Machiavelli: Change Management


Machiavelli, (The Prince), is often thought of as a ruthless and unscrupulous adviser, but look more closely and it's clear that he knew a thing or two about change management and the difficulty of innovation.

Writing on The New Order of Things Machiavelli said;

And let it be noted that there is no more delicate matter to take in hand, nor more dangerous to conduct, nor more doubtful in its success, than to set up as a leader in the introduction of changes.  For he who innovates will have for his enemies all those who are well off under the existing order of things, and only the lukewarm supporters in those who might be better off under the new.  This lukewarm temper arises partly from the fear of adversaries who have the laws on their side and partly from the incredulity of mankind, who will never admit the merit of anything new, until they have seen it proved by the event.

or in the simple much quoted term;

It must be considered that there is nothing more difficult to carry out, nor more doubtful of success, nor more dangerous to handle, than to initiate a new order of things.

For those trying to introduce a new order of things in systems, the words of Machiavelli writing nearly 600 years ago ring true with remarkable mirrored resonance. It seems that nothing much changes across time. For Machiavelli and the leaders of today, introducing change remains a dangerous occupation. It will be met with resistance, direct opposition, apathy. Not only will change be rejected, you will too, unless you introduce a new order of things that engages with the people and the culture of the place you're in.

Remember change is a process not an event.  All living systems identify themselves according to their past experience, this means that change is not only a threat to the old order of things, it's also a threat to identify. Change will be resisted. To succeed change needs ownership and  support- but to be the first follower takes courage.

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