These terms are often confused in regular use. In reality they are quite different. That is why, when I saw this clip by John Kotter explaining the difference, I thought I would share.
Watch “The Difference Between Change Management and Change Leadership”
“Change management … refers to a set of basic tools or structures intended to keep any change effort under control. The goal is often to minimize the distractions and impacts of the change. Change leadership, on the other hand, concerns the driving forces, visions and processes that fuel large-scale transformation.”
Change leaders have to go beyond vision. They need to spend a lot of financial and human capital as well as time harnessing coalitions for change. How one harnesses coalitions is also important. Amongst other things, a leader must possess large amounts of emotional intelligence and an inclination to act inclusively. I agree with Mr. Kotter, we have few change leaders in the world. We need more.
