Customers are less forgiving—1 in 3 leave after a single bad experience—and outdated systems cost up to 30% more to maintain. Meanwhile, companies that embrace change see 2.4x revenue growth, 23% higher profitability, and 4x growth when culture and engagement are prioritized. Companies and teams willing to change adapt faster, grow stronger, and position themselves for lasting success. That’s why every high-performing team needs to know the five steps to developing a compelling case for change.
The Five Steps to Making a Compelling Case for change
1
Recognize the Need for Change Acknowledge internal or external triggers (e.g., market shifts, performance gaps, stakeholder feedback) that make change necessary.
2
Assess the Current State Take a clear-eyed look at what's working, what’s not, and why. Gather data and insights to understand the present situation.
3
Identify the Future State Define what success looks like. Envision the desired outcomes, capabilities, culture, or performance you aim to achieve.
4
Map Out a Plan to Get There Develop a clear and actionable roadmap. Include key initiatives, milestones, resources, timelines, and accountability.
5
Make the Right Choice Present the options, show the benefits and trade-offs, and build a strong rationale. Align stakeholders behind the most strategic and sustainable path forward.
Lessons That Ground Me
There’s a lot more that could be said—and I’m sure others have their own hard-won lessons. I’d love to hear them. But these are the five things that continue to ground me when everything else is in motion.
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