Nuance: Why Some Leaders Succeed and Others Fail

by Michael Fullan

Break the cycle of surface-level change and failure

How do leaders become clearer as complexity increases? We live in a world where decisions require judgment, getting people on board, drawing on local knowledge, ingenuity, and commitment. As leaders, how do you get beneath surface-level change to tackle complex challenges with depth and clarity.

Nuance is the answer.

Michael Fullan returns with an eminently readable, compelling and practical guide on the three habits of joint determination, adaptability, and culture-based accountability. Learn how you

·         Combine the power of networks and humanity to get to desired destinations.

·         Embrace complexity and understand context to develop better judgment

·         Change the culture of your organization to harness the forces of nuance.

·         Develop quality change that sticks

With tons of examples and case studies of this book makes explicit the hidden habits and mind frames of leaders who deliver lasting change.

Genres: Leadership, Education, Nonfiction

152 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 20, 2018

Reviews

[Christopher Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't love everything in here. In particular, I have a hard time with Michael Fullan's apocalyptic visions of the future, and I have a difficult time following his reasoning at times. But I think I've gone away with a better understanding of what makes a good education leader. Not being an administrator, I still feel like I've learned a lot about how I can help my school grow. I love the idea of a nuanced leader down in the trenches with the rest of the school. So although I didn't love the experience of reading the book, I feel like I'll be a better school leader because of it.

[Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes it feels like Fullan is more interested in churning out books than in providing substance. There's good stuff in here... really good stuff... but you have to dig to find it.

He loses his way about 2/3rds of the way into the book, but he finds it again by the end. Either he didn't articulate the connections well enough, or he gets lost on his soap box for a bit. I'm not sure which.

Having said all that, there are some "leaders" I know who I really wish would read this book. The biggest take-away for me is, "You have to show up."

[Osborneinri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I put this down for a couple of weeks but was glad I came back to it. The back half was particularly good, useful, and timely. Lots for me to think about as we look at inequities in public education and what can and ought to be done to ensure that all kids learn deeply.

[Histteach24 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Concept was interesting. Makes you think who is surface leaders versus nuanced in your organization. Also makes you wonder where you stand. Good thoughts with case studies. I just wish there were more specifics in the case studies-like what did the leaders do that worked? I would not take those ideas and implement as that would keep me at the surface or may not work for my school, but instead springboard off of it in a bit of book mentoring.

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn’t love it at first but eventually appreciated the case studies and general messages. It was more a summary of other peoples research and experience but the case studies were an excellent reminder that top down seldom works and empowering people can lead to transformational change. I actually visited Moorsville, NC so I appreciated the connection to my experience there!

[Josh Dean · Rating 4 out of 5]

While a lot of the writing was either name-dropping, referencing the author’s other publications or referencing other academic articles, some of his ideas did resonate with me. Chapters 1 and the 5, the first and last chapters, I would read again. I would particularly recommend reading those two chapters to anyone needing a boost in their motivation to lead others.

[Kelly Milkowich · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although the author has good ideas of how leaders need to look at the specifics of their building/ district rather than simply plug and playing the newest initiative, it is filled with flowery jargon that loses the reader. The case studies are not specific on how the leader looked at the nuance of their district.

If interested in the topic, 8 Paradoxes of Leadership Tim Elmore is a great read.

[Adam Eastley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Trash

[Dave Moyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another solid offering by Fullan. Some repetitive themes for those of us who have followed for a while, but in a contemporary context, and relevant as ever.

[Jordan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This text was not compelling; the case studies lacked depth and there was an overemphasis on "go read this over book I wrote."

[Megan McKellar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fullan outlines the characteristics of nuanced leaders through a range of case studies, both within Canada and outside.

[Brandy Kolling · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pretty good read for a grad course!

[Laura Smith Ramsborg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some solid kernels amidst a lot of lofty theory. Mine for the gold and put it to work in your change efforts.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael Fullan books are always worth a read. This book has been selected as a BCPVPA professional book club book for the 2019-2020 school year.