In the latest article for Leadership, Professor Keith Grint examines the General Council meetings of 1647–49 as a masterclass in ‘Whole System Change’.
How did a 17th century revolutionary army pioneer modern concepts of systemic transformation?
The contemporary world of management often treats “Whole System Change” as a modern invention, a product of 21st century complexity. However, as Professor Keith Grint argues in his latest research. The blueprint for radical, systemic shifts was actually drafted in the heat of the English Civil War.
His new paper, “Whole system change and the English New Model Army’s General Council meetings 1647–49”, takes us back to the pivotal Putney Debates and the revolutionary General Council. It explores how a military force transitioned from a tool of the state into a political body capable of reimagining a nation.
The Laboratory of Leadership: 1647–49
During the period between 1647 and 1649 was not merely a military campaign. It was a profound social and organisational experiment. The New Model Army (NMA) faced a ‘Wicked Problem’ of unprecedented scale. How to maintain unity while demanding radical political representation.
Grint’s analysis focuses on the General Council meetings, where ‘Grandees’ (officers) and ‘Agitators’ (elected representatives of the rank and file) sat together to debate the future of England.
Key Insights from the Article:
- Distributed Leadership in Action. How the NMA moved beyond traditional hierarchy to incorporate the voices of the ‘led’ in the highest levels of decision-making.
- The Mechanics of Legitimacy. Why the ‘Agreement of the People’ represents an early attempt at a social contract within a complex organisation.
- Managing Polarisation. The tension between radical change (the Levellers) and pragmatic stability (Cromwell and Ireton) as a precursor to modern change management conflicts.
Why 17th Century History Matters to 2025 Leaders
Many modern organisations struggle with ‘top-down’ change that fails because it lacks the ‘bottom up’ buy in. The New Model Army succeeded, for a time, because it created a space for genuine dialogue across the entire system.
By studying these historical meetings, Grint highlights that Whole System Change is not just about changing structures, but about changing the conversations that define those structures.
“The New Model Army did not just fight for a new England; they debated it into existence. Their General Council meetings provide a rare window into how leadership functions when the traditional chains of command are broken.” — Professor Keith Grint
A Contribution to Critical Leadership Studies
This article bridges the gap between Historical Sociology and Organisational Development, proving that to understand the future of leadership, we must deeply understand its radical past.
Read the Full Publication
The complete article, detailing the intricate power dynamics and systemic shifts of the NMA, is available now through Sage Journals.
Read: Whole system change and the English New Model Army’s General Council meetings 1647–49
Leadership Posts
For more recent leadership posts by Professor Keith Grint, head to the leadership page.
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