Strategy implementation: we got the people factor wrong! How to lead your saboteurs, groupies, double agents and mavericks

Abstract

Purpose

Challenges the notion that people resist change and puts forward a strategy for getting the majority of people in an organisation to support a change initiative.

Design/methodology/approach

Identifies four main groups within organisations – saboteurs, groupies, double agents and mavericks – and puts forward opinions on how best to lead each group.

Findings

Argues that mavericks need to be supported and rewarded for their contributions, groupies must be driven and encouraged, double agents have to be persuaded and convinced and saboteurs must be handled carefully and effectively and must not be allowed to become the focal point of leadership efforts.

Practical implications

Reveals that, with the right management styles, most people will support or go along with organisational changes.

Originality/value

Contends that leaders must lead from the front when dealing with saboteurs, lead from the middle with groupies, and lead from behind with mavericks. Double agents can be convinced only through actions.

Citation

Speculand, R. (2006), "Strategy implementation: we got the people factor wrong! How to lead your saboteurs, groupies, double agents and mavericks", Human Resource Management International Digest, Vol. 14 No. 6, pp. 34-37. https://doi.org/10.1108/09670730610690376