Great leaders understand that historical success tends to produce stable and inwardly focused organizations, and these outfits, in turn, reinforce a feeling of contentment with the status quo.
John P. KotterRead
Managers are trained to make incremental, programmatic improvements. They aren't trained to lead large-scale change.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the difference between management and leadership, highlighting that managers often focus on small, systematic changes rather than driving significant transformations.
John P. Kotter's quote points out a critical distinction in organizational dynamics: while managers are skilled in overseeing day-to-day operations and making gradual improvements, they often lack the training or ability to initiate and lead substantial changes that are necessary for evolution and progress within an organization. This suggests that effective leadership requires a different set of skills that goes beyond traditional management practices.
Themes
ManagementLeadershipChangeIncrementalTransformation
In practice
Example use cases
In a business seminar discussing the importance of leadership in times of change.
More from John P. Kotter
All quotes →We are always creating new tools and techniques to help people, but the fundamental framework is remarkably resilient, which means it must have something to do with the nature of organizations or human nature.
John P. KotterRead
Because management deals mostly with the status quo and leadership deals mostly with change, in the next century we are going to have to try to become much more skilled at creating leaders.
John P. KotterRead
Outsiders have the intuitive ability to continually view problems in fresh ways and to identify ineffective practices and traditions.
John P. KotterRead
Those in leadership positions who fail to grasp or use the power of stories risk failure for their companies and for themselves.
John P. KotterRead
Many years ago, I think I got my first insight on how an incredibly diverse team can work together and do astonishing things, and not just misunderstand each other and fight.
John P. KotterRead
Similar quotes
Always do everything you ask of those you command.
George S. PattonRead
I’d rather interview 50 people and not hire anyone than hire the wrong person.
Jeff BezosRead
There are only four types of officer. First, there are the lazy, stupid ones. Leave them alone, they do no harm…Second, there are the hard- working, intelligent ones. They make excellent staff officers, ensuring that every detail is properly considered. Third, there are the hard- working, stupid ones. These people are a menace and must be fired at once. They create irrelevant work for everybody. Finally, there are the intelligent, lazy ones. They are suited for the highest office.
Erich Von MansteinRead
In the scheme of our national government, the presidency is preeminently the people's office.
Grover ClevelandRead
Try never to be the smartest person in the room. And if you are, I suggest you invite smarter people... or find a different room. In professional circles it's called networking. In organizations it's called team building. And in life it's called family, friends, and community. We are all gifts to each other, and my own growth as a leader has shown me again and again that the most rewarding experiences come from my relationships.
Michael DellRead
Our young people look up to us. Let us not let them down. Our young people need us. Saving them will make heroes of us all.
Gale SayersRead