Leadership in change and the wisdom of a gentleman

Abstract

Resistance to change is a centerpiece in the traditional change agenda. The author argues that resistance to change is not a basic part of our make‐up and he uses the example of his grandfather’s life to provide examples of the many dramatic changes that have successfully impacted on people’s lives during the twentieth century. The author outlines the leadership inadequacies that result in change initiatives being rejected. Central to these leadership problems are a lack of vision, limited integrity, lack of courage, inappropriate language, limited understanding of true empowerment, and only a passing commitment to leadership as service. The argument concludes that while many modern leaders have been trained in the what and the how of change, the real problem lies in the fact that the why and the who gains remains largely mute.