What kind of leader is best suited to lead an organization out of active inertia?
The most promising candidates are familiar with the company’s business without being trapped in the existing success formula. They are often what I call “inside-outsiders,” such as Jack Welch-a lifetime GE employee who came from a peripheral business, Jorma Ollila at Nokia who knew the company intimately as its banker but was not locked into its existing commitments. Their personal values and professional backgrounds are consistent with the anchor chosen and the commitments made. And they don’t try to do it all themselves. They surround themselves with a strong and diverse team. And they have the necessary support, tenure, and incentives to succeed in this leadership role. If these criteria don’t fit, then it’s dangerous to undertake the transformation.
