How to Fail at Change Management

Chapter 3

Failure as a Lack of Understanding

A study of common sense approaches to change as well as popular methods from the thought leaders of change management informs managers regarding what should be done, what elements should be known, and finally whom to include in change—all in the effort to minimize risk and maximize the possibility of success. History informs us, however, that change management in practice does not often go well, even when change management frameworks are employed. History also provides endless examples of change efforts that failed not only because known methods were ignored, but serious mistakes were made as well. Such mistakes in change management are more common than one might think. The study of change management ...