Aug 2000
People in an organization do not embrace change at the same time. According to Everett Rogers’ classic book, “Diffusion of Innovations,” people adopt “innovations” according to the various stages of a normal, bell-shaped curve (see chart).
Jul 2000
Even when a major change is clearly necessary and beneficial, it is stressful and painful for people. Change causes adjustment, discomfort, disruption and dislocation. A vital part of the process of implementing change involves motivating and supporting people. Continue Reading »
Dec 1999
To successfully lead organizational change, leaders must understand how people react to change. They must also formulate an appropriate change strategy. This Letter will deal with both these issues.
Dec 1999
Leaders lead their constituents somewhere different from where they are already. Thus, the essence of leadership is change. Consequently, leaders must understand the change process and how change is achieved.
Nov 1999
In the last Leadership Letter, we introduced the important subject of change, detailing five specific reasons for resistance to change. Continue Reading »
Oct 1999
The next Leadership Letters will deal with change. Leading change is one of the most difficult leadership responsibilities. It is also one of the most important. The world around us is constantly changing, and to be effective in it our organizations must change too. Organizations that do not change rapidly become irrelevant and impotent. Moreover, to fully exploit the many opportunities that lie before us requires organizations that are nimble, quick and lively. The top leadership team usually leads major change in an organization, but any member of the organization can initiate change or contribute to its success. Continue Reading »
Oct 1998
In their classic book, “The Leadership Challenge,” James Kouzes and Barry Posner set forth the five fundamental practices of exemplary leaders.
When they are at their best, successful leaders:
Our next Leadership Letters will briefly examine each of these five practices. Continue Reading »
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