Transformations that Stick - Kotter's 8 Steps for Change
💸 $9.5M is the average cost of a failed transformation programs in 2023
💸 $9.5M is the average cost of a failed transformation programs in 2023 according to MuleSoft - up from $6.8M last year. That's a big jump.
❓ Why?
We're ignoring the human motivations, emotional resistance and soft side of change. If we want change or transformation to stick, this side can't be ignored.
As Product Manager, all products represent a level of change - new systems, new platforms, new process, new product experience, new market. Influencing and getting support for the change within an organisation is crucial for to be able to solve customer problems and create value for the business. And we need 100% of the leaders supporting the transformation according to Kotter.
✨ John Kotter's 8 Step Roadmap for Change (that sticks)
1. Establishing Urgency
To counteract complacency. Clear reasons why the current way can't continue. Change must be supported by 100% the executive leadership team
2. Creating a Guiding Coalition
With a common goal, trust, people with positional power and credibility
3. Creating a Vision & Strategy
That paints a picture of a better future, provides positive outcomes for the business and customers.
4. Communicating the Change Vision
That's easy to understand, communicated often and outline the New World after the change is implemented
5. Empowered Employees
To act and implement the change vision. Giving them space, training and input into designing the new world.
6. Celebrating Short Term Wins
To keep the momentum going, support the change and reduce negativity.
7. Consolidating Gains and Continuing Momentum
In the right direction, closer to the New World with resources
8. Anchoring change to Culture
Aligning culture with the change makes transformations more likely to stick. This means identifying and addressing aspects of the old organisational culture that may threaten the change from sticking.
Change is less about processes and more about people
Their security; their personal chances of success; and how much they can see themselves, as individuals, in the future you are proposing.
Enter Dan Heath and Chip Heath's analogy of
🙋♂️the Rider,
🐘the Elephant and
🛣the Path
The Rider is about logic and rational thought. They analyse and solve problems.
The Elephant is emotion and being so large, fuels human action.
✨ How do we have them working together to adopt and implement product transformations that stick?
Want your product and change transformations to stick? I can help. Send me an email at irene@phronesisadvisory.com