HBR Guide to Setting Your Strategy

CHAPTER 18

Leading Change and Strategic Transitions

Once you have defined and tested your strategy, you must ensure that your employees understand it and agree that it’s in their interests to support it. Sometimes this comes easy, but at other times, organizational change requires a more deliberate effort on your part.

If you’re leading your team through a new strategy or strategic change, you’ll likely get a range of responses, from “This is exactly what we need! I’m in!” to quizzical stares and tight-lipped smiles. Some employees may respond with open doubt, fear, or anger. Too often, these reactions take managers by surprise. To ensure that your employees fully understand the change and get on board with it, you must communicate a clear vision ...