All leadership comes down to this: changing people's behavior. Why is that so damn hard? Science offers some surprising new answers -- and ways to do better.

Here are some key themes:
* Real change isn't motivated by either crisis or fear. The best inspiration comes from leaders who can create compelling and positive visions of the future.

* Small, gradual changes rarely lead to transformation. Radical, sweeping changes are riskier but often more effective, because they quickly yield benefits visible to anyone.

* Narratives, not facts, guide our thinking. Data on declining market share or quality problems won't get employees to change what they do. Rather, appeals rooted in emotion are what best inspire people to alter course