The Leadership Skills That Make Transformation Stick

Organizational transformations fail at a rate of 60% to 75% because leaders often prioritize strategic execution over the human behavioral elements of change. Successful change requires moving beyond top-down mandates to address employee agency, motivation, and emotional resistance. Julia Dhar, managing director at Boston Consulting Group, emphasizes that leaders must secure "true agreement" on the "how" of change rather than relying on false alignment. Applying the "IKEA effect"—where individuals value outcomes more when they contribute to the creation process—increases engagement and project ownership. Furthermore, maintaining momentum through clear rituals, honest storytelling, and early wins helps sustain progress. By treating employees as active participants rather than passive recipients, organizations can bridge the gap between executive vision and operational reality, ultimately increasing the probability of long-term success.