4 Stages Of Culture Change

I hear the silent gasps and deep sighs from some of the CEO’s when I talk about Culture Change…

NO Culture is not some fancy buzzword you slap on a PowerPoint slide – it’s the life of your company. And trust me, it’s not about grand gestures or inspirational speeches. It’s about the small stuff, the everyday habits that actually make a difference.

I hear you… Culture is complex. Change is always faster than anticipated… So, how then can we bring about Culture Change that sticks?

I agree- Every change effort goes through spirals of highs & lows…
But measurable small steps towards the Change Vision acts as a guideline that keeps you chugging along…

Let me share my process to bring about Change & Transformation that lasts:

First, get crystal clear on what needs to change. Don’t just guess – dig deep, ask tough questions, and really understand your strengths and weaknesses.

Next, you need buy-in. And I’m not talking about some half-hearted nods in a meeting. You need to light a fire under people, make them feel the urgency. Why change? What happens if we don’t? Paint that picture vividly.

Then comes alignment. This is where the rubber meets the road. Everyone needs to be moving in the same direction, from the CEO to the intern. It’s about accountability, trust, and making sure everyone knows their role in this transformation.

Finally, sustenance. This is the long game. You’re not just changing culture; you’re building the capability to keep evolving. It’s about being adaptive, responsive, and always learning.

Culture change isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. And sometimes, the tortoise beats the hare. So focus on those small, consistent steps. That’s how you create lasting change, not just a flash in the pan. Peace!