We’ve all been there, ambitious change initiatives filled with promise, only to watch as they fall short of expectations. Time, money, and effort vanish into thin air, leaving teams frustrated and disillusioned. Is it bad luck? Poor timing? Or could it be something more fundamental?
The reality is, wasted potential in driving change is often a byproduct of flawed planning. Bold intentions are there, but execution falters. Projects (and the same is true whether agile or waterfall or as I like to call it scrumfall) spin their wheels for months as resources get funneled into misaligned priorities, leaving progress at a standstill. Worse still, teams grow exhausted, stressed, and doubtful of the value they’re supposed to be delivering.
We see this pattern all the time in digital transformation, ESG efforts, and social impact initiatives, areas where impact genuinely matters. Too often, the focus is on starting fast, figuring things out as we go. It’s a tempting mindset in fast-paced industries desperate to stay ahead of the curve. But in reality, this approach doesn’t just make the needle harder to move, it can sometimes break the mechanism entirely.
The Key to Meaningful Change
For me, driving meaningful change isn’t about pouring in more resources. It’s about making every ounce of effort count. It’s about starting with clarity, intention, and honesty. Before you hit the ground running, it’s crucial to ask the tough (sometimes uncomfortable I find) questions upfront:
- What’s the real ROI of this initiative?
- Where are we misaligned?
- What can we stop doing to focus on what matters?
Answering these questions isn’t about slowing down the process. It’s about setting the foundation for success. When teams anchor their actions to a shared co-designed strategy, the results can be profound. You save time, eliminate unnecessary friction, and create genuine momentum and excitement because people feel they have purpose, that fuels long-term impact.
But, and this is a big BUT (and by the way I am not normally a fan of this word) rethinking how you lead change isn’t easy, especially when the “we’ve always done it this way” mentality dominates. It demands a willingness to challenge old habits, adopt new tools, and lean into discomfort. Does that sound like hard work? For my brain, the answer is yes, And is it worth it? Without question.
Tired of Talk, Craving Action?
Whether you’re an ESG digital leader tackling systemic issues or a nonprofit digital expert working on ground-level challenges, the frustration is the same, endless discussions that rarely lead to anything tangible.
If you’re tired of empty promises, including your own! about driving the “S” in ESG, you’re not alone. We hear it, we feel it, and we want to help us all to change it. That’s why we’re running a free virtual #ImpactExperts Masterclass hosted by Sara Weller and myself to empower leaders like you with tools and strategies for tangible impact.
What You’ll Gain:
- Practical ways to co-design impactful solutions.
- Real-life case studies showcasing tech-driven change.
- Strategies for maximising change even with tight budgets.
- Networking opportunities with like-minded people.
📅 Date & Time: April 11, 12:00PM – 1:30 PM (BST)
If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start seeing results, this masterclass is for you. Please feel free to reserve your spot.
