Provocation as Leadership: A Roadmap for Adaptation and Change

To create deep change, you have to disturb people, or at least risk doing so. Shaking people out of their comfort zones not only generates the possibility of change but also elicits new information and brings out hidden resources that people need to navigate unfamiliar waters. We illustrate, for example, how two Australian farmers challenged centuries-old farming practice to regenerate their properties and how a large American bank used the death of a revered CEO to reinvigorate the business.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 12 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

To create significant and lasting change, it is essential to challenge the status quo and disrupt the comfort of individuals or groups. Shaking people out of their familiar patterns and routines not only opens up the possibility of transformation but also uncovers new insights and untapped resources that are crucial for navigating unfamiliar waters. However, provoking without causing antagonism or shutting down others and tolerating their pushback presents complex challenges that require skill, determination, and a deep understanding of human behavior.

This comprehensive guide aims to provide a roadmap for effective provocation as a leadership tool. It explores why provocation is necessary for driving meaningful change, the various forms of provocation that can be employed, practical action tools and frameworks, and inspiring case studies showcasing how change has been achieved through the sustained and thoughtful use of provocation and disturbance.

We will illustrate how two Australian farmers challenged centuries-old farming practices to regenerate their properties, how a large American bank used the death of a revered CEO to reinvigorate the business, how a young indigenous school principal tackled entrenched attitudes to turn a failing school around, and how a national statistical service acted like a technology start-up to innovate during the COVID-19 pandemic. These case studies highlight change at both local and national levels, within organizations and communities.

In conclusion, Provocation as Leadership offers a valuable blueprint for individuals and organizations seeking to ignite change and propel their communities or organizations toward a brighter future. By embracing the power of provocation, we can unlock new possibilities, disrupt the status quo, and foster a culture of continuous learning and growth.

Weight: 498g
Dimension: 246 x 174 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032342535