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Change Leadership vs. Change Management

Often one hears the term “change management” to describe the process of
organizational change. However, there is a difference between “change
management” and “change leadership” that’s not just a matter of
semantics. According to John Kotter, a leading management consultant,

these terms are not interchangeable. The distinction between the two is
actually quite significant. Change management, which is the term most
often used, refers to a set of basic tools or structures intended to keep any
change effort under control. The goal is often to minimize the distractions
and impacts of the change. 225 Change management is a structured
approach for ensuring that changes are thoroughly and smoothly

implemented, and that the lasting benefits of change are achieved.

Change leadership, on the other hand, concerns the driving forces, visions,
and processes that lead to the transformation of the organization. Change
leadership is concerned with making the whole change process go faster,

smarter, and more efficiently. Change management tends to be more
associated—at least, when it works well—with smaller changes rather than
a major transformation. 226

Change leadership is also more about the urgency for getting everyone in
the organization to want to make something happen. It is too easy to get
comfortable with the status quo and to resist change. Frequently, a

challenging vision can stimulate movement, especially if the people in the
organization are empowered to move forward.

However, as good as change leadership can be in getting things moving, it
also has the potential to get things a little bit out of control. It is impossible

to ensure that everything happens in an expected or desired way at a time
that is wanted. On the other hand, if leaders don’t constantly drive change,
their organization will lose its effectiveness and its support from its
stakeholders and funders.

225 http://www.forbes.com/sites/johnkotter/2011/07/12/change-management-vs-change-leadership-whats-
the-difference/.
226 http://www.forbes.com/sites/johnkotter/2011/07/12/change-management-vs-change-leadership-whats-
the-difference/.

David Kolzow 232