Why One Size Doesn’t Fit All in Change Management and the Case for Tailored Approaches
- Brainz Magazine
- Jun 10
- 3 min read
John Gelmini, aka John Alexander, is an international consultant, trainer, and interim transformation leader. He has completed 80 engagements since 1995, has helped raise £650 million, and jointly wrote Can You Handle the Truth.
In an era where organizational change is constant, the stakes have never been higher. Companies are faced with the dual challenge of navigating their internal transformations and responding to the rapid changes in the market. Yet, despite this urgency, a staggering 85% of change management initiatives fail, according to Price Waterhouse Coopers. Similarly, Professor Aswath Damodaran of the Stern School of Business highlights that 80% of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transactions falter due to an overemphasis on historical data. These alarming statistics underscore the necessity for organizations to adopt varied, tailored change management frameworks rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach. At TRANSFORMATIO we have the expertise and versatility to use the frameworks best suited to meet your requirements.
The complexity of change
Change is inherently complex, influenced by a multitude of interrelated factors including organizational culture, employee engagement, leadership styles, and market dynamics. No two organizations are identical; each has its unique set of challenges, strengths, and opportunities. This complexity means that a generic change management method may overlook critical factors that can jeopardize the success of the initiative.
A misaligned framework can hinder progress
Using the wrong change management framework, or trying to shoehorn an organization into a prescribed model can result in frustration, resistance, and ultimately failure. For instance, if an organization’s culture is highly collaborative, applying a rigid, top-down approach may alienate employees, stifle innovation, and lead to disengagement. Conversely, a company requiring decisive and rapid changes may struggle if given a drawn-out, consensus-building framework.
The case for a multi-faceted approach
Employing a range of change management frameworks tailored to fit specific situations equips organizations with the agility to achieve the desired outcomes. Here are several reasons why a hybrid approach can lead to more successful change initiatives:
1. Adaptability to organizational culture
Choosing a change management method that aligns with an organization’s existing culture increases acceptance and effectiveness. For example, Agile methodologies may be ideal in tech-driven environments promoting innovation, while a more structured approach, like Kotter's 8-Step Process, may be better suited for traditional, hierarchical organizations.
2. Addressing diverse stakeholder needs
Change impacts different stakeholders in unique ways. A combination of frameworks allows change leaders to consider and address the specific concerns of varied groups, executives, middle management, and frontline employees, thereby increasing buy-in and reducing resistance.
3. Incorporating lessons from multiple models
No single change management framework has a monopoly on effective strategies. By integrating components from different models, such as Lewin's Change Management Model, ADKAR, or the McKinsey 7-S Framework, organizations can leverage a wider range of best practices, enhancing their toolkit for driving change.
4. Flexibility to scale and evolve
As organizations undergo change, they may encounter unforeseen challenges or shifts in direction. A tailored approach provides the flexibility needed to adjust tactics promptly. For instance, if an initial approach is met with resistance, change leaders can pivot to a more participative model that involves employees in the decision-making process.
5. Focus on results, not just process
The ultimate goal of change management is not merely to follow a prescribed process, but to achieve meaningful results. A flexible framework allows organizations to focus on measurable outcomes, such as improved employee engagement, increased productivity, or enhanced customer satisfaction rather than rigidly adhering to a specific methodology.
Conclusion
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, organizations that cling to a one-size-fits-all approach to change management may find themselves at a significant disadvantage. With 85% of change initiatives failing and the high stakes of M&A transactions, the imperative to tailor frameworks is clear.
Embracing a multi-faceted change management approach enables organizations to leverage their unique strengths, address stakeholder concerns, and adapt flexibly to challenges. By applying the most suitable frameworks and blending them when necessary, businesses can lay the groundwork for sustainable change that leads to strategic advantages in their respective industries.
The journey of change is complex, but with the right combination of frameworks, organizations can navigate this terrain successfully. It’s time to move beyond a one-size-fits-all mentality and embrace the tailored approaches that foster resilience and deliver results.
Read more from John A. Gelmini
John A. Gelmini, Mgt Consultant, Interim Leader & Business Mentor
John Gelmini, aka John Alexander, is an expert at optimising productivity, profitability, and sales in culturally diverse and monochrome environments. As an ex-GE Capital troubleshooter, John understands how to effect transformation in challenging environments in the corporate, public, NGO, and foreign government sectors with strategic insight and speed. He is the founder of TRANSFORMATION and believes in "mission completion" to time, budget, and accelerated roadmaps to benefits realisation.
