Today in News History
On July 13, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 574, John III, pope of the Catholic Church passed away. In 1863, American Civil War: The New York City draft riots begin three days of rioting which will later be regarded as the worst in United States history. In 1893, They Even Fear His Horses, American tribal chief (born 1836) passed away. In 1973, Watergate scandal: Alexander Butterfield reveals the existence of a secret Oval Office taping system to investigators for the Senate Watergate Committee. In 1977, New York City: Amidst a period of financial and social turmoil experiences an electrical blackout lasting nearly 24 hours that leads to widespread fires and looting. In 1980, Seretse Khama, Botswana lawyer and politician, 1st President of Botswana (born 1921) passed away. In 1990, Lenin Peak disaster: a 6.4-magnitude earthquake in Afghanistan triggers an avalanche on Lenin Peak, killing 43 climbers in the deadliest mountaineering disaster in history. In 2016, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom David Cameron resigns, and is succeeded by Theresa May. In 2020, Zindzi Mandela, South African politician, diplomat, and third daughter of Nelson Mandela (born 1960) passed away. In 2024, President of the United States Donald Trump is injured in an assassination attempt while speaking at an election campaign rally near Butler, Pennsylvania. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.
3 hidden reasons why leaders resist change
Narrative Analysis: Name Calling
With the pace of change accelerating, it’s clear that organizations need leaders who can do more than execute well. They need leaders who can navigate ambiguity, mobilize people through uncertainty, and adapt faster than conditions are changing. But many leaders are struggling to make that leap. Harvard Business Impact’s 2025 Global Leadership Development Study found that 71 of organizations now say the ability to lead through constant change is critical, up from 58 in 2024. Yet the global leadership consulting firm DDI has found that only 18 of leaders feel capable of anticipating and reacting to change. Common explanations point outward: Change is happening too fast, leaders are underequipped, incentives are misaligned, and employees resist change. All of these matter. But in my work as a leadership researcher and consultant, I have found that leaders are often resistant to change for a reason that’s commonly overlooked: Change threatens the very inner drives that helped them become successful. Research has shown that when people stake their self-worth on being successful, that can both drive achievement and create vulnerability, because any failure feels fundamentally threatening to their identity. These leaders become captive to what I call self-protective drives to preserve their worth, image, control, security, or relevance. These behaviors often fuel the discipline, ownership, and high standards that make leaders effective. But when change requires experimentation, uncertainty, and letting go, these same forces can become constraining. Across my work with hundreds of leaders, I’ve found three self-protective drives that most commonly keep leaders from becoming ready for change. 1. The drive to prove your worth One CEO I worked with had built a successful company. From the outside, things looked impressive. The organization had doubled to about 1,000 employees in the prior 18 months, but the growth was becoming unhealthy and unsustainable. The CEO had just returned from a month-long sabbatical tied to a stress-related health issue, and he was not the only executive dealing with similar strain. I was brought in to help the team figure out how to continue growing without increasing burnout. Early in my work with the CEO, I asked him why he started the business. His answer: “To prove others wrong.” That drive had helped him build something substantial, but as the company grew, the same drive began shaping the entire organization. He and his executive team stayed deep in the day-to-day, pushing relentlessly, fearing that if things slowed or slipped, the proof they were chasing would disappear. That is why this drive can undermine change-readiness. Change requires leaders to experiment, pace themselves, create space, and build capacity in others. But when leaders are driven to prove their worth, they often push harder instead of operating from a strategic position. 2. The drive to control the outcome Another leader told me she knew she was struggling with change because she was micromanaging. But she felt she had no choice. In practice, that looked like repeatedly checking in on the details of a proposal, revising pieces her team should have owned, and not giving people enough space to work through challenges themselves. When we explored what was driving how she operated, she said, “If I don’t stay on top of everything, it won’t come out right, and I’ll look bad because of it.” Her drive for control was not just about quality. It was about protection. That drive may have helped her become reliable and trusted. But in a changing environment, it made her the bottleneck. It prevented her team from taking ownership and reduced the organization’s agility. Change-ready leaders cannot personally control every outcome. They have to distribute ownership, build trust, and create the conditions for others to adapt quickly. 3. The drive to protect your competence A third leader realized he was stifling change because he rarely invited the opinions of his team. And when people did offer ideas, he shut them down quickly. As we unpacked it, he said, “If the good ideas come from someone other than me, I’ll become less relevant.” That sentence captures something many leaders feel but rarely say out loud. The drive to be seen as competent can help leaders build credibility early on. But later, it can make them defensive, closed, and overly attached to being the smartest voice in the room. The irony is that protecting competence often blocks the very information leaders need to adapt—and remain competent. Change requires curiosity, humility, and openness to weak signals. If leaders shut down input to preserve their image, they cut themselves off from the insight needed to navigate change. The shift change-ready leaders must make The drives to prove your worth, control outcomes, and protect competence can lead to strong performance in stable environments. But when the environment becomes more complex, these drives cause leaders to be self-focused. Instead of asking, “What does this situation require?” they ask, “How do I make sure I still look valuable, in control, and capable?” Leaders’ ability to drive change and make an impact will always be limited if they’re unconsciously operating from an inner need to protect themselves. The leaders most ready for change are the ones secure enough to release control, invite contribution, and move toward uncertainty with curiosity rather than self-protection.
