Leadership Case Study

Goodwill Hunting: Hunting For Change, Haunting for Hunting?

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Abstract:
What triggers a non-obligatory change initiative? Perhaps Gerald Lambeau (Lambeau), professor of Mathematics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Sean Maguire (Sean), a psychiatrist, in Good Will Hunting, have the answer. These two professors are inspired to bring out an out-of-turn change when they come across Will Hunting (Will) who is blessed with extraordinary intelligence. Lambeau spots Will at MIT where the latter works as a janitor. Ironically, Will is reluctant to use or show his intelligence and is rather defensive in nature. Lambeau commissions Sean to persuade Will to understand his capabilities. Despite Will’s resistance to change, Sean is able to bring about a change in Will. This case study discusses how a change agent can 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-obligatory change initiative
• To study the characteristics of successful change agents especially in trying to change individual behaviour
• To understand the style and substance of change initiatives meant for Will Hunting who is focused and never gives in to even the best of the logical reasoning and emotional appeal

Keywords : Change Management, Resistance to Change, Organizational Change, Motivation, Motivating Employees, Leading Change, Change Agent, Change Management Styles, Leadership in Change Management, Movie-Based Case Studies, Goodwill Hunting

Contents:

• Abstract
• The Necessity for Change
• W Will: ill: L Least east R Receptive eceptive T To o Change
• The Meaning of Change