The Seven Arts Of Change : Leading Business Transformation That Lasts by David Shaner
In Summary Vijay Ramachandran
The Seven Arts Of Change : Leading Business Transformation That Lasts
By David Shaner
Published by Sterling.
Rs 400
“He who rejects change is the architect of decay. The only human institution which rejects progress is the cemetery.” So said former British Prime Minister Harold Wilson some years ago.
Why, I wonder do humans resist change so much, preferring the status quo despite all indication that it is but an illusion. When our state of mind varies from moment to moment, where is the case for staying with the norm? But then, survival was never obligatory!
Combining Western business savvy with Eastern philosophy, David Shaner’s book makes a compelling argument that organizational change does not have to come at the cost of an individual’s personal spiritual development. His mantra for successful and sustainable change is to take it beyond the superficial and root it deep within the talent that organizations are a pool of.
Read on for excerpts from reviews of this book from two of your peers who heartily recommend it.
CIO REVIEWS Expand all | Collapse all
N.Chandrasekaran Special Director-IT, Ashok Leyland
The author employs a unique approach to “institutionalizing change”; it is all about attaching a purpose to what everyone does; perceiving culture as a collective mind, a summation of intangibles reflected by a people’s heart, mind, feelings and expectations. Change is not about managing crisis, but a holistic approach, which values everyone’s intrinsic desire to perform, deliver and grow. He points to the path by seeking answers to six questions; then super-imposes them with seven arts. The ‘Art of Compassion’, for instance, is about looking at oneself as an integral part of a system than a distinct element thus multiplying positive energy! And, the ‘Art of Conscious Action’ helps people stay connected to their deepest selves rather than being dictated by others. On the whole, The Seven Arts of Change doesn’t feel like a book but a live interaction. Shaner equips you with diagnostic capability; letting you discover unique medicine yourself. His philosophy of looking at the world in an “absolute” and not “relative” sense endears us closer to a spiritual approach to change management.
Ratnakar Nemani Group CIO, Himatsingka Seide
Writing a book on art is not as easy as one on science. The author is however manages to do this job elegantly. His book delves into providing solutions for change management issues that both corporates and individuals face. As a seventh degree black belt of the Ki-Aikido martial art, Shaner’s counsel is invaluable with regard to controlling emotions, relaxing during stressful situations and using energy generated from the spirit. He’s done a great job translating intangible business theory into tangible real-life situations. I agree with the author that change requires not just hard work but also new ways of execution. As Charles Darwin said: “It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the most responsive to change”. I personally feel that handling one’s ego is the only intangible barrier for any change. A little more on dealing with this might have helped complete the book.
