A Profession of Dilettantes?
The role of change management professionals is pivotal in guiding organisations through complex change and transformations. Exceptional change management professionals are invaluable, bringing a holistic approach that successfully navigates the complexities of organisational transformation. Their ability to engage leadership, leverage critical resources, and drive sustainable change sets them apart from the growing legion of pretenders.
However, we must confront a troubling reality: the prevalence of change management dilettantes. These individuals flit about the profession without the necessary depth of understanding or commitment, contributing to the staggering rates of failure in change initiatives worldwide. Their superficial engagement often manifests as an overly optimistic, “happy-clappy” attitude, glossing over the complexities and challenges inherent in genuine organisational change. This façade can quickly crumble in the face of resistance from senior leaders who are more invested in maintaining the status quo than in embracing the necessary evolution.
A Profession of Dilettantes?
Refers to individuals who engage in change management practices without a deep understanding, commitment, or passion for the discipline. They dabble in the field without serious intent or expertise, treating change management as a trendy career pivot rather than a serious professional discipline requiring continuous learning, deep expertise, and genuine organisational understanding. This lack of genuine commitment not only undermines their effectiveness but also exacerbates the already high failure rates of change initiatives globally.
"Change management dilettantes often exhibit an overly optimistic and unrealistic attitude, presenting initiatives in a superficial manner that disregards the inherent complexities and challenges. This lack of depth not only undermines the credibility of the change process but frequently leads to expensive predictable failure."
Change Management Charade® - Leadership of Change® Volume 8:
As we navigate this landscape, it is imperative that we elevate our standards and expectations. Change management is not a game; it is a serious responsibility that demands excellence. I invite you to explore these themes in greater depth in my book, Change Management Charade® - Leadership of Change® Volume 8. Let’s move beyond the charade and commit to being true effective and proactive change leaders. The future of our organisations and their employees depends on it.
About the Book:
Leadership of Change® Volume 8 outlines the consequences of failed organisational change, which are direct and undeniable, affecting not only organisations but society as a whole. The book explores the twelve key protagonists involved in the pretence of change implementation. The author explores the primary causes of this charade, along with the associated risks and unintended consequences faced by each protagonist. Senior leaders merely pay lip service to change, delivering hollow speeches about new initiatives that ultimately yield little impact. Others may have a dilettante approach and offer simplistic solutions that sound motivating when working with change receptive employees. Their approach to change underestimates the significant effort and dedication needed from an exceptional team; it requires broad collaboration among stakeholders and must be driven by effective, proactive change leadership and sponsorship. This volume exposes the absurdity of this pretence and calls for a genuine leadership of change revolution to break the cycle of futile change management.
"The absurd pretence of organisational change management, where its leaders, sponsor, change team, consultants, and eight other protagonists create a pleasant and respectable appearance of change implementation, knowing that their approach will not deliver success."
Find Out More the Leadership of Change® Volume 8:
Link to Amazon.com:
Peter consults, speaks, and writes on the Leadership of Change®.
He works exclusively with boards, CEOs, and senior leadership teams to prepare and align them to effectively and proactively lead their organisations through change and transformation.
For insights on navigating organisational change, feel free to reach out at Peter.gallagher@a2B.consulting or schedule a free consultation
Peter F. Gallagher is a leadership guru, change management global thought leader, organisational change authority, international corporate conference speaker, 15X author, and C-level change leadership.
Listed #1 by leadersHum Top 40 Change Management Gurus You Should Follow in 2022 (Mar 2022).
Ranked #1 Change Management Global Thought Leader: Top 50 Global Thought Leaders and Influencers on Change Management (2024-2023-2022-2021-2020) by Thinkers360.
Listed #15 in the “Top 30” for Global Gurus Leadership (2024) by Global Gurus.
Ranked #1 Business Strategy Global Thought Leader: Top 50 Global Thought Leaders and Influencers on Business Strategy (2022) by Thinkers360.
Ranked #6 Leadership Global Thought Leader: Top 50 Global Thought Leaders and Influencers on Leadership (April 2024) by Thinkers360.
Business Book Ranking
Change Management Behaviour - Leadership of Change® Volume 6, listed among the 50 Books from Thinkers360 Thought Leaders to read in 2022.
Change Management Adoption - Leadership of Change® Volume 5, listed among year-to-date’s (Jul 2021) most popular books on business and technology from Thinkers360 member thought leaders.
Change Management Handbook - Leadership of Change® Volume 3, listed among the 50 Business and Technology Books from Thinkers360 Thought Leaders to read in 2021.
Change Management Pocket Guide - Leadership of Change® Volume 2, ranked within the top 50 Business and Technology Books (Jan 2020) from Thinkers360 Thought Leaders.
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