How managers can measure and manage their company’s capacity for change.
May 07, 2024
Danil Nevsky/Stocksy
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In a business environment that requires companies to adapt on an almost continuous basis, burnout is a real risk for many companies. This article describes the four key steps companies embarking on transformation initiatives should take if they are to make sure they don’t fall victim to burnout on the way: 1) understand the organization’s change capacity; 2) measure and manage disruption meticulously; 3) recognize and reward success; and 4) expand change capacity.
In conversations with senior leaders, a common theme emerges: Their teams are feeling exhausted. Companies are contending with relentless pressures on multiple fronts, such as shifting consumer preferences, technological advancements, environmental concerns, economic policies, and geopolitical shifts. Navigating this upheaval necessitates change, which inevitably disrupts established routines. Many organizations struggle to cope, eventually succumbing to fatigue and, in severe cases, burnout.
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Patrick Litre leads Bain’s Global Transformation and Change practice and is a partner based in Atlanta.
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New!
HBR Learning
Strategy Planning and Execution Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Strategy Planning and Execution. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
How to develop a winning strategy—and put it to work.