll encounter the Machiavelli Effect many times in your career. It’s always going to be present when power accrues to one group over another. Sometimes you’ll be the innovator. Sometimes you’ll realize you’re on the side of the resistance, or the “lukewarm defender” role.
You’ll be able to spot it frequently once you understand the pattern. Then you can decide what you need to do: persist, support, or resist.
