John Kotter is often described as the world’s foremost authority on leadership and change.  So what does this guru believe is the key to successful change?  Just take a look at the title of his new book, A Sense of Urgency. 

According to Kotter, creating urgency is the first step in any change effort.  It’s also often overlooked.  Many companies suffer from complacency – an overdose of self-confidence that causes myopic views.  Other organizations are plagued by a false sense of urgency – hectic activity driven by fear.  Successful companies, on the other hand, experience what Kotter calls “true urgency”.  True urgency is driven by a deep determination to win, not anxiety about losing.

 So how do you go about creating a true sense of urgency?  Kotter’s book presents four specific tactics, such as “bring the inside in” and “act with urgency every day.”  

Get a preview of the book by watching this video clip.