Great leaders understand that historical success tends to produce stable and inwardly focused organizations, and these outfits, in turn, reinforce a feeling of contentment with the status quo.
John P. KotterRead
Outsiders have the intuitive ability to continually view problems in fresh ways and to identify ineffective practices and traditions.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Outsiders can see issues from new perspectives, helping to challenge outdated ways of thinking.
This quote emphasizes the value of having an outsider's perspective when tackling problems within organizations. Outsiders are often able to critically evaluate existing practices and offer innovative solutions, as they are not bound by the same traditions and biases that may limit those within the organization. Their fresh viewpoint can lead to significant improvements and breakthroughs.
Themes
OutsidersPerspectiveProblemsInnovationLeadership
In practice
Example use cases
During a team meeting focused on improving workflow, this quote could encourage team members to consider outside opinions.
More from John P. Kotter
All quotes βWe are always creating new tools and techniques to help people, but the fundamental framework is remarkably resilient, which means it must have something to do with the nature of organizations or human nature.
John P. KotterRead
Managers are trained to make incremental, programmatic improvements. They aren't trained to lead large-scale change.
John P. KotterRead
Because management deals mostly with the status quo and leadership deals mostly with change, in the next century we are going to have to try to become much more skilled at creating leaders.
John P. KotterRead
Those in leadership positions who fail to grasp or use the power of stories risk failure for their companies and for themselves.
John P. KotterRead
Many years ago, I think I got my first insight on how an incredibly diverse team can work together and do astonishing things, and not just misunderstand each other and fight.
John P. KotterRead
Similar quotes
One of the recurring themes in Marcus' handbook is leadership's responsibility to work intelligently with what it is given and not waste time fantasizing about a world of flawless people and perfect choices.
Marcus AureliusRead
One can lead a nation only by helping it see a bright outlook. A leader is a dealer in hope.
Napoleon BonaparteRead
A good leader can engage in a debate frankly and thoroughly, knowing that at the end he and the other side must be closer, and thus emerge stronger. You don't have that idea when you are arrogant, superficial, and uninformed.
Nelson MandelaRead
On a film set, there are runners who are 19, it's their first job, but to me they're as important as anybody else because if they don't do their job then nobody else can. So I don't think anybody should be treated disrespectfully or as if they're of a lower status.
Jim CarterRead
Today, more than ever, citizens demand with good reason that moral and ethical principles be upheld and that exemplariness preside over our public life. And the king, as the head of state, must not only be an example but also a servant to that just and legitimate demand of the citizens.
Felipe Vi Of SpainRead
We must be silent before we can listen. We must listen before we can learn. We must learn before we can prepare. We must prepare before we can serve. We must serve before we can lead.
William Arthur WardRead