Sustaining Change:
Ensure Long-Term Success
Ensure Long-Term Success
Sustaining change is the focus of the final post in our five-part Leading Change series. If you missed the previous posts, you can catch up on them here.
According to Prosci, organizations with a project budget exceeding ten million dollars spend approximately $2.5 million on change management. But implementing change is only the beginning. To truly reap the benefits of change initiatives, organizations must ensure changes are sustainable over the long term. This post explores strategies for maintaining change and fostering continuous improvement.
Why Sustaining Change Matters
Sustaining change is crucial because it ensures that the efforts and resources invested in change initiatives yield lasting benefits. Without sustainment, there is a risk of reverting to old habits, undermining progress. Sustained changes create a stable foundation for future improvements and innovations, allowing the organization to build on the change rather than backtrack.
Moreover, research shows that 70% of organizational change efforts fail. That statistic underscores the importance of not only implementing change but also ensuring it is maintained. Without a focus on sustainment, the likelihood of failure increases, wasting valuable time and resources.
Laying the Foundation for Lasting Change
The first—and most critical—step to sustaining change is to align it with organizational goals and vision. This alignment helps employees understand the importance of the change and how it contributes to the organization’s success. When employees see the bigger picture, they are more likely to support and sustain the change.
Next, make the change a part of the organizational culture by embedding it into daily routines, values, and practices. The odds of enculturating the change increase with consistent reinforcement, recognizing behaviors that align with the change, and embedding the change into performance metrics and evaluations.
Mindset matters, too! Cultivate a mindset that embraces change at all levels of the organization. Encourage employees to view change as an opportunity for growth and innovation rather than a disruption. To achieve this, host regular training sessions, workshops, and open discussions about the benefits of change.
Strategies for Sustaining Change
Sustaining change requires more than initial enthusiasm; it demands ongoing commitment and strategic actions. It’s essential to embed these new practices deeply into the fabric of your operations to ensure your organization reaps the full benefits of change and continues to thrive. The following strategies will help leaders and teams maintain momentum, foster continuous improvement, and achieve lasting success.
1️⃣ Model the Change: Leaders play a critical role in sustaining change. Their ongoing support, visible commitment, and active participation in the change process are essential. Leaders should model the desired behaviors and continuously advocate for change.
2️⃣ Empower Employees: Give employees the autonomy and resources they need to implement and sustain the change. Empowered employees are apt to take ownership of the change and drive it forward. Therefore, involve employees in decision-making processes, provide leadership opportunities, and recognize their contributions.
3️⃣ Communication Continuously: Maintain open lines of communication even after the initial implementation phase. Regular updates, feedback loops, and transparent discussions about the progress and impact of the change help keep everyone aligned and committed.
4️⃣ Monitor and Measure Progress: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and regularly monitor progress against these metrics. That helps identify areas where the change works well and areas that may need additional support or adjustment.
5️⃣ Provide Ongoing Training and Support: Continuous learning and development opportunities help employees adapt to and embrace the change. Offer training sessions, workshops, and resources to ensure everyone has the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the new environment.
Remember to Celebrate Success
Implementing these strategies helps organizations ensure that change initiatives are successful in the short term and sustained over the long term.
Be sure to recognize and celebrate milestones and achievements related to the change. That boosts morale and reinforces the positive aspects of the change, encouraging continued commitment. Celebrating success leads to continuous improvement and lasting success.
Lisa L. Baker is a professional life coach, career strategist, and keynote speaker. Lisa is the founder of Ascentim – a Maryland-based coaching practice that utilizes a unique G.R.O.W. process to help clients gain clarity, realize new possibilities, overcome obstacles, and win at life. Lisa shows high-performing professionals how to Level Up and Live the Life of Their Dreams.