Discussion-Achieving Results

When executing change, should the leader solely rely on intuition and experiential savvy toward building the case for change and delivering the execution of the plan; or should the leader use a specific framework or process model for implementing change? Understanding the change models is critical toward recognizing what specific path will lead to a successful outcome. Namely, the leader must recognize the characteristics of a situation and assess resources that are available to institute the change and concurrently assess the intrinsic power inherent within building solid relationships with followers.

The genesis of modern leadership has evolved and advanced over time through refinement of models such as Fiedler's Contingency and Normative Decision as well as those associated with a relationship basis. While historical precedence with leadership development cannot predict the efficacy of future application of the aforementioned models, the leader must study the success and failures of the past in order to adapt and apply these various models successfully.

Fiedler's Contingency Model states that leadership effectiveness is directly related to the match between the style of leadership and circumstances governing the situation such as organizational culture, discussed in the prior lecture. The Normative Model, also known as the Vroom-Yetton Leadership Model, states that decision-making styles should be related to a style of leadership. These decision-making styles such as autocratic, consultative, or group must directly correlate to the type of leadership required for the specific situation. Kotter's Change Model suggests that the central issue surrounding change is never strategy, structure, culture or systems, but is always about changing the behavior of the people (Deuschman, 2005).

Regardless of the model that a leader chooses, it is important that they are able to quickly assess the internal and external drivers of change in their organization and make the best decisions on how to implement change based on that assessment.