Change Management Insights

Organizational change is a necessary driver of growth and innovation. Yet, not all change leads to progress. A McKinsey study found that 17% of reorganizations are initiated on the whim of the leader or because they believe they need to "shake things up." In an environment where change is constant, the real challenge isn't deciding to initiate a change; it's ensuring the change is needed and will lead to the growth and health of your organization. Without careful consideration, even well-intentioned initiatives can create disruption, burnout, and unintended consequences. Before launching your next change effort, it's worth pausing to ask three essential questions.

Early in my career, I learned an important lesson about listening. I worked in an organization filled with confident, talkative people who thought out loud and easily filled the space with their words. Conversations were lively, ideas flowed quickly, and the loudest voices often dominated discussions. Yet one person stood out to me, not because she spoke more than everyone else, but because she didn’t.

How often do you launch a change, but it seems as if nothing changes? I hear that sentiment from leaders and employees on a semi regular basis. They are usually tired, confused, and frustrated over the numerous failed change initiatives. The story starts the same, the change is implemented and things look like they've improved. But ever so slowly, everyone goes back to doing things the old way. It's yo-yo change. And it’s erratic, exhausting, and expensive for your organization. Breaking the cycle of yo-yo change isn’t about more planning; it’s about creating new habits.