Question

In his book Leading Change (HBS Press 1996), John Kotter states: "A strategy of embracing the past will probably become increasingly ineffective over the next few decades. Better for most of us to start learning now how to cope with change, to develop whatever leadership potential we have, and to help our organizations in the transformation process. Better for most of us, despite the risks, to leap into the future. And to do so sooner rather than later." Do you agree with the author? If he is correct, how can we apply that to our own career plans?

Answer 1

I believe that the author is correct in this context because the pace at which business is advancing it will be no point holding the past and continue working at that level because it will not help the organizations to grow. Organizations and leaders have to realize that the organization has to move forward with the pace of the business so that the future is made better. Competition is very high in the industry and therefore in order to sustain, organizations have to be formulating methodologies for the future so that they remain competitive. The pace of advancement is so fast that ideas used yesterday are getting obsolete by today hence we can understand the importance of being enabled and removing the ideas used in the past. As business organizations are advancing we need to advance ourselves as well or else we may actually no more remain relevant in the organization and even in this case past experiences are better not to be considered or else we wont be able to go ahead by accepting the advancements that is happening. An individual needs to be dynamic in order to be successful and therefore advancement and change is mandatory and the person who can accept and adapt to the changes fast will be able to succeed.