Narrative Intelligence Brief
This article was published by Fast Company, a source frequently categorized with a lean left bias based in United States of America. Our narrative intelligence engine continuously monitors coverage from this outlet to track framing, bias, and rhetorical patterns. In this specific piece, our systems detected the potential use of the "Name Calling" technique. This narrative approach is often used to shape reader perception by highlighting specific emotional or rhetorical angles. By understanding the editorial perspective of Fast Company, readers can better contextualize the information presented and compare it across our broader media matrix to find the real narrative.
More from Fast Company
July 13, 2026
Taylor Swift fans are willing to buy her trash. Meet the NYC artist who cashed in from the pop star’s wedding night
July 13, 2026
How to work with AI without becoming replaceable
July 13, 2026
Four lessons in handling uncertainty from an ER doc turned CEO
July 13, 2026
Leadership still hasn’t accepted this key truth about performance
July 13, 2026
New York City’s chief technologist is launching a new team to transform the city’s technology
Reliability Insights
P
Technique: Name Calling
System analysis detected use of specific narrative techniques in this piece.Analysis Methodology
This narrative analysis was generated using the CoDataLab Global Intelligence Engine. Our proprietary AI scans thousands of cross-border sources to identify sentiment patterns, framing techniques, and potential media bias. While AI provides the data-driven foundation, our objective is to empower readers with additional context beyond the standard headline.The content displayed above is a structured summary designed for rapid information processing. For the full original report, please visit the source outlet.More Coverage
Discussion
How other outlets are covering this story
Compare narratives across 24 related reports from 24 sources. Real Narrative News aggregates the coverage spectrum so you can see who emphasises what — bias tags reflect the outlet, not the story.
Coverage bias distribution
24 sources
Left 21%
Center 38%
Right 42%
The Economic Times
· Jun 22, 2026
The leadership advantage in an age of disruption
The leadership advantage in an age of disruption
ASCD SmartBrief
· Jul 8, 2026
3 questions to guide leaders through tough decisions
Leaders often struggle not with knowledge but with readiness when facing tough decisions, writes Ahmet Bozer, a former Coca-C -More-
Nepal News
· Jul 3, 2026
देउवा समूहको गोल्फुटार बैठकको निष्कर्ष- पार्टी एकतामा नेतृत्व जिम्मेवार छैन
काठमाडौँ। नेपाली कांग्रेसका निवर्तमान सभापति शेरबहादुर देउवानिकट समूहको भेला सम्पन्न भएको छ। निवर्तमान उपसभापति पूर्णबहादुर खड्काको निवास गोल्फुटारमा भएको भेलाले पार्टी एकताको निम्ति संस्थापन पक्ष जिम्मेवार नरहेको निष्कर्ष निकालेको छ। बैठकले अनेक बहानामा संस्थापन पक्ष पार्टी एकताको लागि जिम्मेवार नबनेको निष्कर्ष निकालेको नेता विमलेन्द्र निधिले बताए। “हाम्रो बैठक सम्पन्न भयो, संस्थापन पक्षले गरिरहेको संवादबारे पनि []
The New European
· Jul 6, 2026
The unravelling of Nigel Farage
The Reform leader is on the brink thanks to his own personal flaws - most fatally an unwillingness to turn down a quick buck
Entrepreneur.com
· Jun 29, 2026
Why Leaders Break Under Pressure — and How Pre-Built Decision Frameworks Prevent It
Pressure exposes whether leaders have systems or are improvising. The difference is whether decision-making frameworks were built before conflict arrives
National Post
· Jul 5, 2026
Gail Asper isn’t visibly angry about ‘Nakba’ exhibit. But she’s resolute about fixing the rights museum
Analysis: Asper blames the human right museum's 'Nakba' debacle on bad leadership, and says a leadership change can fix wayward institutions
