Change Leader: Learning to Do What Matters Most

CHANGE LEADER

WE LIVE IN A CHALLENGING, COMPLEX, inter-connected and unpredictable world beset by a range of seemingly insoluble problems. But, says Michael Fullan―an internationally acclaimed authority on organizational change―we have an increasing understanding of how to tackle complex change. This involves developing a new kind of leader: one who recognizes what is needed to bring about deep and lasting changes in living systems at all levels. These leaders need a deep understanding of what motivates us as human beings and how we tap into and influence other people’s self-motivation.

In his previous best-selling books The Six Secrets of Change, Leading in a Culture of Change, and Turnaround Leadership, Michael Fullan examined the concepts and processes of change. In Change Leader he turns his focus to the core practices of leadership that are so vital for leading in today’s complex world. He reveals seven core practices for today’s leaders, all of which appear to be deceptively simple but actually get to the essence of what differentiates a powerful leader from one who is merely competent:

• Practice Drives Theory
• Be Resolute
• Motivate the Masses
• Collaborate to Compete
• Learn Confidently
• Know Your Impact
• Sustain Simplexity

Throughout the book Fullan argues that powerful leaders have built bedrocks of credibility, have learned how to identify the few things that matter most, and know how to leverage their skills in ways that benefit their entire organization. The author shows leaders how to avoid policies and strategies that focus on shallow and short-term goals and develop leadership skills for long-term success.

With a wealth of illustrative examples from business, education, nonprofit, and government sectors Change Leader provides a much-needed leadership guide for today’s turbulent climate.

Praise for Michael Fullan’s Change Leader

“This is a terrific book―hugely engaging, grounded in evidence, easy to remember and apply, and full of practical common sense. It will have powerful resonance for all of us in leadership roles who want to become better leaders.”

―STEVE MUNBY, chief executive, National College for School Leadership, England

“Change Leader reflects the wisdom and insights that can only come from someone who has been deeply immersed in the change process for decades. Fullan has de-mystified organizational change and the leadership necessary to implement and sustain it. Leaders of organizations large and small should use this book to guide their day-to-day work.

―RICK DUFOUR, educational author and consultant

“Michael Fullan’s deep insights about organizational change will take business leaders to new heights of motivation and performance. Within a diverse world, many of the core elements and themes in Change Leader, such as impressive empathy, political savvy, collaborate to compete, purposeful action, pressure and positive support, deliberative practice, and sustain change and improvement will serve leaders who strive to stand apart from the crowd.”

―AVIS GLAZE, president, Edu-quest International Inc.