Does Excellent Management Impede Change?
Firstly, let’s differentiate between “Management” and “Leadership”.
1) Focus:
Management focuses on the current state, aiming to ensure stability and efficiency.
Leadership focuses on moving the organisation towards new horizons.
2) Function:
Management aims to produce order and consistency.
Leadership aims to produce change and movement.
3) Approach:
Management involves planning and budgeting routines, organising and staffing structures, and controlling resources in the pursuit of predictability.
Leadership involves setting the direction, aligning people by communicating the vision, and inspiring them to overcome hurdles.
So, in the debate on whether top-notch organisation management stifles or supports change, it’s crucial to delve into the heart of what makes companies thrive or falter in times of transformation; and to realise that an excellent management may be focusing on maintaining the current state, order, consistency and predictability.
The crux lies in culture and leadership.
Exceptional management goes beyond mere oversight, to foster an environment where innovation and change are not just welcomed but seen as pillars of growth.
Yet, the reality is stark; not every organisation harbours an adaptive culture.
While some businesses excel in crafting a milieu where change is an opportunity for advancement, many (many) others remain shackled by outdated practices and a resistance to the new.
The distinguishing factor often boils down to how leaders instil values of flexibility and continuous improvement.
Leadership is less about managing change and more about embodying the principles that encourage, embrace, and gain opportunity from, change.
So, the finest organisation management propels change by nurturing a culture that views adaptation not as a hurdle (and contrary to its remit) but as a stepping stone to enduring success.
Does yours? What’s your view? Please DO comment below.
Barry Eustance CMgr MCMI
Kotter Change Leader Certified
Principal Consultant – The Sixsess Consultancy
Empowering Clients to Seize Opportunity from Change
https://sixsess.org
