Leading Change, Overcoming Chaos: A Seven Stage Process for Making Change Succeed in Your Organization

In this interesting if imperfectly developed work, management consultant Heifetz tackles issues involved in initiating and implementing change in business and non-profit organizations. Noting that--no matter how great the initial enthusiasm and support for change--the impetus often dies out before the goals are reached, he tries to distill the elements of lasting change. The author analyzes change targets, ideas, leadership and ways of dealing with forces opposed to change (``chaos'') and develops a ``change cycle management'' model. His theses on ``political opponents'' and vision statements, ``a holistic view of the proposed change,'' are stimulating. Unfortunately, Heifetz's case studies are fragmented; and the seven-part matrix could be difficult to implement outside his carefully crafted humane environment. ``The means suggested so far have all been `soft' . . . I have, however, a definite bias toward these more humane means.'' The book needs greater exploration of its exciting ideas. (Mar.)