Leading Change

Kotter describes his vision for successful organizations in the 21st century. These organizations will have a consistent sense of urgency to keep them adapting as changes take place rapidly in their industry. Teamwork is crucial, and Kotter imagines a firm in which teams are promoted, rather than individuals, therein removing big egos and snakes. Organizations will need to prioritize leadership to communicate broad visions, but they will also need to empower employees and delegate management effectively. Kotter describes a flattened hierarchy that disperses responsibility and power among a broad base of employees. This structure avoids issues of middle management holding back change or enforcing older traditions and rules, and it allows for swifter and easier adaptation to new change efforts. Additionally, Kotter says this new organization will remove all unnecessary interdependence between teams or departments, allowing for further adaptability over time. Kotter emphasizes that while these goals may seem unachievable, companies are already restructuring and reorganizing to meet these criteria for future success.

Kotter concludes by noting the importance of leadership moving into the 21st century. From a traditional perspective, leadership is a rare and innate talent. Kotter, in contrast, argues that leadership can be cultivated.