9 News Australia
· Jun 22, 2026
The British Prime Minister under pressure to resign | 9 News Australia
Facing backlash over a series of political missteps and growing calls for change from within his own party Sir Keir Starmer is being urged to step aside to avoid a bruising leadership challenge. | *Subscribe and 🔔: http://9Soci.al/KM6e50GjSK9* *Get more breaking news at 9News.com.au: http://9Soci.al/iyCO50GjSK6* FOLLOW 9News Australia ► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/9News/ ► Twitter: https://twitter.com/9NewsAUS ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/9news/ Join 9News for the latest in news and events that affect you in your local city, as well as news from across Australia and the world. #9News #BreakingNews #NineNewsAustralia #9NewsAU
Borneo Bulletin
· Jul 6, 2026
Strengthening leadership for the future
Strengthening leadership for the future
Real Clear Politics
· Jun 29, 2026
Why Being 'Progressive' Is No Longer Enough on the Left
Why Being 'Progressive' Is No Longer Enough on the Left
Tucker Carlson
· Jul 7, 2026
The Truth About World Leaders…
Watch more here: https://www.youtube.com/@TuckerCarlson/featured
Irish News
· Jul 7, 2026
Billions of pounds at risk due to ‘persistent failures’ in major civil service IT projects, Stormont committee says
Among specific failures highlighted by the latest PAC report was what it perceived to be an ‘unwillingness by senior leaders to work and deliver collectively’
Fast Company
· Jul 6, 2026
Want to be a better leader? Start by listening
According to the CEO of Synchrony Financial, great leadership comes from listening to your team, learning quickly from mistakes, and moving forward without fearing failure.
Fortune
· Jun 25, 2026
Fortune 500 bosses demanding staff return to the office share one trait: Narcissism, research finds
A six-year Wharton study suggests leaders who crave status and attention are driving the push back to the office—despite mixed evidence on productivity.
MyJoyOnline
· Jul 2, 2026
Asiedu Nketiah urges African leaders to match economic rhetoric with action
National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has urged African leaders to back their speeches on economic development with concrete action, arguing that the continent's progress depends on competent governance, industrialisation and economic self-reliance rather than rhetoric.
Wall Street Journal
· Jun 23, 2026
How Latin America Became More Trump-Aligned Than Ever
Anti-incumbent sentiment has swept into office right-wing leaders on board with Washington’s drug and migrant policies.
Quartz
· Jun 22, 2026
20 things the best leaders do that have nothing to do with seniority
The best leadership principles aren't specific to a level, an industry, or a title — they're about the fundamentals of how people work together, and they compound across a career
Independent Online
· Jun 26, 2026
Civil society leaders in KwaZulu-Natal advocate for peaceful protests ahead of June 30 deadline
Civil society leaders in KwaZulu-Natal advocate for peaceful protests ahead of June 30 deadline
ZNS Bahamas
· Jun 29, 2026
Prime Minister Philip Davis’s Contribution on the Resolution Thanking the Governor General for the Speech from the Throne
Madam Speaker, We do not gather in this House to pass laws for our own sake. We gather because somewhere a family is hurting, a child is hoping, a worker is struggling, and they are counting on us to make a difference in their lives. That is the spirit in which I rise to support [] The post Prime Minister Philip Davis’s Contribution on the Resolution Thanking the Governor General for the Speech from the Throne appeared first on ZNS BAHAMAS.
