Organizational Transformation Is an Emotional Journey

FORTY - ONE NORTH’S SELECT INSIGHTS: HARVARD BUSINESS REVIEW

It’s not news that organizational transformations are prone to failure. To understand the skills, mindsets, and capabilities behind successful transformations in today’s dynamic environment, EY and Oxford University formed a research collaboration to investigate what it takes to lead a successful transformation. One of the authors’ most important findings is that, in order for transformation to be successful, leaders must approach it in ways designed to mitigate emotional harm to — and drive emotional commitment from — employees. The workforce bears the brunt of failed transformations, and the emotional damage can be substantial as employees lose confidence in leaders and become skeptical of further attempts at transformation. Drawn from their research, the authors present seven ways for leaders to set their transformations up for success by prioritizing their employees’— and their own — emotions.