Corporate Transformation Under Pressure

Organizations That Use Proven Tactics Markedly Improve Success


August 10, 2010 – Calgary, AB. - It’s relatively rare for transformation programs to succeed. Many surveys put the success rate at less than 40 percent. The same research also shows defensive transformations - those undertaken to stem trouble - are less successful than progressive ones which are launched to boost growth or improve performance. Two recent examples include the process anomalies facing the City of Calgary and the BP Gulf disaster.

Agility Factor Inc. (AFI) finds while employees are more likely to see the need for change when an organization is in crisis the advantage is outweighed by the difficult circumstances they face. “We find that many companies, especially when under pressure, do not make use of proven tactics for implementing change. Instead, they tend toward collaborative inefficiency, failed communication, and systemic secrecy,” says Kevin Litzenberger, Partner AFI.

At AFI, we have found certain tactics promote successful outcomes even in the most tenuous of circumstances by:
  • Having a vision
  • Identifying current problems, constraints, and opportunities
  • Creating a structure for change
  • Exercising strong leadership from the top
  • Communicating clearly
  • Maintaining involvement of all stakeholders throughout the change
Companies that used all of these tactics succeeded more than 80 percent of the time.

“Transforming an organization requires clearly articulated problem identification, a focused and defined transition, as well as the ability to generate positive communication, and rebuild effective relationships,” says Cathy McIsaac, Managing Partner AFI. At some point every large organization will need to change. The decision to act promptly with effective tactics, processes and systems will distinguish successful transformation from disastrous outcomes in any organization.

AFI is a consulting firm based in Calgary, Alberta. Specializing in organizational change management, AFI helps leaders make distinct, lasting and significant improvements to the performance of their organizations.

For more information or to request an interview:

Janice Andersson
Associate, Communications, Agility Factor Inc.
info@agilityfactor.net
403.270.3342