Brutal Quote by Rosabeth Moss Kanter
“Competition has never been more threatening than it is now. Innovative thinkers challenge the status quo in their organizations. They are often viewed as "troublemakers." They threaten the defenders of the status quo. So competition within an organization can also be brutal. The most effective leaders overcome "the ideology of comfort and the tyranny of custom" by being change agents themselves. They encourage and reward innovative thinking. I have observed that people only resist changes imposed on them by other people.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Change Masters, Rosabeth Moss Kanter, 1983
Organizations resist internal competition because it threatens entrenched habits; effective leaders must become change agents and reward innovation.
In simple terms: Change is hard when people feel threatened; leaders must model and reward new ideas.
Key Takeaway
Lead by example and reward innovation.
Themes
change
leadership
innovation
competition
culture
Mood
cautious
optimistic
Type
advisory
inspirational
When to use this quote
- Corporate restructuring
- product development teams
- strategic planning sessions
- innovation workshops
Key Concepts
Organizational dynamics
psychology of resistance
change management
Questions to Reflect On
- How can leaders reduce fear when introducing competition?
- What incentives best encourage innovative thinking?
A Different Perspective
Change can be slowed by fear of loss of status or job security.
