Forthcoming Case Study

Good Will Hunting: Hunting for Change, Haunting for Hunting

Abstract:
What triggers a non-obligatory change initiative? Perhaps Gerald Lambeau (Lambeau) and Sean Maguire (Sean) in the movie Good Will Hunting have the answer. These two professors, as shown in the movie, are inspired to bring out an out-of-turn change when they come across Will Hunting (Will) who is blessed with super intelligence. Lambeau spots Will at MIT, where Will works as a janitor. Ironically, Will is not willing to use or show his intelligence. Rather he is defensive in nature. Lambeau commissions Sean to bring out a positive change in Will. Despite Will’s resistance to change, Sean is able to bring out a change in Will. How can a change agent lead a non-obligatory change initiative especially when the subject of change is stubborn and least receptive to change?

Pedagogical Objectives:

• To analyse the psychology and circumstantial necessity of a selfless and non-incumbent change initiative
• To study the characteristics of successful change agents when they try to change individual behavior
• To understand the style and substance of change initiatives meant for Will Hunting (Matt Damon), who is clearly focused and who never gives in for even the best of the logical reasoning and emotional appeal

Keywords :  Change Management, Non-obligatory Change Initiative, Resistance to Change, Overcoming resistance to change, Leading Change, Change Agent, Good Will Hunting, Modifying Individual Behaviour, Change Management Styles, Leading Change Initiative,

Course:  Leadership Skills and Change Management

Concept:  Non-Obligatory/ Out of the Turn Change Initiative, Overcoming Resistance to Change

Industry:  Academics

Key Focus:  Modifying Individual Behaviour