Change, Part 4
I thought I would share an online article by Rosabeth Kanter called "The Enduring Skills of Change Leaders." The abstract in the Harvard Business Review states, “Leaders use seven leadership skills in conceiving and managing change projects, whether innovations in established organizations, culture and process changes, or entrepreneurial ventures for industry or social change. The skills leaders need are different at various phases of change projects. Offers details and also discusses the rhythm of change and resistance to change.”
Ms. Kanter says that leaders can order change, but the kind of change that is long lasting is built slowly throughout the organization with input from many people. People cannot be forced to change. Change comes from people using their imaginations and working together. People from many levels need share goals. She outlines seven classic skills useful for leaders.
1. Tuning in to the environment.
2. Challenging the prevailing organizational wisdom.
3. Communicating a compelling aspiration.
4. Building coalitions.
5. Transferring ownership to a working team.
6. Learning to persevere.
7. Making everyone a hero.