Is Your Organisational Transformation Failing?
Nearly 70% of organisational transformations fail to meet their objectives. Laura Spears, Head of People and Operations for change and project management firm Marbral Advisory, discusses the power of a people-first approach to change.
In a rapidly evolving business landscape, organisations regularly find themselves navigating complex transformation programmes to stay competitive. However, not all change initiatives produce the desired results. Research by McKinsey & Company reveals that nearly 70% of organisational transformations fail to meet their objectives, often due to resistance from employees, or lack of engagement. These eye-opening numbers highlight an important reality: successful change begins and ends with people. Adopting a people-first approach is not just a feel-good strategy, it is a strategic necessity.
The Human Side of Change
A people-first approach prioritises employees' experiences, perspectives, and needs throughout the change journey. Leaders who focus on the human side of change foster a sense of ownership and commitment among their teams. By starting with the organisation's end vision and working backwards, they can identify the necessary shifts in behaviours, skills, and mindsets to achieve the desired goal. For example, instead of imposing a top-down system upgrade, communicating with and involving employees in the planning phase ensures their concerns are addressed, and their insights are integrated. This collaborative approach not only builds trust but also empowers employees to become active participants in the transformation.
Don’t Forget the ‘Why’ in Change
The importance of aligning organisational change with employee engagement is supported by data. According to a Gallup report, highly engaged employees are 3.4 times more likely to say their company’s transformation efforts were successful. Moreover, change initiatives that prioritise regular feedback, and opportunities for skills development, result in outcomes that are not only implemented but also sustained. These elements create an environment where employees understand the "why" behind the change, reducing resistance and increasing the likelihood of long-term success.
Vision and Values
Ultimately, the success of any transformation hinges on its acceptance by those who are most impacted: your people. By investing in communication, fostering collaboration, and aligning change efforts with the values and goals of employees, organisations can ensure that their vision becomes reality. In a world driven by deadlines and deliverables, taking the time to focus on people is not a delay—it’s critical to success.
Marbral Advisory has the knowledge, expertise and tools to support organisations in change. The company can provide change managers to ensure the team is completely invested in the transformation, project managers to ensure the workstreams are handled efficiently, and trainers to tackle change resistance and change adoption. Don’t hesitate to contact the team today: hello@marbraladvisory.com / +44 (0) 1534 744303
