Change How Organizations Achieve Hard-to-Imagine Results in Uncertain and Volatile Times

Transform your organization with speed and efficiency using this insightful new resource 

Incremental improvement is no longer sufficient in helping organizations navigate the complexity, uncertainty and volatility of today’s world. In Change: How Organizations Achieve Hard-to-Imagine Results in Uncertain and Volatile Times, authors John P. Kotter, Vanessa Akhtar, and Gaurav Gupta explore how to create non-linear, dramatic change in your organization. You’ll discover the emerging science of change that teaches us about how to build organizations – from businesses to governments – that change and adapt rapidly. 

In Change you’ll discover: 

• Why the ability of organizations to deal with threats and take advantage of opportunities in the face of ever greater complexity and uncertainty is being severely challenged 
• In-depth, evidence-based, actionable solutions for dealing with institutional resistance to change 
• Case studies and success stories that describe organizations who have successfully built the ability to change quickly into their DNA  
• A universal approach for how to dramatically improve outcomes from various change efforts, including: strategy execution, digital transformation, restructuring, and more 

Perfect for managers, executives, and leaders at companies of all types and sizes, Change will also prove to be a valuable asset to other professionals who serve these organizations. This book is for anyone seeking a proven approach for delivering fast, sustainable and comprehensive results. 

JOHN P. KOTTER is the Konosuke Matsushita Professor of Leadership, Emeritus, at Harvard Business School and a New York Times bestselling author. He is Co-founder of the management consulting firm Kotter International and the author of 21 books.

VANESSA AKHTAR works at Kotter International, specializing in guiding clients through their transformation journey. She also helps drive Kotter’s ongoing research and development efforts.

GAURAV GUPTA works at Kotter International and is a Co-founder of Ka Partners. He specializes in change leadership and strategy execution. He researches and develops successful approaches to large-scale change implementation.

Preface ix

Part I Introduction 1

Chapter 1 Threats and Opportunities in a Rapidly Changing World 3

Chapter 2 The Emerging Science of Change 17

Part II There is a Better Way to Accelerate: 37

Chapter 3 “Strategic Planning” That Delivers Results 39

Chapter 4 Digital Transformation That is Truly Transformational 61

Chapter 5 Restructuring Without Killing Innovation and Your Future 79

Chapter 6 Cultural Change That Helps You Adapt 101

Chapter 7 Mergers and Acquisitions That Create Real Value 125

Chapter 8 Agile Methodologies That Build Sustained and Scalable Agility 143

Chapter 9 Broad Social Initiatives That Can Help Billions 159

Part III In the End, It is Mostly About This 175

Chapter 10 More Leadership from More People 177

Chapter 11 The New Normal 199

Notes 209

Acknowledgments 219

About the Authors 223