Abraham Lincoln
“If it is difficult to change the behaviour of people so they are healthier and live longer, how difficult will it be to change employee workplace behaviour”
👏 Happy Friday!
On this day, June 16th, 1858, newly nominated senatorial candidate Abraham Lincoln addressed the Illinois Republican Convention in Springfield and warned that the nation faced a crisis that could destroy the Union. Speaking to more than 1,000 delegates in an ominous tone, Lincoln paraphrased a passage from the New Testament: “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” Lincoln’s speech, now commonly known as the “House Divided” speech, highlighted the growing tensions between the Northern and Southern states over the issue of slavery. He argued that the nation could not continue to be half-slave and half-free, suggesting that the United States would ultimately become either entirely slave or entirely free. This speech is considered to be one of Lincoln’s most significant and prophetic addresses. It helped solidify his reputation as a prominent figure in the Republican Party and set the stage for his subsequent presidential campaign. In 1860, just two years after delivering the “House Divided” speech, Lincoln was elected as the 16th President of the United States.
✅ Abraham Lincoln famously told us, “Human nature will not change.” This quote has been referenced in various settings, including speeches, articles, and historical accounts. The quote serves to remind us that, despite advancements in technology and changes in societal norms, human behaviour and motivations have remain largely consistent throughout history. Overcoming our negative tendencies, such as hate, prejudice, and selfishness, is the key to creating a better world. The challenge lies in recognising our flaws, acknowledging them, and working to overcome them in pursuit of a brighter future in our personal, social, and work lives. Human Nature’s Change Challenge.
“If it is difficult to change the behaviour of people so they are healthier and live longer, how difficult will it be to change employee workplace behaviour"
👉 Human behaviour is the most underrated element in workplace, social, and environmental change. Behaviour change is sometimes required for an organisation to successfully deliver change or transformation to achieve sustainable change and benefit realisation. To change behaviours, the organisation must support employees through the change transition by implementing five key change behaviour life cycle steps: Recognise, Redesign, Resolve, Replicate and Reinforce using the a2B5R® Employee Behaviour Change Model.
Have a fantastic weekend with the ones you love and care for, enjoy some fresh air, exercise, eat, drink and be happy.
Further Reading: Change Management Behaviour - Leadership of Change Volume 6
Peter consults, speaks, and writes on the Leadership of Change®.
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Peter F Gallagher is a Change Management Global Thought Leader, Guru, Expert, International Speaker, Author and Leadership Alignment Coach.
Listed #1 by leadersHum Top 40 Change Management Gurus You Should Follow in 2022 (Mar 2022).
Ranked #1 Change Management Global Thought Leader: Top 50 Global Thought Leaders and Influencers on Change Management (2023-2022-2021-2020) by Thinkers360.
Ranked #1 Business Strategy Global Thought Leader: Top 50 Global Thought Leaders and Influencers on Business Strategy (2022) by Thinkers360.
Ranked #2 Leadership Global Thought Leader: Top 50 Global Thought Leaders and Influencers on Leadership (Aug 2020) by Thinkers360.
Business Book Ranking
Change Management Behaviour - Leadership of Change® Volume 6, listed among the 50 Books from Thinkers360 Thought Leaders to read in 2022.
Change Management Adoption - Leadership of Change® Volume 5, listed among year-to-date’s (Jul 2021) most popular books on business and technology from Thinkers360 member thought leaders.
Change Management Handbook - Leadership of Change® Volume 3, listed among the 50 Business and Technology Books from Thinkers360 Thought Leaders to read in 2021.
Change Management Pocket Guide - Leadership of Change® Volume 2, ranked within the top 50 Business and Technology Books (Jan 2020) from Thinkers360 Thought Leaders.