A diamond is a chunk of coal that stood up under pressure. Carat’s Organizational and Administrative Leadership (COAL) program is a diamond in the rough—experiencing strong political pressure from multiple sides. As the state’s premiere educational leadership preparation program, expectations are high. While striving to live up to its national ranking and flagship university status, COAL is feeling the heat—to improve and to be unique, cutting-edge, and innovative. This case raises questions regarding strong, persistent leadership; faculty resistance; and the nature of the change process. Force field analysis, a classic approach in change theory, is suggested as one effective decision-making model.
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