ROLES THAT LEADERS PLAY

There are various views about the role a leader should play in the change process (see Table 4.1):

• The machine metaphor implies that the leader sits at the top of the organization, setting goals and driving them through to completion.

• The political system metaphor implies that the leader needs to become the figure-head of a powerful coalition which attracts followers by communicating a compelling and attractive vision, and through negotiation and bargaining.

• The organism metaphor says the leader’s primary role is that of coach, counsellor and consultant.

• The flux and transformation metaphor says the leader is a facilitator of emergent change.

How does the leader of a change process ensure that all the necessary roles are carried out? Should the leader try to perform all these roles personally, or select a specific role for him or herself and distribute supporting roles amongst his or her colleagues?