I would add one important distinction to your correct assessment. For the person driving the change it’s a process. For everyone participating in the change, it’s an experience. And because we can only experience things in the context of our previous experiences, it will take time to get the change to take completely. Some people will embrace things quickly; most will sit on the fence for a while to see if the change is a fad that can go away. But with reinforcement over time, they’ll come around. I’m a big fan of John Kotter’s model of change management; and this is reflected in his model.

Mike

Did I miss anything?

1) you’ve been able to build a team with a shared dream/purpose

or

2) you have worked with each team member to understand and help them internalize how the change helps make THEIR dream come true.

Because of current skills-focused hiring practices, usually you have to do the latter to effect a change throughout the organization. Unfortunately, many managers don’t want to go to this level of effort, and the change doesn’t stick.

How’s that?

Mike – You are absolutely right. My way or the highway is a terrible way to lead, to manage, to live. So what alternatives are there? Our way or no way? We’re in this together, so let’s not try to sink? I personally like “Teamwork makes the dream work.” What about you?

You have learned well. Particularly points two and three; two realities of change that most managers don’t want to be bothered with. “My way or the highway” is easy, but not very effective in the long run.

Mike