From the ill-fated dot-com bubble to unprecedented merger and acquisition activity to scandal, greed, and, ultimately, recession -- we've learned that widespread and difficult change is no longer the exception. By outlining the process organizations have used to achieve transformational goals and by identifying where and how even top performers derail during the change process, Kotter provides a practical resource for leaders and managers charged with making change initiatives work.

Includes new preface by the author. Originally published in 1996. First published in 1996.

Transforming organizations: Why firms fail -- Successful change and the force that drives it -- Establishing a sense of urgency -- Creating the guiding coalition -- Developing a vision and strategy -- Communicating the change vision -- Empowering employees for broad-based action -- Generating short-term wins -- Consolidating gains and producing more change -- Anchoring new approaches in the culture -- The organization of the future -- Leadership and lifelong learning.