Chapter 5: The Role of Resonance, Activation, and Cultivation in Leading Change and Transformation

One of the focal topics of concern to leaders and those who study leadership is individual, group, organizational, community, and societal change. It is well-known that changes of various kinds are occurring continuously within our bodies, relationships, workplaces, and within the world at large. These are triggered by biological, environmental, economic, legal, organizational, or societal factors that are in many ways natural and uncontrollable. Other changes, however, result from purposeful efforts to influence individuals and social processes. Depending on the context, these various initiatives seek to promote or undermine the acceptance of particular ideas, behaviors, perspectives, ideologies, aspirations, technologies, or policies. From the perspective presented in this volume, we would say that the effectiveness of these efforts depends on the design and implementation of messages, processes, strategies, and structures that successfully engage and activate – or, over the longer term, cultivate – desired sensibilities and sensitivities.