Dateline Nigeria
· Jun 30, 2026
Leadership beyond the office: Why presence on the ground matters
In every organization, whether public or private, leadership ultimately revolves around one fundamental question: how can leaders ensure that plans are translated into results? For decades, leadership has been associated with the image of executives seated behind large desks, reviewing reports, attending meetings, and issuing directives. While these functions remain important, experience has consistently shown The post Leadership beyond the office: Why presence on the ground matters appeared first on Dateline Nigeria.
South China Morning Post
· Jul 1, 2026
Communist Party a ‘fundamental safeguard’ of Hong Kong’s prosperity: John Lee
The leadership of the Communist Party is a “fundamental safeguard” of Hong Kong’s prosperity, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has said amid celebrations to mark the 29th anniversary of the city’s return to Chinese rule and the 105th year of the party. The city leader on Wednesday also set priorities for the final year of his five-year term, stressing that he had changed the culture of the government during his four years in office and rolled out policies that delivered results. In a speech at...
Drudge Report
· Jul 9, 2026
POLL: America's Support for Capitalism Falls...
POLL: America's Support for Capitalism Falls... (First column, 7th story, link) Drudge Report Feed needs your support! Become a Patron
Byline Times
· Jul 2, 2026
Keir Starmer’s Promised Clampdown on Second Jobs Has Been ‘Glacial’ Admits Minister, as Nigel Farage’s Millions Come Under Spotlight
The Reform leader's multiple outside jobs and repeated absence from the House of Commons has led to calls for action
The Standard
· Jul 7, 2026
Farage will ‘make a statement on future in public life’ amid finances scrutiny
The Reform UK leader is under pressure following reports that a long-term ally funded security and staffing in the year before he was elected.
ABNA English
· Jul 5, 2026
Jamaat-e-Islami Hind: Communal Targeting, Demolition of Mosques ‘National Disgrace’
Senior leaders of the organisation raise serious concerns over rising corruption, the ongoing SIR process and growing challenges to Indian democracy
Topics:
Related coverage for "3 hidden reasons why leaders resist change": The Economic Times — The leadership advantage in an age of disruption . ASCD SmartBrief — 3 questions to guide leaders through tough decisions. Nepal News — देउवा समूहको गोल्फुटार बैठकको निष्कर्ष- पार्टी एकतामा नेतृत्व जिम्मेवार छैन. The New European — The unravelling of Nigel Farage. Entrepreneur.com — Why Leaders Break Under Pressure — and How Pre-Built Decision Frameworks Prevent It. National Post — Gail Asper isn’t visibly angry about ‘Nakba’ exhibit. But she’s resolute about fixing the rights museum. 9 News Australia — The British Prime Minister under pressure to resign | 9 News Australia. Borneo Bulletin — Strengthening leadership for the future. Real Clear Politics — Why Being 'Progressive' Is No Longer Enough on the Left. Tucker Carlson — The Truth About World Leaders…. Irish News — Billions of pounds at risk due to ‘persistent failures’ in major civil service IT projects, Stormont committee says. Fast Company — Want to be a better leader? Start by listening. Fortune — Fortune 500 bosses demanding staff return to the office share one trait: Narcissism, research finds. MyJoyOnline — Asiedu Nketiah urges African leaders to match economic rhetoric with action. Wall Street Journal — How Latin America Became More Trump-Aligned Than Ever. Quartz — 20 things the best leaders do that have nothing to do with seniority. Independent Online — Civil society leaders in KwaZulu-Natal advocate for peaceful protests ahead of June 30 deadline. ZNS Bahamas — Prime Minister Philip Davis’s Contribution on the Resolution Thanking the Governor General for the Speech from the Throne. Dateline Nigeria — Leadership beyond the office: Why presence on the ground matters. South China Morning Post — Communist Party a ‘fundamental safeguard’ of Hong Kong’s prosperity: John Lee. Drudge Report — POLL: America's Support for Capitalism Falls.... Byline Times — Keir Starmer’s Promised Clampdown on Second Jobs Has Been ‘Glacial’ Admits Minister, as Nigel Farage’s Millions Come Under Spotlight. The Standard — Farage will ‘make a statement on future in public life’ amid finances scrutiny. ABNA English — Jamaat-e-Islami Hind: Communal Targeting, Demolition of Mosques ‘National Disgrace’