Learning Into The Future

"A wise book, very much worth reading. Binney and Williams cut to the heart of the paradox wherein a change needs a leader but cannot be imposed on the organization". -- William Bridges, author of Jobshift and Managing Transitions

This ground breaking study challenges the 'top down' change programs that have engulfed many organizations, whether under the banners of 'reengineering', 'TQM', or 'vision and values'. Equally it questions the zealous application of living systems principles to change in organizations and the 'bottom up', 'self directing' approach these principles have encouraged. George Binney and Colin Williams look at the reasons why so many change processes of both types have at best been short-term fixes and at worst they have left work forces angry and frustrated, less likely than ever to give of their best to their company.

The book offers an alternative view of how individuals at all levels shape radical change: how they combine leading and learning in order to lean into the future. Drawing on the experience of more than 100 international companies and public organizations, it shows how successful leaders in change are reaching beyond both the 'top down' and 'bottom up' approaches and bringing together strong leadership with a passionate commitment to learning. These leaders are forthright and listen. They give clear direction and they create space for others to take initiative. They are determined to shape a different future and they havetheir feet on the ground, they are fiercely ambitious and they recognize the limits of what they can do. In their hands these apparent opposites are two sides of the same coin: the more successful they are in giving clear direction and being forthright the more they encourage people to take responsibility and to express their true thoughts and feelings.