Niccolo’ Machiavelli, the famous early 16th century politician and writer wrote “We must bear in mind, then, that there is nothing more difficult and dangerous, or more doubtful of success, than an attempt to introduce a new order of things in any state.”
He continues: “For the innovator has for enemies all those who derived advantages from the old order of things, whilst those who expect to be benefited by the new institutions will be but lukewarm defenders. This indifference arises in part from fear of their adversaries who were favoured by the existing laws, and partly from the incredulity of men who have no faith in anything new that is not the result of well-established experience. Hence it is that, whenever the opponents of the new order of things have the opportunity to attack it, they will do it with the zeal of partisans, whilst the others defend it but feebly, so that it is dangerous to rely upon the latter.”
He was very much into Change Management before the name was invented. His approach to the balance of strength in change initiatives is quite useful. It is also to be seen in corrupt systems where corrupted officials will defend their situation and change will be difficult.
Supporting the zeal of those favorable to change is absolutely essential, as is the need to move the opinion of those that are more or less neutral. That’s the only way to win over change.
