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NORTHCENTRAL UNIVERSITY
ASSIGNMENT COVER SHEET
Name Colonel Robert G. Morris, III USA (Retired)
Management 5016
Dr. Olin O. Oedekoven
Course ID Number
Faculty Mentor
Leading and Managing Change
Final Assignment – Leading and Managing
Change. A Comparison of the Legions of
Course Title
Imperial Rome and the XVIII Airborne
Corps Of The American Army.
Assignment Number/Title
Learner Comments:
Sir, thank you for the opportunity to complete this project. I enjoyed this course and learned a great deal about managing change.
Faculty Comments:
Right down to the last minute I see! Wow – probably the best paper I’ve read for this course. Extremely well done! Best to you this holiday season and perhaps I’ll “see” …show more content…
Olin O. Odekoven
November 20, 2005
Leading and Managing Change
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Abstract
Using selected references, the course textbook, case studies, interviews British, German and American World War II and Gulf War Veterans; and research gained from investigative trips to Europe the Middle East, and Southwest Asia; this paper examines the relationship of leadership and change management, by conducting a comparison and contrast between the Army of Imperial Rome, during the period 60-100 AD, and The Army of the United States, 1944-2000.
It examines both the internal and external forces of change and their impact on the weapons, training, tactics, and the conduct of selected field operations. It argues that only through the application of a systematic process of change, coupled with forceful leadership, can change management ensure battlefield victory and post combat stability. The paper concludes by establishing a distinct correlation between successful battlefield operations, competent, forceful, caring leadership, and well planned and flawlessly executed strategies for change.
Leading and Managing Change
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Leading and Managing Change. – A Comparison and Contrast of the Legions of Imperial …show more content…
Total victory was achieved in less than 100 hours, due in large part, to a managed process of changed imitated some 12 years before by leaders that were tough, resourceful, forward thinking, and demanding of high standards. (Craddock, B 1992)
Conclusions.
Extensive and detailed plans for change management must be made a permanent part of any organizational strategy if it is to survive and win.
Strategically, change planning must at minimum, be embedded in organizational culture. This fact is amply illustrated by the changes originated by Marius, Julius
Caesar and Caesar Augustus, which are still in use today.
Organizational leaders must be forward thinking, savvy risk takers, demanding of high standards, and have care and compassion for their subordinates. This leadership component is absolutely critical, as good leadership can salvage bad plans but no amount of good planning can be saved by poor leadership.
Soldiers thrive on charismatic and fair leadership of their officers. It is